TNAG-2333-FCO40-3394-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Hong-Kong-Court-of-Final-Appeal-Hong-Ko-1991 — Page 116

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29 JAN 1991

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PERSONAL FOR PAUL, HKD

UK LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME 1991

92: COURT OF FINAL APPEAL

1. FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF NEGOTIATION WITH THE CHINESE IT WOULD BE DISASTROUS IF WE WERE UNABLE FOR PURELY UK REASONS TO FULFIL THE TIMETABLE WHICH WE HAVE OURSELVES BEEN URGING ON THE CHINESE. IT WOULD DO GREAT DAMAGE TO OUR CREDIBILITY NOT ONLY IN THIS BUT ALSO

IN OTHER AREAS.

2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY AT THE PRESENT STAGE WHETHER WE SHALL REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE IN TIME TO GO AHEAD IN 91/92 BUT I REGARD IT AS ESSENTIAL THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO SO IF WE DO.

GALSWORTHY

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MR BERMAN, LEGAL ADVISERS MR FIFOOT, LEGAL ADVISERS

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PS/LORD CAITHNESS

MR MCLAREN

MR BURNS