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DSR 11C
Nevertheless, generally accords with their present
tacit position, and involves significant public
renunciation by HMG.
(ii) Problems for HMG.
Recognition of Chinese
D)
sovereignty over Hong Kong requires an Act of Parliamer
divesting UK of sovereignty.
Implications of abrogatic
Legal status of Hong Kong, particularly in internationa
agreements, would need to be clarified. Need for
legislation on land leases and continuing powers of
administration which would have to be of indeterminate
length. (Automatically renewable periodic leases
possible.) Might be coupled with demand for use of
Chinese flag (cf. stated policy towards Taiwan).
(iii) Effect. Impact would depend on assumptions abou
how long the arrangement was expected to last. Initial
effect might be to produce uncertainty, unless Chinese
made it clear that they expected the arrangement to las
at least 15 years. But confidence would grow over time
as it would be up to the Chinese to foster it if they
wishes their benefits from Hong Kong to continue. It
should eventually produce a Macao-like reliance on
traditional tenure.
Declaration by the Chinese that change would only occur
a possible momorum perod would ve
this defined as 15 years 15 years.
with adequate warning;
(i)
Likelihood.
Slightly more difficult than (C),
as Chinese would be tying themselves to a specific peri
Becomes harder if selected period stretches beyond 1997
But Zhou Enlai did say to Sir Alec Douglas-Home in 1972
that Chinese would take no surprise action over Hong Ko
Might be possibel to build on this. Private hints on
length of warning easier for the Chinese than public
statements.
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