TNAG-2469-FCO40-3593-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-Hong-Kong-interests-1992 — Page 46

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THE RENEWAL DEBATE. I AM CONCERNED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS MAY POSSIBLY UPSET MEMBERS OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION AND OUR OTHER POTENTIAL FRIENDS IN WASHINGTON, WHO MAY WISH WITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS TO USE MFN RENEWAL TO PUT PRESSURE ON CHINA TO BEHAVE BETTER TOWARDS HONG KONG. I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT OF WHETHER THIS CONCERN IS JUSTIFIED, AND FOR ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN GIVE IN HELPING THOSE CONCERNED TO UNDERSTAND THE SENSITIVITIES OF THE SITUATION.

THE POLITICAL ADVISER WILL BE EXPLAINING THIS POINT SEPARATELY TO THE US CONSUL-GENERAL HERE.

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