CONFIDENTIAL
recent weeks has been the tendency of the Chinese authorities to
lash out in anger at Hong Kong for what they see as undue
interference in Chinese internal affairs. It is clear, as the
Governor rightly points out, that Hong Kong's continuing active
involvement in the democracy movement in China risks provoking a hostile reponse from the PRC. There would be great peril for Hong Kong in such a course. We must hope that wiser counsel will
prevail.
4.
Finally, it is worth noting the Governor's observation that
from now on, more than ever, Hong Kong must stand on its own feet.
But he is surely right to stress that Hong Kong will continue to
depend on the help and support of HMG. I see profound dangers for
both Hong Kong and Britain, should that commitment be seen to weaken
between now and 1997, or should our formal links with the territory diminish in the crucial transition period.
him
5. I shall be writing to the Governor to thank him formally for
his despatch, and to let you have our comments on it, after his (and
my) return from leave in September.
CONFIDENTIAL
AR Park
A R Paul
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