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practical attractions and the Hong Kong Government were interested in being involved. But if this aspect of the idea seemed likely to cause problems, we could think again. I would bring all this to the attention of the British organisers of the March meeting so that they would be prepared.
5. I think we had better discuss all this. Obviously there is no point in pressing for the seminar to be held in Hong Kong if this would run into the opposition of the Japanese side. (But we must keep in mind Mr Needham's attachment to the idea.) It would be equally feasible to hold the seminar elsewhere, provided that funds could still be found: the loss of the Hong Kong dimension would be regrettable from some points of view but not fatal. But if the Japanese are this sensitive over location they will also look carefully at the theme with the same concerns in mind. This points up the importance of moving away from the narrow focus on Hong Kong/China originally favoured by Sir J Eberle in favour of a much broader theme.
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