TNAG-0851-FCO40-1061-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 14

assistance in the development of Guangdong) is the best guarantee of Hong Kong's future. Interestingly, the Communist New Evening Post (Xin Wan-bao) picked on precisely this point. In an editorial comment yesterday the paper said: "The phrase "to maintain sustained good relations" deserves attention. Referring to sustained makes people think, not of eight or ten years, but much longer; if this is to be more than twenty years that would be well beyond 1997 and into the 21st century.' The New Evening Post is not the main Communist paper and the others have not commented editorially on Xi's visit. Nevertheless, I do not think the Post would have emphasised this point had it not been reflecting the intended meaning behind Xi's words.

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(D C Wilson)

RJT McLaren Esq

Far Eastern Department

TJ B George Esq PEKING

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