TNAG-0010-FCO40-46-Kowloon-disturbances-1986 — Page 137

7.

8.

terms

attan's

Ꭺ

of my responsibility for Hong Kong (in Parliament.

This being so, it follows that if China is

embarking upon course (i), our resistance to it will

compel her to resort to (ii) or (iii). If she has

счи

decided, or later decides upon (ii), an alternatives

would be to resist - which could would mean war - or

to withdraw.

Withdrawal would represent an unpleasant recognition

of the realities of the situation. I am very much

concerned that if this proves inevitable, our decision to

withdraw should be so made and so implemented as to

preserve as much of our dignity as is possible. ΤΟ

scuttle out hastily under intensive Chinese pressure

would be intolerable.

I therefore propose to inform

my colleagues if my information should lead me to the

belief that withdrawal is likely to be inevitable, and

I am in the meantime preparing contingency plans

for withdrawal, in consultation with the Secretary of

State for Defence.