TNAG-0841-FCO40-1050-Visit-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-Chi-1979 — Page 69

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press and public opinion here have reacted positively, but not euphorically, towards the visit. We tried, successfully, to ensure that they did not expect too much. I made it clear both before and after the visit that I was not going to negotiate about Hong Kong's future and that the press should not expect me to return waving a piece of paper with a new lease. I have not of course said anything in public, or outside a very

limited circle within the Government about the land leases question. Nor do I intend to do so until we are ready for the final moves.

15.

With this visit we are in a new stage of the relationship between Hong Kong and China. Inevitably there will be difficulties as China scrambles, sometimes in a confused way, to modernise and puts pressure on Hong Kong's scarce resources in the process. Despite these potential difficulties and the risks inherent in dealing with such a massive and absorbent neighbour, I am sure that this is the right time to be working towards a closer relationship. It is encouraging to learn that the Chinese take a similar view.

16. I am sending a copy of this despatch to H M Ambassador in Peking.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant

Lehose

C M MacLehose

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