TNAG-0964-FCO40-1183-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 101

More improtant

however is

The point that

We should not

int across

own positi

we are

if we

you

minimise the

long term hann k Hoy Kery

London relations

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

This would mean that

DSR 11C

We considered whether it would be appropriate for Graeme

Wilson to put over to his contacts the background and

rationale of Mr Nott's decision. We have discussed this with

DOT and have come to the reluctant conclusion that he prob-

would probably not be bost suited ably does not have the personal qualities for the task, and

that you, in any case, would be the correct constitutional

channel for representing HMG's point of view on a matter

This metres froot), if the decision of unfaimmable many well of such delicacy. I fear therefore that we have no alter- have might have native but to ask you to fulfil your constitutional role and " and I ensure that

For

не

to wear both your hats by giving expression to the views of were fairly expressed. treating that both HMG and the Government of Hong Kong. This will clearly this is ashing a bit this would, I reabix create diffunther be awkward not be an easy task in the situation we are contemplating, but in

and in the longer tem but there appears to be no satisfactory alternative

would be for

What

of Inalif

arrange for this probably amounts to is to ask you to give a fair wind to be givens

I would hope that there wa to any statements made in London, whichy would, inter alia,

reassert HMG's support for CPA in air services negotiations

around the world, and it would clearly be helpful if some sort

of expression of the Hong Kong Government's confidence in

that position could be made. There would also be need for

might

emphasise

a

both London and Hong Kong to reiterate the view that the general relationship between them remained on a firm footing.

Sound

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

89280 Dd 532113 200M 2/79 StS