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2.
5. He made a curious comment about Hong Kong's new airport plans, saying that he did not understand why they had been suddenly accelerated, and were now quite different from those outlined to him earlier by the Governor here. He thought there must be same political significance in this, perhaps reflecting some confidential arrangement with China. I assured him that there was no special significance other than a wish to get on with such a major project, and the urgent need given the congestion at Kai Tak, plus it being a useful way to demonstrate faith in Hong Kong's future beyond 1997.
6. Melancia said he was glad they had those two extra years after Hong Kong returned to China before Macao was in the same position. Those with Portuguese passports would mostly decide whether to go or stay during that period when they would be able to see how Hong Kong was being treated by the Chinese.
7. Melancia said he would like to summon me from time to time so that Whitehall could be kept abreast of developments in Macao. I thanked him for this and said that I was of course ready and willing to come over whenever he wished and that in any event I hoped to continue to visit about once every four to six weeks.
8. COMMENT
Melancia had just returned from what seems to be a successful visit to Lisbon, not least to seek approval for changes to Macao's organic statute. There have since been some changes of both posts and personnel in the government which we have reported separately.
9. The Chief of Cabinet told Richard Graham (who accompanied me) and me that a new Diplomatic Adviser (Dr Joaquim de Fonseca) was expected very shortly. With luck this should improve the mechanics of getting appointments with the members of the Macao government, which at present is a hit and miss affair.
even
Yours
Pelen
P W Heap
CC:
HE Sir David Wilson KCMG
A Millington Esq, FED, FCO
A R Paul Esq, HKD,FCO
PWH/mcs
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