If such a regime were to emerge there would be
much to be said for attempting to negotiate the
return of Hong Kong on the best terms available
for its people, or perhaps even for exploring the
terms on which the Chinese might envisage an
extension of our tenure. But as I indicated
above, there is, as yet, no solid ground for
believing that such a regime would be more
accommodating.
Moreover, the whole matter is so
hypothetical and subject to so many imponderables,
that it is doubtful if anything is to be gained
by attempting now a detailed assessment of the
possibilities.
6. To sum up, the general
conclusions which I
should like my colleagues to endorse are these:
(a) There is no prospect of our reaching
agreement about the future of Hong Kong
with the present Chinese Government.
(b) Any unilateral attempt on our part now
to work towards some new status for
Hong Kong would lead to an immediate
loss of confidence within the Colony
and could quickly be disastrous.
(c)
If a more pragmatic government were
to emerge in China we should consider
the possibility of negotiating with them
new arrangements for Hong Kong.
But
it would be premature to attempt now a
detailed assessment of the possibilities.
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