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most unlikely that any progress can be made on resolving these issues in the current political climate. HKG are maintaining momentum on the Government funded projects, but it is now clear that the airport railway, and probably the airport itself, will not be able to open on schedule (this has not been stated publicly by HKG). HKG intend to seek LegCo approval of additional funds for the Provisional Airport Authority and a further HK$2 billion for key work. It is not clear whether LegCo will support this request. If there is no agreement before the end of the year on financing, the MTRC advise that there will be a day by day slip in the existing programme. Our public line on the airport is that HKG are doing their best to maintain momentum on the airport, and that the SAR will suffer if the Chinese continue to link this subject to political issues. We have attached to the brief the exchange of telegrams about GEC and the MTRC, in case this continues to rumble while we are in Hong Kong.
9. As regards public lines to take, I will bring me to Seoul some notes for the Minister's remarks to the press on first arrival. There are no set piece meetings with the press in the programme, which I think is defensible given the shortness of the visit. There will be the usual opportunities to speak to reporters at doorsteps, and during the visit to the airport site and Black Point. Brief No 4 includes a full set of lines to take on the main political and economic issues. This incorporates the line proposed by the Governor on the issue of the 1990 exchange of letters. I suggest we discuss at the Ad Hoc Group public handling of this issue.
10.
For a change, there will not be a session with LegCo, although the Minister will have the chance to meet some LegCo members at the drinks given by the Financial Secretary on Friday evening. Brief No 5 includes a note on nationality issues, which are traditionally high on the agenda for some LegCo members. But this party will also be an opportunity to gauge the mood of LegCo members present about the handling of the next stage of electoral legislation.
Beats
PF Ricketts
goodlad22.12.MIN.NH
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