Our Ref. HWB.1/12
CONFIDENTIAL
3lat Marah, 1967.
7
In Peking tolegram No. 306 we were asked for immediate guidance in osse liong Kong press allegations about a "plot to turn Hong Kong táto a country" were taken up in any official Chinese proteut. This has, I am afrain, been overlooked. But the immediacy has passed, since tlie recent Chinese note was confined to visits of 3.. naval vessels.
2. Should the matter øver be raisoŭ by the C.!.G. I am sure we must avoid any detailed arguments about the meaning of the words "country" and "nationals" and our looɛe usage of son, or chout the implications of participating in international conferences and trade fairs etc., and must concentrate on the nub of the matter that concerns the Chinese, namely Hong Kong's constitutional status. They might be tolɑ thất it has been made quite clear publicly that there is no intention of changing Hong Kong': status as a dependent territory, and their attention could be drawn to a statement to this effect in the Touse of Cormons on the 21st March when the Commonwealth Secretary answered a question in the following terms:
3.
* Because of long Long's upccial circumstances, it is not
possible to think or normal self-government in the Colony, nor vo consider an elected legislative Council,"
I am sending a copy of this letter to Anthony Elliott who may wish to comment, and enclose an additiowoopy in case you wish to send one to Peking.
J. Denson Esq.,
Foreign Office,
S.F.1.
COBARDENTIAL
Signed
(*.5.Carter)