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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
proposition that we could accept. I recognise that this
situation is one which causes much bitterness in Hong
Kong. But I urge Hong Kong people to come to terms with
it.
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Unclassified
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
32.
Nevertheless, the Government are working urgently on
ideas to enable as many Hong Kong people as possible to
receive the sort of reassurance they need in order to be
able to remain in Hong Kong. These are complex matters
and I am not yet in a position to announce detailed
proposals. My visit to Hong Kong will enable me to get a
better feeling for what is required and what will work.
33. If, contrary to all logic and reasonable
expectation, the worst should happen and the people of
Hong Kong were exposed to intolerable pressures and
personal risk, the British Government would in those
circumstances be under a very strong moral obligation to
help. We could not and would slam the door on anyone
from Hong Kong seeking refuge. We would do all we could
—
in concert with the international community
permanent homes for all those who sought one.
to find
34. As I survey the ever present signs of Hong Kong's
prosperity and success, I find it impossible to believe
that all this could be thrown away in a mood of
depression and despair. So much has already been
achieved : let us
now find practical and realistic
solutions to carry Hong Kong through the present crisis.