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You will know that your colleagues in the Foreign Office, those who have previously been involved over the years with Hong Kong behalf of HMG, and indeed those who have handled the negotiations on behalf of HMG in the last few years, actually share my view but are diplomatically constrained from making their views known as befits a politician, rather than a diplomat!
The fact that the Chinese have themselves initiated next week's meeting is not only good news, but underlines the point I have made repeatedly they have got to be seen to be in the driving seat. Only by allowing them to be seen to be taking the lead, are we likely to obtain from them the concessions that are desirable - provided these "concessions" can be portrayed by them
an agreed negotiated position.
P/S.
The next red rag to be waved in Beijing's face would be a meeting between Chris Patten and President Clinton.
Rt Hon Douglas Hurd, CBE MP
Secretary of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Whitehall
London SW1A 2AH
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