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TOP SECRET
20. Since there can be no local consultation, we would propose to draw on the local knowledge of persons in Whitehall. We suggest that a small team should be established in the Commonwealth Office, containing an officer with local civilian experience of Hong Kong and representatives of the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence, As soon as the Commonwealth Office have consulted the Governor of Hong Kong (who is at present on leave in Britain) this tean should be assembled with instructions to produce an urgent plan. It may be necessary for one or two members of the team to visit Hong Kong covertly for personal discussions with the Governor and the Commander, British Forces. It must, however, be recognised that the absolute requirements of secrecy prevent us from making an effectively
Any detailed plan and the Governor from making preparations on the spot. plan would have inherent weaknesses; nevertheless we cannot afford not to plan to save as much as we can if we are driven out.
21.
This study of the physical problems of evacuation needs to be accompanied by another, to be done by the Treasury with help from the Bank of England and the Board of Trade, on the emergency action needed to rescue our financial and other assets. The results of this study will be
Meanwhile we propose submitted at the same time as the evacuation plan.
to continue with the long-term study referred to in paragraph 2 which will cover both the problems of continued Chinese pressure which we succeed in withstanding in the immediate situation and the longer-tern problems which will in any event arise from the ending in 1997 of the leases of the New
Territories.
Recommendation
We seek the approval of Ministers to the putting in train of the contingency planning for evacuation proposed in paragraphs 20 and 21.
22.
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No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.