from the report that there are no fresh
initiatives that we can take in present
circumstances that would make the problem of
Hong Kong less intractable in the longer term.
There can be no cl
cleancut, tidy solution to the
predicament facing us. Were we to attempt to
discuss it with the present Chinese regime we
could only expect hostility (even malevolence)
and a desire on their part to pay off old scores.
The Colony will remain, as the Chinese themselves
have put it, the crux of Sino-British relations.
Our presence there, despite the advantages they
derive, must be an irritant to them. But
efforts on our part to extricate ourselves
prematurely might well turn out to be a greater
irritant. For the present, I am sure that we
must continue to show firmly that we intend to
maintain our position, giving no indication
whatsoever that we might, in certain circumstances
contemplate premature withdrawal. Confidence
within Hong Kong is fragile and would not survive
the knowledge that we were considering possible
terms of withdrawal. Moreover any sign of
weakening resolve on our part would lead to
increasing Chinese pressure. It would be no
gain if, in an effort to mitigate the long-term
difficulties, we were to precipitate an immediate
catastrophe.
5. The emergence of a more pragmatic regime in
China would, of course, introduce a new dimension.
TOP SECRET
/If