TNAG-0944-FCO40-1163-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 45

Original at: Hk026/17

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DS/Mr

PS/Mr Blaker

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98A)

이

никово

235309

M. GAFT, HICGD

Mhe. Blake

PA J223

agres

14/9

1 I agree generally with this except for one point which concerns paragraph 5 of the Points To Make at A.

This suggests that we should say to the Chinese that 'It is not too soon to

My open a dialogue on the longer term future of Hong Kong'. own view is that we should say that 'It is not too soon to begin thinking seriously about the longer term future of Hong Kong'.

I do think it is too soon to open a dialogue because we, for our part, have no clear idea on how things will develop and would

not therefore have anything to say if the Chinese did respond to what might look like an invitation to talks.

2 I have had a word with the Hong Kong Political Adviser who thinks that what I have suggested might be closer to the Governor's intention than the present formulation.

12 September 1980

Edward Youde

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