CODE 18-77
SS 8/78
Enter 040/1
SECRET
21875 Would
Mr Morris
Mr
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Puse.
1.
Reference
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Mr Morris' minute of 12 May below asked for my views on whether to ask the Governor again for an assessment of how representative the views of Unofficials were of the general public.
2.
are
During my visit to Hong Kong, I heard nothing to contradict my previous belief that:
(a)
(b)
most residents of Hong Kong believe that "Hong Kong is part of China" and would see no difficulty in acknowledging Chinese sovereignty in a theoretical sense; but
most would not willingly accept the exercise of this sovereignty if that means ultimate control lying with Peking, and would not believe in any promises of non-interference made by the Chinese. For this reason many would like to see a continuation of British administration, although there are some who already consider a Chinese take-over to be inevitable.
3.
I do not doubt that the Unofficials feel a strong sense of responsibility to the people of Hong Kong, that they conscientiously attempt to seek out public opinions on this as on other matters and that they take very seriously their responsibility in giving advice to the Governor. That they seem to be taking a harder line than we might think the population as a whole follow may simply reflect the difference between giving advice on a strategy for HMG to follow in order to obtain the best possible deal, and having a personal view as to what final arrangements may or may not be acceptable. The man-in-the-street does not, after all, have to deal with negotiating strategy.
4. That said, I still believe that it is important for the Hong Kong Government to make sure that they have as accurate as possible an idea of the views and feelings of the people on this vitally important subject. I have recorded in my report on my recent visit the measures that they are now taking to obtain these views, and also the
SECRET
See 2 99
/doubts
MKK040/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 5
3 1 MAY 1983
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