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DSR 11C
after 1997. There is at present an underlying assumption
in Hong Kong that such agreement will be reached, and the
real importance of a deal on leases is that it would maintain
that assumption for a little longer. But even with something
on leases, the main issue of the future could not be evaded.
indefinitely, and probably not beyond about 1988 or 1990.at
the very latest. By then the 1898 Order in Council will
10 lol.
no longer provide a credible basis for the future of
British administration and must be amended, or replaced by
something new that offers a judicial basis for law and
administration over a period that passes 1997.
10.
Contacts at ministerial level and between the Governor
and Chinese leaders have produced general assurances for
jan &
investors but no specific acceptance of/lease extensions.
In particular the Chinese rejected a British proposal in
1979 which would have eliminated the terminal date in 1898
Order in Council of the Governor's power to grant leases
and exercise jurisdiction, without prejudicing Chinese options
in the long-term. This would have enabled them to ignore
1997 if they so chose. This option does not exist at present
because of the restrictive effect of the 1898 Order in Council
When significant signs of lack of business confidence appear,
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/the
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