TNAG-2897-FCO40-4171-Hong-Kong-piracy-in-the-South-China-Sea-1993 — Page 20

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Kong Government representatives accepted that it might be wiser to let the paper stand but wanted HKG's views to be

sought. It was agreed that perhaps a staged approach would be

better. With this in mind, HKG propose to approach the Chinese delegate in the margins of next week's IMO Maritime

Safety Committee meeting stating that their intention is not

to speak to the paper as it is out of date and that legally it

would be incorrect to adhere to it. It was agreed that HKD

would agree a line to take with Hong Kong (draft telegram

attached)

·

Given the strong public interest in this subject

in Hong Kong, HKG cannot afford to be seen as being too soft

on China. But they must be careful not to lay themselves open

to an attack from China which might have wider implications

for other issues.

RS Moore

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