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DSR 11C
British Requirements
What concessions would we want from Chinese to justify meeting
them on sovereignty/representation without damaging confidence
in and outside Hong Kong.
Sovereignty very difficult
would require Chinese
acceptance of continuing British administration unlikely
to obtain.
Chinese representation without participation relatively easy.
But we should not agree without at least specific assurances
on land leases.
A
-
Participation probably most difficult problems of
confidence in Hong Kong, law and order, civil service, etc.
But limited right of consultation for Chinese representative
might be tradeable for hard assurances for future.
LONG-TERM
Satisfactory settlement on medium term issues could anticipate
many long-term problems.
But unlikely to emerge in 1980s.
More likely see continuing Chinese reservation of position.
Limiting factors for Chinese. Attitude to Soviet Union,
Taiwan
fore
Thereafter dependent on complexion of future Chinese
Government.
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/British interests
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