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P.S. (Continuation)...
HMG can always however make noises about handing the place over when the time is ripe, etc.
acknowledged.
7. Relinquishment of sovereignty by the UK would of course immediately raise the question of responsibility for external affairs. The UK could retain sole responsibility as in a Protectorate so long as the Chinese did not claim sole or joint responsibility.
8.
Existing treaties could continue so long as the UK retained sole responsibility for external affairs. Once this was relinquished, some agreement would have to be reached with China about treaty succession succession to treaties (as opposed to their implementation) does not depend on municipal legislation.
9. National status does however depend on municipal legislation, so a departure from the usual pattern would presumably involve amendment of the British Nationality Act.