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appointing an official representative in Hong Kong during the
1950s, and have reverted to it from time to time over the
years. British response has consistently been that the time is
not ripe for such a development. This line has been taken
largely for fear that a Chinese representative would become an
alternative focus of authority in the territory, and that his
appointment would be misinterpreted by local opinion as preparatory
to British withdrawal.
11. Chinese Foreign Minister raised the question again with
the Governor in March, warning that it would be taken up with
Dr Owen during the visit which the latter then planned to make
in May.
Very likely that they will raise it again on the current
Chinese claim that the function of the representative would
be to improve cooperation rather than to cause trouble for the
Hong Kong administration.
visit.
(Not for use)
12.
Our objections have lost some of their force in the last
few years.
But appointment of an official Chinese representative
would be a major concession which we should only allow in return
for Chinese concession of real substance (eg as part of a package
in which we received bankable assurances on the continuation of
British administration in Hong Kong after 1997). It should
certainly not be conceded immediately after the Chinese rejection
of our proposals on New Territories leases.
(Can be used freely)
13. In the meantime, Hong Kong Government have been at pains
to ensure that the present informal arrangements (under which
/the
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