bogdana watak – alteramy saken varattuna vegna veda enam kama hayana
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namely,
Free World as refugees from Communism who should not be
left to their fate. To some in this latter category our
moral responsibility is very strong and inescapable
those who because of their close connection with our
administration would be very vulnerable to Chinese retaliation (see paragraph 25 below).
24.
Clearly we could not, in withdrawing from Hong Kong, effectively discharge all our responsibilities to the people. Those in category (a) of paragraph 21 will have an alternative place of residence; we shall need to provide facilities for them to leave (if possible with their assets) and, in some
cases possibly, to assist with their resettlement. But there
is no prospect that we could evacuate or place elsewhere the numbers of Chinese involved in category (b). The vast majority would have to be left to their fate. Large numbers would not
wish to leave and would accommodate themselves to the new
regime, but many would suffer. Our moral stock would fall
grievously low if, in a voluntary withdrawal, we did not do all that we could either to secure an alternative place of residence for them outside Hong Kong if they wanted to leave or some guarantees for their good treatment if they stayed. The latter would be difficult to obtain since all Chinese
governments have regarded persons of Chinese race as Chinese nationals and, even if obtained, would probably be worthless. Nevertheless, those left behind for whom we have any responsibility would be used as hostages. Their treatment
would depend on our response to Chinese demands; by this means the Chinese could "squeeze" us for a prolonged period following
withdrawal.
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/25.