Argument
4.
The Portuguese in Macao have landed themselves in trouble with the Chinese. Unlike Hong Kong, Macao is of no great economic value to Communist China (and probably of no great value to Portugal either). Our information is that the Chinese nevertheless would prefer to settle the present dispute rather than take Macao over. Our interest is that the dispute should be settled, since a Chinese take-over of Macao might boost emotional pressures in China for a similar take-over of Hong Kong, which might get out of hand in China's present disturbed state, and also be a severe blow to confidence in Hong Kong.
鲁
Our major interest is to do nothing which would endanger the safety of Hong Kong. But subject to that, largely on humanitarian grounds but also to avoid further damage to our relations with Portugal after the many
氰
setbacks in recent months, we should provide limited facilities for the reception in Hong Kong of civilian evacuees from Macao,
5. There are strong humanitarian reasons for rendering assistance. Present tension and unsettled conditions in China could lead to maltreatment of Portuguese nationals of European origin and of Chinese race. Macao has no airport; its harbour is only accessible to small ships. Hong Kong is its natural point of exit from the China coast; large-scale and rapid movement out of Macao to destinations beyond Hong Kong requires Hong Kong's co-operation.
6. Relations between Britain and Portugal have recent ly been under strain, notably over Rhodesia, but it would be difficult to deny a humanitarian service on political grounds. Moreover, failure to render assistance would be strongly criticised by sections of public opinion in Hong Kong, where there are many who have reason to be grateful for the assistance and shelter given by Macao at considerable risk when the Japanese occupied Hong Kong in 1942.
7.
Assistance must not however be such as to endanger Hong Kong's position vis-a-vis China. Broadly speaking, this means that we must do nothing that can be
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