TNAG-0123-FCO40-159-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 99

power. We have indicated in paragraph 79 why we do not consider the ceded territory to

be viable without the leased territory (although this ought

to be re-examined much nearer

the time, taking account of changed circumstances).

It is

Gn for lection we feel that

this strict interpretation of

our terms of reference should

spelt out

Le

be mentioned and suggest the

following redraft of paragraph I of the paperio

"An interim report

(OFD(67)61) was prepared in July 1967 on the prospects for

withdrawal from Hong Kong if it were suddenly forced upon us.

We were further instructed

(OPD(67) 20th Meeting) to

examine policy in the long term

on the basis that we could not

rely on remaining in Hong Kong on present terms until the lease of the New Territories lapsed in 1997 and should

therefore consider what adapta-

tions of its status might be possible and desirable after the conclusion of the present

conflict in Vietnam. We have

interpreted our terms of

reference as excluding from our

consideration the situation that

would face us in 1997 should we

then still be in possession of

Hong Kong. This is a situa-

tion which in our view can only be usefully examined much nearer

the time in the light of the

attitude and intentions of

whatever Chinese government may then be in power."

/ Paragraph 2(c)

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN