TNAG-0932-FCO40-1151-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1980 — Page 96

12

years and are very experienced.

I hope you will liberate your mind,

discard your worries and display the spirit of democracy by putting

forward more constructive suggestions on the treatment of the Hong Kong-

Macau issue after the expiry of the lease for consideration by the Central

Government in its formulation of policies.

Deng Xiaoping's directions are not only our guiding principles but are

also very stimulating. They have drawn favourable comments from foreign

affairs offices in Peking. Undoubtedly, the Central Government is also

studying the ways to tackle the issue after the expiry of the New Territories

Lease. That is to say it is neither giving up nor feeling anxious to

take back the leased territory. All depends on the actual situation.

}