TNAG-0123-FCO40-159-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 35

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

867040

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It is important to do this when not under Chinese pressure and before the economy of the Colony starts to run down as it well may in the 1980s.

(4) Meanwhile we should show firmly that we intend to maintain our position there, giving no indication that we contemplate withdrawal. To this end we should keep under inter-departmental review what means we may have from time to time of countering any renewed Chinese pressure.

(5) We should consider separately whether to seck

American support and understanding for the policies

we desire to adopt.

(6) The likely effects in the Colony of the approach of

1997 should be discreetly studied locally and policy in Hong Kong reviewed in the light of the results. (7) At regular intervals and at any time the Chinese

regime or attitude towards the Colony change significantly, future policy towards the Colony should be reviewed, in consultation with the

Governor.

(8) In the event of an armed attack the Colony should

remain under civil control. The Dormant Commission (under which the Governor would in certain

circumstances hand over to the Commander, British Forces) should accordingly be revoked.

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