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of growing confusion in China, local extremists may
escalate the situation of their own initiative. If local
action was pushed to the point that disturbances resulted
in heavy loss of life or bloodshed, it is most unlikely
that Peking could stand aside. The situation could ·
rapidly develop into one of all-out confrontation
(paragraph above).
Evacuation
17. Evacuation plans for Hong Kong date back to the
early 1950s, are out-of-date and useless in present
circumstances. We consider in any case that only a very
limited evacuation is realistic or practicable today.
18. The Governor, supported by Chiefs of Staff, has
argued strongly that a general evacuation is totally
unrealistic and that an evacuation limited to non-Chine se
elements of the population is morally indefensible,
undesirable and in some circumstances impracticable.
19. Evacuation policy will be an issue to be considered
in the Working Party reviewing future policy on Hong Kong.
But urgent consideration is being given to the preparation
of a plan for a very limited evacuation of all those who
might be particularly vulnerable to Chinese retaliation or
pressures. Such people would include intelligence
personnel, members of the Police Force (particularly Special
Branch), loyal Chinese prominently identified with the
British connection.
20.
The Australians have a contingent of their nationals
attached to the intelligence community in Hong Kong. They
have become increasingly concerned about their safety in
the event of our withdrawal and it will be necessary to
give them some assurance on the lines in paragraph 19 above.
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