TOP SECRET
There are on the other hand a number of political disadvantages in our position. China's attitude that the Colony is Chinese
territory to be taken back in due course precludes us from treating it as a candidate for self-government or independence.
We are
There is a
inhibited from developing representative institutions by the danger that any politics in Hong Kong would be the politics of the two Chinus and that a determined Communist minority in a generally apathetic electorate would engineer control of such institutions. widespread awareness of these problems, both within and outside ford aong; but the form of government prescribed for this thriving and progressive community docs stand out as a startling anomaly in
We have, however, our post-war record of colonial administration.
Nations;
21.
met little international criticism on this score even in the United
most of the criticism has been from within this country. Our position in Hong kong is an impediment to the development of better relations with China. The attack on our Mission in Peking was the direct result of our failure to comply with a Chinose ultimatum on the treatment of Communist Press representatives in Hong Kong, Recent exchanges with the Chinese suggest that members of the British Mission and also possibly other British subjects in China are being held us hostages by the Chinese in order to try to secure a change in cur policy of firmness in Hong Kong.
C. WILT ADVANTAGES DOES CHINA DERIVE FROM HONG KONG?
1
Contacts with the Outside World.
Hong Kony provides China with a window on the cutside world, and It has served as with an easy point of access for trade and travel.
a centre from which to mount subversive activities against the free world, particularly in the field of subversive propaganda.
2.
Foreign Exchange Earnings
China earns a large surplus on visible trade with the Colony (£170 millions in 1966). The bulk of China's exports to Hong Kong
there is also a considerable market for
are foodstuffs (40% - 50%);
Chinese textiles, simple machinery and other manufactured goods.
9
TOP SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.