TNAG-1166-FCO40-1446-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 92

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Mr Williamson Mr McQuade

Mr Gift

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HRR 040/1 .1.9%

22/1/82 See over

Reference..HKK 040/1 LIJA

126/1

Mr. Morris

withth bush faw's agreement to

wording new changed, angements under which

is aduristered at

tu ~

1812

SLIDING SCALE

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

present

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2/26/1

1. We are now almost ready to send our draft sliding scale to Peking, Hong Kong and the Attorney-General's Office for their comments.

2.

However, Mr Rushford, in his minute to me of 15 January, has pointed out an ambiguity in our phraseology at Annex A. The wording as it stands suggests that unless either side gives 15 years notice the NT lease will run out in 1997.

3. Bearing in mind our desire to avoid mentioning either

'sovereignty' or 'British administration' I wonder if something on the following lines would be clearer:

4.

The two sides agreed that the leasing by the UK of the New Territories will continue for an indefinite period (? beyond 1997) with a minimum of 15 years notice required to change the present form of administration'.

Any comments before I put this to Mr Rushford?

wh

CODE 18,77

19 January 1982

1.1 can

Jel

W Morris

the antiquity mi status quo butitio

pity because the Chumm' have and it before.

2. 2 doubt whether

to

Leasing which

any reference urned comply

an extented Converter curved he amprabie to the cluinne.

3. I would prefer to stick will

agreed

للصل

mini

The two side, Love

wn of x (eg 15) years would

be given of any intention to change the prevent

The problem in the last plurane. Pusent form of administration is not strony Gruigh, "Constitutimal position "med do but might also

be antiguous

mygers "prevent administration".

2

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