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annulling the instruments establishing the Government
of Hong Kong. As a result of the financial and trading
consequences that would flow from this legal act, Hong
Kong's economy must wither, and the arrangement which the
Chinese were seeking to impose on us would then cease to
have any value to them.
The
89.
Our conclusion is that this would be a situation in
which we would have to reach decisions in the light of the
circumstances then prevailing, and that it is not one in
which any firm instructions can or need be issued at the
present time. We assume that in such a situation we would
remain in direct unfettered communication with the Governor.
90. There is at present in existence a Dormant Commission
issued to the Commander British Forces (CBF). It was intended
for use in the event of an emergency and when it had become
clear that the situation in the Colony was such that the CBF
should assume overall command, both civil and military.
Commission was drawn up at the time of the Korean War; it was
then conceived that Hong Kong would be defended to the bitter
end and that before the end came the Governor would leave the
Colony. The Commission provides that it comes into operation
at a time to be appointed in writing by the CBF after
consultation with the Governor and with the prior approval
of the Secretary of State (for the Colonies); if, in his
absolute discretion, the CBF is satisfied that it is no
longer practicable to obtain the prior approval of the
Secretary of State, the Commission may be brought into
operation on a date to be appointed in writing by the CBF
after consultation with the Governor.
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/91.
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