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3 No. ... of 6 copies
Suggested amendments to OPDO(DR)(68)5 (Revise)
Paragraph 66 Delete all after second sentence and insert :-
"To make the best out of this, we would have to make an understanding, most particularly with the USA (which takes 37% of all Hong Kong exports) and also with our other Western allies and friends who trade with China and Hong Kong that they would not regard the change of administration, if carried out in a co-operative manner, as an opportunity to reduce drastically or cut off altogether their trade with the latter. We should of course make the most of the access which we give to Hong Kong products in our own markets, (though they take only 17% of all exports) and of the control which we could exert over the use of Hong Kong assets held in London (which are very substantial in relation to China's own reserves).
Conclusions
(q) delete and insert:-
"Our aim must be to negotiate withdrawal at the least unfavourable opportunity in the future, avoiding any form of joint control of the administration of the Colony,prior to handing over, unless it can be seen that this would serve to sustain law and order while we did our
best to carry out our residual responsibilities"
Between Conclusions (s) and (t) insert a new Conclusion:-
"A decision to negotiate will be tantamount to a decision to withdraw. There will never be an ideal moment, and a decision to act will need exceptional courage and foresight.”
Conclusion (t) delete first sentence.
Recommendations
Add as follows:-
"(6) It should be recognised that it is not possible to foresee any wholly acceptable solution nor any fully favourable moment to act,
that any move towards withdrawal will need exceptional courage."
and
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