TNAG-1254-FCO40-1587-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 202

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by people in Hong Kong of the Chinese proposals for

their future, as revealed publicly. We gave the Chinese a

number of papers on specific aspects of Hong Kong's structure

The evidence suggests that, although they are standing by

their hard line on sovereignty, the Chinese have not yet

relating Voy thought through most of the detailed issues concerning Hong

Kong's administration, and are not quoting from any finely-

drawn blueprint for this,

5.

Although the Chinese listened to what we had to

say, and seemed glad to have our explanatory papers, it

remains to be seen what impact these will have. We are under

no illusion that their influence is likely to lead to

fundamental change in the Chinese position. We expect he Chinese

thew hard line

then to maintain thi when talks resume on 22/23 September.

We see a hard slog ahead, and a

of the propaganda campaign.

Ad

probable intensification

19/8

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