CONFIDENTIAL
takeover of Hong Kong in conditions which would make thousands of
Hong Kong Chinese seek entry to the United Kingdom.
If we handle
the diplomatic and political problems of the end of the Lease
correctly, there will be no emergency in Hong Kong of this kind.
The vast majority of people in Hong Kong fully accept that they
have no right of abode in the United Kingdom. Moreover, to suggest
in Parliament or publicly that there could be a catastrophe in
connection with Hong Kong will have the effect of undermining
confidence in the future of the territory, and we have a strong
interest in preventing such a slide of confidence.
2. I understand, however, that Mr Luce considers that we should
not put our 'fall-back position' to the Home Office. He believes
that we have already used up too much of our credibility with the
Home Office by asking them to look at Sir Murray MacLehose's
earlier suggestions on British nationals.
Mr Adams and I prepared
FCO telegram No 445 of 8 May for Mr Luce in order to explain the
political background to the Governor of Hong Kong.
3.
After receiving that telegram and having spoken from it to
UMELCO, the Governor is still having very great difficulty in Hong
Kong. I submit therefore that we have no choice but to continue
to do battle on behalf of Hong Kong with the Home Office, especially
since our fall-back position would not involve any further amendment
to the Bill.
H
254
Mr Adams has seen these minutes and while sharing NTD's and
Mr Luce's opposition to going back again to the Home Office, agrees
that we must at least submit the issue once again to Ministers.
4.
Aktonald
14 May 1981
A E Donald
CONFIDENTIAL
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I can