TNAG-0010-FCO40-46-Kowloon-disturbances-1986 — Page 136

(i) China has decided to try to force us to

accept a Macao position in Hong Kong,” If

this is so, she will continue to escalate Hong Kong disturbances to the point when,

in order to remain in Hong Kong, we must

capitulate to whatever demands are made, and,

in effect, accept Chinese domination of Hong Kong. (ii) China has decided to sacrifice the economic

benefits she derives from Hong Kong to Cultural Revolution "purity" of doctrine, and to drive us out

of Hong Kong completely.

(iii) China has made no basic policy decision, but is

trying to achieve some propaganda victory as the

price for calling-off the disturbances. Such

a propaganda gain could relate to the presence.

of American ships and troops from Vietnam on

leave in Hong Kong; or to labour reforms;

or

to the release from prosecution or imprisonment

of the

21

charged with or sentenced

5.

6.

for their role in the riots.

1.

Our aim must continue to be that of restoring order

and peace in Hong Kong.

firmness and restraint.

We have so far acted with both

But the police are now tired, and

it is clear that if disturbances continue we shall have to

use troops. This in itself may provoke Chinese escalation,

both in Hong Kong itself and in mainland China. We must therefore consider HMG's interests very carefully indeed.

aun

both

Λ

!

I convinced that a Macao solution would be unacceptable. It would be damaging to our international prestige (at a very Crucial

we face a number of problems) time when Gibraltar and Aden are presenting several problems). It would be intolerable for the Governor, and impossible in

1

/terms