香港總督府
SECRE
GOVERNMENT HOUSE HONG KONG
13th February 1976
DESPATCH ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
FOREWORD
The present leaders of China
have stated that the present situation of Hong Kong is in our mutual interest and that they are in no hurry to change it, and at present Hong Kong is very much a going concern. But this situation could change either in the '80s when the shadow of the end of the Lease in 1997 begins to affect investment and employment, or conceivably sooner if an unexpected switch in Chinese policy gave a lower priority to economic considerations.
I have discussed with H.M.
Ambassador Peking the implications of this prospect for H.M.G., how and when it can best be handled so as to minimise repercussions for H.M.G., the population of Hong Kong and Anglo/ Chinese relations, and what cards H.M.G. have to play in any negotiation with China about Hong Kong in foreseeable circumstances.
The text of this despatch has
been agreed with him and sets out our joint appreciation.
The elements of the problem,
its solution, and relevant points of timing, are summarised in paras. 17.
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