TNAG-2702-FCO40-3908-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 143

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passed". As above. Misrepresents what we were doing at this

time.

-

Second para "contrary to popular perception, earlier

negotiations had gone near the limits of Chinese tolerance".

Contentious. The fact that we are now talking with China

suggests that earlier negotiations did not reach Chinese limits.

- Third para "Diplomacy was not entirely asleep".

Ours never had been.

Tendentious.

"The British Government were by this time sufficiently

concerned at the crisis to put out feelers". Factually

incorrect. There was no change in our policy.

with China from October onwards.

We sought talks

P11

-

· Third para "Implied a somewhat reduced role for Hong Kong". Factually incorrect, Hong Kong's role was the same as in the

Joint Declaration negotiations etc. The need for the outcome to

be acceptable to Hong Kong people and passed into law by LegCo

continued to be stressed.

Fourth para "For some six months there had been a relapse ...trials of strength". Tendentious. Again misrepresents

our policy.

P11/12

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"The desperate casting about for an alternative policy".

Factually incorrect.

P12

"Now back on the traditional course" Not so (see above).

Second Para "Significant damage had been done. Chinese

jm.lett.JM

SLM

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