RESTRICTED
TOP COPY
GRS 440
RESTRICTED
FM FCO 18170OZ FEB 81
TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
INDEX
PA
HKK 040/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
24 FEP1991
DESK OFFICER
REGISTRY
Action Taken
TELEGRAM NUMBER 162 OF 18 FEBRUARY
No
MS
ᄑ
An
INFO PRIORITY PEKING
น
7621 1
see
MIPT:
1.
HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE ON 24 FEBRUARY
FOLLOWING IS OUTLINE OF DRAFT WINDING-UP SPEECH FOR
SECRETARY OF STATE OR LORD TREFGARNE:
(I) FUTURE OF HONG KONG HMG'S SUPPORT FOR TERRITORY: STRONG
(II)
(III)
(IV)
(V)
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BASE FOR FUTURE: EXCELLENT
RELATIONS WITH CHINA OVER HONG KONG.
ECONOMY
C
WEATHERING WORLD RECESSION: BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR
FUTURE: BRITISH INTEREST IN ITS DEVELOPMENT: WELCOME
HONG KONG'S OPEN MARKET AND CHALLENGE IT POSES FOR
BRITISH ENTERPRISE: SUPPORT THE FREE TRADE PRINCIPLES
ON WHICH HONG KONG IS BASED.
UK/HONG KONG RELATIONS BASED ON MUTUAL SUPPORT AND
UNDERSTANDING: AREAS OF POTENTIAL DIFFICULTY RESOLVED
E.G. DEFENCE COSTS: OTHERS REMAIN E.G. NATIONALITY LAW:
HONG KONG'S REPRESENTATIONS ARE BEING CAREFULLY EXAMINED.
UK NOT SEEKING TO DISTANCE ITSELF FROM HONG KONG.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE:
FULL CONFIDENCE IN ITS ABILITY TO DO SO: HONG KONG HAS
DEVELOPED EFFECTIVE METHOD OF MONITORING AND RESPONDING
TO PUBLIC OPINION: SUPPORT ANY PROPER MOVES IN THIS
DIRECTION, I.E. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PROPOSALS.
CONCLUSION · HONG KONG IS AN UNDOUBTED SUCCESS: THIS IS
BASED ON CONFIDENCE WHICH IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PRESERVE:
COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY NOT JUSTIFIED: ANY INVESTIGATION
MIGHT UNDERMINE STABILITY: NO EVIDENCE THAT ANY NEW
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD ASSIST HONG KONG AND ITS
W
1
RESTRICTED
/PEOPLE.
3