CONFIDENTIAL
MKB 0/
China: hi 7N
3 MAY 191
He
1. I discussed this issue with the US Ambassador this afternoon. He confirmed that the opposition to renewal was both more complex and stronger than last time round. doubted whether the Hong Kong factor would play a large part in the President's decision and was not by any means sanguine about a favourable outcome (though he thought the President's instinct would be in favour of renewal).
2. I agree with the recommendations for action. It would be very helpful if at his meeting with Mr Bush next week the Secretary of State could find time for a substantial discussion of Hong Kong (the airport negotiations; VBP; MFN).
3. If our efforts do not look like being successful we may well have to consider ringfencing Hong Kong (para. 10 above). But this may prove to be difficult and perhaps impracticable. Our lobbying for the moment should urge straightforward renewal.
John Cola.
7 May 1991
cc: Mr Paul, HKD
PS/Lord Caithness
Mr Burns
Mr Burns, NAD
Mr Davies, FED Mr Bone, ERD
JC1ACM
**
Sir John Coles
CONFIDENTIAL
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Mr Cox Mr Stone
عام
Pa
MEN W
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