TNAG-2750-FCO40-3965-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-Hong-Kong-interests-1993 — Page 252

Confidential

NAC MINISTERIAL, 26 FEBRUARY:

SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL

WITH THE UNITED STATES' SECRETARY OF STATE

CHINA/MFN

Background

Embassy Washington report that US Administration believe that

unconditional renewal of MFN is a non-starter. The Governor

believes that it is too early in our lobbying effort to expose

our fallback position; but the Ambassador believes that it is

unrealistic to expect that Clinton can avoid applying conditions

to MFN, and that we must put down a marker to defend Hong Kong's interests. The line to take does not commit Hong Kong on the

substance, but puts a foot in the door.

Confidential

points.MFN.ADM.JRB