CONFIDENTIAL
Brief No 4
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
FEBRUARY 1972
HONG KONG/CHINA RELATIONS AND THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
DEFENSIVE
POINTS TO MAKE
1. The Chinese Government appear to be interested in
maintaining a good working relationship with Hong Kong.
Day-to-day problems have been dealt with in a cooperative way
and the border is generally quiet. For our part we shall continue
to work for normal relations between Hong Kong and China. This
is very much to the benefit of both sides.
THE EXPIRY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASE IN 1997
2. It is true that the lease over the New Territories expires
in 1997. This is a very long way ahead. A great deal will
have happened in the area between now and 1997. It is simply
not possible for anyone to predict what the circumstances will
be at a point so far ahead in the future.
CHINESE ASSURANCES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
3. We have noted reports in the press that the Chinese are
not contemplating any move against Hong Kong for a long time
to come.
CONFIDENTIAL