TNAG-2815-FCO40-4061-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 40

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UKDEL IMF-IBRD →→→ ERD FCO

19:09

2003/003

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I should emphasise again that I do not think that the Chinese will be ready to move on the question of delegation. I am concerned that if we are not flexible on this point resolving it will take some time; that in the process it will be difficult to avoid drawing attention to the interpretation in telno 1016, the interpretation we would want to play down; and that we will begin to be faced here with questions about whether the delay reflects political difficulties.

Yours wherch

Danil Peek

David Peretz

cc:

Mr. N. Whitney (HKD, FCO)

Mr. J. Cunliffe (HMT)

Mr. M. Power (ODA)

Mr. K. Tebbit (FCO)