MARABV (3)
CONFIDENTIAL
imultaneously, one about election of Chief Executive and one about
the referendum. Assume answer you gave ("we got a very positive response") was meant to refer to Chinese side's general attitude to democratic development in Hong Kong, not to specific idea of a referendum. This press report is likely to be seized upon as a locus classicus and constantly referred to. If you do not think what you were told in Peking amounted to Chinese approval of an early referendum, helpful if you could find a way of correcting that impression.
Consulate-General in Hong Kong [If raised]
4.
Problem of finding a suitable site for future Consulate-General
is a matter we are actively pursuing. Not easy because the sums of money involved are very large. Fully seized of importance of ensuring that we are properly represented in 1997 and of having the right sort of building for that purpose.
CONFIDENTIAL
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