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a point of friction in our relations with China.
And we are obliged to maintain a garrison there
which would be at serious risk in the event of a
Chinese take-over.
British Responsibilities
(a) We have responsibilities to safeguard the welfare
and interests of about half the population of Hong
Kong (i.e. to about 2 million, nearly all Chinese).
We have a special responsibility to some 100,000
200,000 Chinese who would be particularly vulnerable
to Chinese retaliation or to whom we owe a particular
debt because of their connection with us. In whatever
circumstances we abdicate our position it will be
impossible to discharge all our responsibilities to
the Hong Kong Chinese or to remove or protect all
British and Hong Kong-owned assets (other than a
proportion of the moveable assets).
Chinese Interests
(e) Hong Kong provides China with easy access to the free
world for trade, travel and subversive activities.
Ca
In our hands it is of considerable economic value
to China, accounting for about a third of its total
foreign exchange earnings; while in Chinese hands it
would be almost valueless. However, as China's economy
develops the relative value of Hong Kong.in this
connection could diminish.
(f) There is evidence that these economic considerations
are still regarded as paramount by the more moderate
pragmatic elements who are now extending their influence
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