TNAG-1233-FCO40-1546-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 78

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8) Did not demur from the suggestion that since the FRC had linked HK issue.

with Taiwan, the issue was already or could become important in FRC domestic politics. The charge of national betrayal was potentially damaging. Moreover, the whole issue was linked to a certain extent with persuit of the

modernisation policies. He denied that there were political factions in Beijing, but suggeted that there were different emphases between some of the leaders. He also agreed that the succession issue was important.

9) In our previous conversation he had said that the PRC had rejected Maclehouse's

suggestion of extending the 1977 lease deadline by an order in Legco. But he remained deliberately silent when queried wheter the PRC would have done more than verbally object to say a Queen's order in Council to that effect.

I trust that you will find the above of interest and possibly of use to you. Incidentally, I suppose that it is too late for a 'UDI' extension of the lease by a Queen's order in Council?

Love to Natasha and all the best for the New Year. I hope it will still be possible to the pipes at New Year 1998 on the Peak.

Muchal.