TNAG-0122-FCO40-158-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 134

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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.

We conclude

89. Our conclusion is

[is]

that this would be a situation in

Wand hawks to be Nakam to taken which we

we would have to reach decisions in the light of the circumstances then prevailing, and fat it is not one in

There is [s-present]i

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.

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. The

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 co

conės

hes 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.