Separte copres to:
Miss Walker
Mr Burton
SECRET
HKK0409
Reference HKK 040/9
Fly
cmol8
REVISION OF ANNEXES TO THE HONG KONG STUDY
1. On 30 June, Mr Clift discussed with Mr Morris and myself what further work was required onthis subject. We have now reached the stage where we will shortly be seeking authority from the Prime Minister to discuss with other Whitehall Departments the specific areas which may be covered in the talks with the Chinese. What we need to do, therefore, is to prepare within the Department points to raise with other FCO and Whitehall Departments so that we can determine what HMG must hold on to in order to retain effective control over Hong Kong and what could, if necessary, be conceded to the Chinese negotiations on the assumption that we reach an agreement whereby we concede sovereignty over the whole of the territory, but retain ultimate control of the adminis- tration (eg appointment of Governor).
-
2. Mr Clift would like a folder to be prepared, with the situation in each of the areas covered by the Annexes (plus Pensions) summarised on one sheet of paper. This should cover:
3.
(a) the FCO and Whitehall Departments with whom we shall
need to discuss the paritcular subject (with names of individuals where known);
(b)
(c)
(a)
HMG's bottom line position;
possible concessions;
a list of questions to be put to the other Departments on the implications of (b) and (c).
I suggest the following division of work:
Mr Hoare
Miss Walker
Mr Burton
Constitutional Position Legal System
Pensions
Aviation & Shipping
External relations
External trade
Citizenship, Nationality &
Immigration (Miss Walker to be
consulted on immigration from China)
Currency and Finance
Defence and Internal Security
All drafts should reach me by 13 July. Please note that at this stage you should not consult anyone outside the Department.
4.
Perhaps we could discuss this briefly to make sure everyone is clear as to what is required?
4 July 1983
CODE 18-77
cc Mr Clift
Mr Morris o r
Khoffere
RJ F Hoare
Hong Kong Department
SECRET
Page 45T