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PLANNING PAPER ON HONG KONG
SUMMARY
1.
Hong Kong is a difficult political problem, which
is likely to become more acute as 1997 approaches. There are
both advantages and disadvantages to Britain in the present
connection. Even if the ultimate British interest may be to
disengage, meanwhile the over-riding consideration must be the
interests of the inhabitants of Hong Kong. All policies must
take this into account and aim at ensuring the maximum
prosperity and stability in Hong Kong at the time when
negotiations with China for Hong Kong's future must be
undertaken.
2.
Hong Kong is of great practical value to the CPR.
They have publicly declared that Hong Kong is Chinese territory
and that the problem will be settled when the time is ripe.
They are likely to be satisfied with the status quo for the
foreseeable future. We shall need to discuss the future of
the Colony with China well before 1997 probably in the mid 1980s. There is positive disadvantage in seeking to open
discussions meanwhile.
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3.
Meanwhile the Colony's own very considerable market for
imported capital and consumer goods could be of more practical
advantage to the UK if it was exploited more vigorously by
British exporters.
4.
The Paper suggests endorsement of a general policy
for social progress, most aspects of which have been accepted
in principle by the Hong Kong Administration, though there are
some which require further discussion with the Governor. The Paper proposes an enlargement of the Legislative Council and the
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