TNAG-1031-FCO40-1281-Visits-by-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-th-1981 — Page 46

SECRET

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9. Understand your concern that UK commitment should continue.

However, strong opposition here to further quota due to economic

and social difficulties. Will have to watch carefully any sharp

change in circumstances.

10. [If raised] Afraid political atmosphere simply will not allow

agreement to exclusion of ship rescues from quota. We fully understand

Hong Kong's position. Our judgement is that we will get nowhere at

present but we will strongly press Hong Kong's case on ship rescues

in anticipation of the exhaustion of the quota.

SECRET