TNAG-1040-FCO40-1290-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 37

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DSR 11C

option of using non-official intermediaries with Peking

needs to be borne in mind. There are a number of potential

'messengers' mainly senior Hong Kong Chinese businessmen with

close contacts in Peking, who might be used. But in so

delicate a matter the question of control is very important.

A message loosely delivered could give a totally false

impression and defeat its own object. Probably, therefore,

such intermediaries should only be used, and that very

sparingly, as one means of keeping our lines open to Peking

and estimating the direction of movement of thinking there.

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