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nothing is done to remove the significance of the 1997 deadline in
a way which is consistent with the Chinese position that the future
of Hong Kong is a problem to be settled when "the time is ripe".
A possible solution, which ought not to cause the Chinese
too many difficulties, would be to convert the existing leases
into ones whose length is "undetermined", and would thus bring
the legal position into line with the political realities.
5. If the Governor's soundings go well, I would hope to take
matters further during my own visit in April.
(DAVID OWEN)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
F 9 FEB 1979
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