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responsible the potential problem will remain of a
large part of its population pressing at some stage
for admission to the United Kingdom.
b) In Parliament. As in (a), Ministers are answerable
for a range of detailed matters in which they are not
directly involved. With the United Kingdom reluctance
to hang on to our last major colony may grow.
$
20. In addition, Hong Kong represents a continuing defence
commitment. The United Kingdom's possession of territory in
a sensitive area increases the risk of our involvement in
international disputes. Above all, there is a constant
danger of friction with China on border and other questions
against which our present good relations with Peking cannot
provide a permanent insurance.
Taking Steps to Leave Hong Kong
21.
If HMG indicated an intention to withdraw there would be
a number of international problems, including possibly
pressure from the US Government not to give up a Western
foothold in the Far East at a time when Soviet influence was
expanding.
Moreover, a unilateral move could well complicate
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