CHINESE REPRESENTATION IN HONG KONG
LINE TO TAKE
1.
As Lady Tweedsmuir told the House of Loras on 9 May the
Chinese Government has proposed that a representative of their
Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be established in Hong Kong.
This is a proposition which was first raised in 1956, rejected
by HMG in 1958 and was raised again by the Chinese Government
following establishment of relations at the level of Ambassador
last year.
As a resident of Hong Kong you will know yourself
that the proposal would give rise to certain problems and for
this reason it is most important that it should be carefully
and comprehensively studied.
2. [if pressed] the Secretary of State brought up the matter
with the Chinese Foreign Minister during his visit. It will
continue to be a matter for discussion between ourselves and
the Chinese.
5. it would be as well to stress the confidential nature of
this briefing given the publicity line agreed with the Chinese.
Far Eastern Department