towards self-government and independence.
This is because the C.P.G. have made it clear
that they regard Hong Kong as part of China
to be taken back "at the appropriate time".
Meanwhile, they are prepared to let the
'status quo' continue but are quick to take offence at any suggestion (even a reference to
Hong Kong, as being a "country" is sufficient)
any
of change in Hong Kong's constitutional
status. The idea that Chinese citizens of
Hong Kong should be created British peers and
take their seats in the House of Lords would
undoubtedly give to the Chinese Peoples'
Government the impression that H.M.G. were
trying to bind Hong Kong more closely to
themselves against the time when the lease of the
New Territories expires in 1997. This would
undoubtedly provoke a sharp Chinese reaction
and cause even further deterioration in
Sino-British relations, probably with
unpleasant consequences for Hong Kong.
4. Paragraph 5(iv).
Peers from the might
dependent territories would not only be equa113
They awards their tentones
vociferous critics of the British Government
Could also
they would (at any rate in the case of
Hong Kong) be equally vociferous critics of
W
their own local Governments. This gould greally complicate the l'ash of adimenestration in the other
make things very difficult for the latter and - territories concerned.
more particularly for the Governors themselves.-
5. I think the above comments make it dear that we had this de
an
not! in
in apoy
not
maintioned
4 out
the Perposal
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