TNAG-0943-FCO40-1162-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 53

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FM HONG KONG 120455Z JULY 80

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TELEGRAM NUMBER 895 OF 12 JULY

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FOLLOWING FOR CLIFT HONG KONG AND GENERAL

FROM POLITICAL ADVISER.

JUL 1980

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MY LETTER OF 10 JULY (DUE IN LONDON TUESDAY NEW TERRITORIES

LEASES.

TWO POINTS NEED ADDING:

(1) WE NEED TO CLEAR OUR MINDS ON THE LEGAL PROBLEMS AND DECIDE ON THE BEST OPTION FAIRLY SOON SO THAT WE ARE WELL PREPARED SHOULD A CHINESE ORGANIZATION HERE ASK FOR A LEASE WITHOUT THE 1977 DEADLINE (SEE PARA 8 OF THE GOVERNOR'S LETTER TO DONALD OF 7 JULY).

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(11) IN THE SCENARIO OUTLINED IN PARA 4 OF MY LETTER (20 25 YEAR FIXED LEASE SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED IN COURT) WE OF COURSE REALISE SUCH AN ORDER IN COUNCIL WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED N

ADVANCE WITH THE CHINESE.

2. THE GOVERNOR WILL WISH TO DISCUSS PROCEDURES FOR REACHING DECISIONS GN THESE ISSUES.

MACLEHOSE

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