I
subjects increases.
PagS8 203CRETPage 18 of 2034.
The problem is also compounded by
uncertainties over the succession to Mao Tse-tung in
China. This paper attempts to outline a strategy for the
handling of the problem over the next decade, and is
divided into six sections dealing respectively with the
interests of the people of Hong Kong, the British
interest in Hong Kong; the Chinese interest; and Hong
Kong's external relations, internal policies and relations
with the United Kingdom. The main conclusions are:
(a) that there is little or nothing that can be
done to settle Hong Kong's long term future until
the next generation of Chinese leaders have emerged
and their policies heen established but meanwhile
HMG should avoid any action that may cause China
to make difficulties for the Colony;
(b) that meanwhile we shall need to plan a strategy of
social and institutional reform in consultation with
the Hong Kong Government for completion by the mid-
1980s; and
(c) that great care will need to be exercised both by
Hong Kong and HMG to maintain the link between them.
The Interests of the People of Hong Kong
3.
Unlike any other Colony Hong Kong does not
contain a conquered population. It is a population which
has voluntarily gone to live there to enjoy the conditions
we have created. When the territory was
Page 18 of "re only 5,000 in and there are
esact
inhabita‡ão
acquired there
non nowage 1
million
203
Nor