TNAG-0842-FCO40-1051-Visit-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-Chi-1979 — Page 23

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RJ

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Inic „tion caly / Artion on

Hong Kong & General Department

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GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

20 April, 1979.

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R_-_215 HKK.026/3

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THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO CHINA: NEW TERRITORIES LEASES

- 3 MAY 1979

Jz25

As you know, we have kept to a very small circle here any discussion of the New Territories leases issue. Similarly we have been very restrictive about the records of discussion in Peking where this topic was mentioned (i.e. the discussions with Deng Xiaoping, Huang Hua and Liao Chengzhi). It follows naturally that, in

briefing local members of the Consular Corps, let alone the press, we have been equally reticent. Peking have,

I know, followed the same line.

2.

We have encountered a difficulty in this restrictive approach which was, I suppose, inevitable. One

report of local Party briefing has already mentioned briefly some of the content of the discussion with Deng. Although the matter of individual leases was not referred to directly, the report alleged that the Governor had spoken about 1997 and gave part of Deng's response.

3.

I have

already made arrangements locally to ensure that any part of such reports which refer to this particular topic should be distributed within the Hong Kong Government only to those already in the know. I have asked for similar precautions to be taken when the reports are sent back to London.

4.

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.........YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No. 27(2),

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