TNAG-0850-FCO40-1060-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 80

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Kong is to be maintained, and we will need to consider

alternative ways of dealing with it in due course.

4.

I am considering what, if any, response should be made

to the Chinese, and in particular, how we should handle

the question during Premier Hua Guofeng's visit. In the

meantime, it is essential to maintain secrecy: a leak could

be very damaging as well as embarrassing.

I am sending copies of this minute to our OD colleagues,

to the Attorney-General and to Sir John Hunt.

5.

(CARRINGTON)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

9 October 1979

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