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ulterior motive is to prepare the way for a weakening in our attitude towards the Colony. A parallel warning has also been given by our Ambassador in Peking. He has said that the Chinese general interest will be that we make no such changes as would:-
a. upset the present stability and prosperity
in Hong Kong, or
b.
impinge on the long-term future of Hong Kong.
In short both Sir M MacLehose and Mr Cradock urge strongly that the nomenclature of CUKC should be retained. The Governor has said flatly that the title "British citizen of Hong Kong" would be disastrous. The Ambassador has warned that any change in nomenclature, particularly if it produced "British citizen of Hong Kong", would arouse Chinese suspicions which could be very damaging for our policy on Hong Kong and our relationship with China. I attach a memorandum setting out the whole problem of Hong Kong in greater detail.
In sum, it describes a potentially serious situation which, since Ministers have already been involved, would seem to be a subject for consideration in OD.
Perhaps the next step might be for Donald Murray and me to come over and discuss with you, though as he and the Head of Hong Kong and General Department will both be on leave until 12 September I hope we can leave it until then.
5.
Copied to: Mr D HJ Hilary
Home Office, Lunar House
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L C W Figg