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DSR 11C
4. Objective during visit to get Chinese to agree to
negotiations, if appropriate, spelling out that these
would cover a possible deal on British Administration in
return for acknowledgement of Chinese Sovereignty.
5. Can offer no concession on sovereignty without clear
understanding that it is conditional on continuation of
full powers of British Administration. Can be no question
of Chinese participation in administration either domestic
or international. In any subsequent negotiations (which
would probably be conducted by officials) we must be
prepared for a long haul. Any idea, in Hong Kong or
elsewhere, that we would get agreement quickly is likely
to be disappointed and lead to a serious blow to confidence.
6. Legal position. Full details of legal requirement
would depend on final form of agreement.
is clear:
But the following
a)
b)
acknowledgement of Chinese Sovereignty would require
confirmation by Act of Parliament;
notwithstanding acknowledgement of sovereignty an
agreement with the Chinese which confirmed our
continuing administration and internal responsibility
for Hong Kong would be valid in British and internationa
law. It need not be in the form of a treaty but some
written exchange would be necessary;
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/c)