SECRET
19668
2
MADE IN PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMINISTERING THE TERRITORY FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. DEPENDING ON THE COURSE OF THE DISCUSSIONS SHE MIGHT GO FURTHER AND HINT AT WILLINGNESS TO EXPLORE THE CONCEPT OF A 'MANAGEMENT CONTRACT'.
A CONCESSION OF THIS KIND WOULD AT BEST BUY NO MORE THAN CHINESE AGREEMENT TO CONTINUING TALKS: IT WOULD NOT ENSURE A FAVOURABLE OUTCOME. THE FIRST STAGE OF SUCH TALKS WOULD PROBABLY BE DEVOTED ON OUR SIDE TO CONVINCING THE CHINESE THAT CONTINUING BRITISH ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORITY ARE ESSENTIAL AND THEIR BELIEF THAT THEIR PLANS WOULD WORK. BUT THE TALKS WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY REACH A POINT WHERE IF BREAKDOWN IS TO BE AVOIDED, WITH ALL THE ATTENDANT CONSEQUENCES, ONE SIDE OR BOTH WILL HAVE TO SHIFT. ENDS.
PYM
NNNN
DISTRIBUTION
MINIMAL
HKGD
2
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.