TNAG-1231-FCO40-1544-Visit-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 128

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Also, we wish to point out that the transitional period should

not have an inflexible deadline and that the eventual process

of reunification with China must be a natural and gradual

process of evolution.

7.

Finally, in the meantime, until a solution is arrived

at, in order to arrest the slide of confidence in Hong Kong,

we urge both governments to refrain from saying anything in

public either directly or indirectly as an open confrontation

can only make things worse. Moreover, we urge that actions

must be taken when necessary by both Governments to protect

the true value of the Hong Kong Dollar. Without such actions

there is bound to be the most serious and far reaching economic

and social consequences for the people of Hong Kong.