TNAG-1287-FCO40-1638-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 234

SECRET/FUTURE EGRET

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RISKS TO CONTROLLABLE PROPORTIONS AND IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, OF USING OUR AGREEMENT AS A BARGAINING COUNTER TO SECURE IMPORTANT

THIS IS WHAT THE PAPER DOES, CONCESSIONS FROM THE CHINESE SIDE.

IN TERMS WHICH IN NO WAY PRE-EMPT FURTHER EXPRESSION OF YOUR VIEWS. INDEED ONE OF THE REASONS FOR ASKING YOU AND RICHARD EVANS TO RETURN TO LONDON IS PRECISELY TO GO OVER THESE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS FULLY.

6.

THE MEETING OF MINISTERS HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR

28 JUNE. WE SHALL TELEGRAPH FURTHER ON THE OUTCOME AS SOON AS

POSSIBLE.

HOWE

NNNN

DISTRIBUTION:

LIMITED

COPIES TO:

SIR P CRADOCK

MR BURROWS

HD/HKD HD/FED

SIR W HARDING

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SECRET/FUTURE EGRET