НЕ КО40/4
SECRET
34
Dr D C Wilson Political Adviser
Government Secretariat HONG KONG
20 June 1978
HKK.040/
RECEIVES
21 JUN 1978
OFFICER
PA
※0.51
REGISTRY Action Taken
THE CHINA DIMENSION
INDEX
Ni
1. Since my arrival in the Department three weeks ago a number of people have asked about progress on the "China Dimension" paper mentioned in correspondence resting with your letter of 12 May to John Stewart. Under Secretaries would like to see a first draft
fairly soon.
2.
I had a brief word with John Stewart about this paper when he and I met before his departure and have since read the corres- pondence. I have also discussed the project with Richard Samud. We are not entirely sure what was agreed between you and John, but we imagine that what you are engaged on is essentially an up-dating of Section IV of the 1976 Planning Paper, which deals with external policy and, in particular, how to handle the question of the Lease. Such a paper would, in our view, be very useful at this juncture. The general Chinese attitude to Hong Kong is examined satisfactorily in the "threat" paper (I have just seen the revised preliminary draft) and there would be no point in duplicating the work done in that connection. But we do need to look again, post-Mao, at the various possibilities for reach- ing an understanding with China over the future of Hong Kong, and the time has probably come to give further thought to the nature and timing of an eventual approach to the Chinese.
3. It would be helpful if you could confirm that you are working on these lines (or, if not, if you could give an indication of the scope of your paper). I should also be grateful if you would let me know when we may now expect to see your first draft.
00: RC Samuel Esq
FED
SEORET
R JT McLaren
Hong Kong & General Department