TNAG-0041-FCO40-77-Future-Sovereignty-of-Hong-Kong-Defence-Review-Working-Party-1967 — Page 146

OPD (67) 20th Mtg.

25/5/1967

SECRET

Extract from minutes of a meeting of the

Defence and Oversea Policy Committee held on 25/5/67

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'We could not resist a determined attempt to force us out altogether, nor could we tolerate a situation similar to that in Macao. Our resistance to the latter might compel China to resort to driving us out. A study of the implications of a sudden withdrawal from Hong Kong should now be set in hand.'

'In considering the wider problems posed by Hong Kong, the point was made that while Hong Kong was of greater economic value to China than to the United Kingdom, there appeared to be a difference of view within the Chinese Government about whether the present status of Hong Kong should be maintained. An element in Peking appeared willing to sacrifice the economic benefits China derived from Hong Kong to the purity of doctrine of the "cultural revolution". We could not rely on remaining in Hong Kong on present terms until our lease of the New Territories lapsed. We should therefore consider what adaptations of the status of Hong Kong might be possible and desirable after the conclusion of the present conflict in Vietnam. We should also consider what steps would be necessary if we were forced to evacuate the Colony.'

(3)

'Invited the Commonwealth Secretary, in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Defence Secretary, the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to arrange for officials to consider our policy in respect of Hong Kong in the long term, on the lines indicated in discussion.'

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