TNAG-2965-FCO40-4244-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Consular-representation-of-European-Coun-1993 — Page 21

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CONFIDENTIAL

Delors is not the most effective way to cut a deal. The chances of success would be higher if negotiations were conducted face to face by lower profile representatives empowered to take decisions. Given the need for speed if the Office is to open in October, we might suggest to Hong Kong that they send a delegation to Brussels before the Commission shuts down for August. We should not press them to bow to the Commission's more unreasonable demands nor to accept any requirement for

legislation (which is patently unrealistic), but with maximum flexibility on both sides a political fudge may yet prove

possible.

J M Macgregor

European Community Department (External)

ASIA-PACIFIC/1207.HKsub

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CONFIDENTIAL