SECRET
Mr Burrows, Legal Advisers )
Mr Smith
Mr Burton
Reference
File
Fink
Separate copies KK 04019
V
30MAR 1983
LE
HONG KONG STUDY
1.
No
by
1C7818
As you know, the Special Study on Hong Kong prepared last year before the Prime Minister's trip to the Far East contained a number of annexes outlining the present position in, and the likely effect of possible scenarios on, various key areas of the arrangements under which Hong Kong is now administered.
2.
I would be grateful if you would have a look at these
annexes and:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
3.
see if they need amending or updating; consider whether sufficient consideration has been given to the likely effect of Hong Kong becoming a Special Autonomous Region of China,, but still under the ultimate control of HMG; if not, what questions arising from the scenario need to be posed and answered.
Clearly, these issues will have to be considered at a high level by other Whitehall Departments. It would be helpful, however, if you could give initial consideration to the points above. I suggest the following division of labour:
Annex G
Annex II
Constitutional Position External Relations
Currency and Finance
Defence and Internal Security
Citizenship, Nationality and Immigration
Annex I
Annex J
Annex K
Annex L
Legal System
11
Annex M Annex N Annex O
Civil Aviation and Shipping
4.
External Trade
Crown Land leases in the NT
Mr Barrows Mr Smith Mr Hoare
Mr Hoare
Mr Burton Mr Burrows Mr Burton Mr Smith Mr Burrows
At
I should be happy to discuss any of these at any time. this stage you should not consult anyone in other FCO Departments or other Whitehall Departments. The point is to work out what areas we need to explore when we get to the stage of wider consultation.
5.
I attach copies of the relevant annexes. Please do not enter these on files and return them to me with your comments. It would be helpful if I could have these by 8 April.
1
CODE 18-77
SS 8/78
29 March 1983
SECRET
R J F Hoare
Hong Kong and General Department