TNAG-1621-FCO40-2235-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 147

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NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS WHICH HS DUE TO OPEN ON 25 MARCH. IF UT WERE NOT DONE THEN, ANOTHER YEAR WOULD HAVE TO PASS, ALTHOUGH THIS WOULD NOT PRECLUDE THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ACTING PREMIER AT ANY TIME. THE EAST EUROPEANS HAVE SAID THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING ZHAO TO VISIT THEM THIS YEAR IN HIS CAPACITY AS PREMIER. THIS ARGUES AGAINST EARLY CHANGE FROM THE PRESENT STATE OF AFFAIRS. BUT UNTIL THE UNCERTAINTY IS CLEARED UP, THE CHINESE CANNOT REASONABLY CLAIM TO HAVE A STABLE LEADERSHIP.

EVANS

YYYY

PEHPAN 3304

LIMITED

FED

HKD

PUSD

NEWS D

INFOD

RES D

PLANNING STAFF

PS

PS/MR RENTON

PS/PUS

MR GILLMORE

SIR D. WILSON.

COPIES TO:

SIR P. CRADOCK NO TO DOWNING ST. ASSESSMENTS STAFF. CABINET OFFICE

DI ROW MOD.

MR R. FELLOWES

BUCKINGH AM

PALACE.

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