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co-operation. We would be vulnerable to Chinese retaliation or non-cooperation in such areas as nationality (where we already face difficulties), the port and airport development, Vietnamese boat people, a site for the future Consulate General etc. There would be renewed pressure on HMG on the right of abode issue. If the viability of the Joint Declaration were in this way to be called into doubt, it would become increasingly difficult for us to argue that Hong Kong people could look forward to a secure and prosperous
future after 1997.
HANDLING OF THE ISSUE DURING THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG
KONG
9.
It is very likely that the Secretary of State will come under pressure in Hong Kong to announce the Government's intentions for 1991. There would be no advantage in him doing so. Nor would it be reasonable to expect an announcement within days of the Governor having returned from a visit to Peking. It should be possible for the Secretary of State to take the line that time will be needed to assess the outcome of the Governor's visit and to consult Ministerial colleagues in the light of this an of the advice of the
Governor and ExCo.
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