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EXTRACT FROM A SUMMARY RECORD OF A MEETING AT
GOVERNMENT HOUSE BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND SIR E. YOUDE
ON 6 OCTOBER 1980 (ALSO PRESENT CS AND PA).
New Territories Leases
It was agreed that it would not be right now to press the Chinese on the issue of New Territories leases. We must allow time for pressure to build up from developers or as a result of the economic situation. The Secretary of State was likely to be visiting China in either February or April next year. The latter date would be preferable from the Hong Kong point of view as it would give longer for the problem to sink into the minds of the Chinese. however, there had been no move from the Chinese side by the end of 1981, then it would be necessary to initiate talks.
If,
Meanwhile, the Embassy should not suggest official talks in Peking. Based on what Lord Carrington had said, the Chinese had an opening to suggest talks themselves if they wished. If they did, we would agree. But we would not take the initiative. Sir E. Youde would speak accordingly to the Ambassador in Peking.
Political Adviser's Office Government Secretariat
Hong Kong
8 October 1980
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