From:
SECRET
Mr N Bevan, Assistant Under Secretary of State (Commitments)
A
ET MON
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Mr Paul, Hai)
Advice lli
Main Building, Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB
AUS (C) 4/7/2/2 (48/90) Telephone (Direct Dialling) 01-218
(Switchboard) 01-218 9000
・
who to deal?
RJT McLaren Esq CMG
Room WH 323
Whitehall
Assistant Under Secretary
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Mr Stone
HKB 020/16
For
you
Ilternk
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
19 MAR 1990
9 February 1990
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
HA
SW1
Dear Robris,
HONG KONG:
CONTINGENCY PLANNINGTM
16/2 W18/2
A thought has occurred to me since MISC 140 met on Wednesday that I thought I should share with you.
The Group's report to Ministers identified the possibility (paragraph 4b) of panic in Hong Kong induced by Chinese activity including verbal threats or threatening action on the border. There are a number of potential triggers for such action, including Chinese dissatisfaction with 'progress to democracy' in Hong Kong or disturbances in the Colony deriving from concern about UK policy (eg in relation to right of abode) or from the VBP situation. The possibility of hostile posturing of this sort on the part of the Chinese is perhaps greater now than we thought last autumn.
This prompts the thought that as part of our contingency planning we should take stock on a regular basis of the risks in this area. This is no doubt something on which the FCO could update MISC 140 next time round. Alternatively you might think it worth seeking a JIC assessment.
I am copying this letter to Len Appleyard.
Yours
ever,
Niinlas
SECRET