TNAG-0124-FCO40-160-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1969 — Page 16

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be faced with a number of equally grisly courses

of action.

Amongst the recommendations of

K(69)1 (the text of which is annexed for ease of

reference) is that the future of Hong Kong should

be the subject of review at regular intervals.

It is recommended that subject to decision on the

points referred to in paragraph 6 above K(69)1

should be reviewed annually and brought up-to-date

or revised as necessary.

8.

There is a further point which should be

the subject of continuing study. Even if a

negotiation with the Chinese is not undertaken

to alter the status of Hong Kong before the

expiry of the New Territories lease, there is a

need for consideration to be given to suitable

arrangements for an orderly handover of power

to the Chinese Government on the twin assumptions

that H.M.G. decide then fully to withdraw and

that a more reasonable Government is then in

power in Peking.

9.

Insofar as action by the Committee on the

first paper K(69)1 is required I think that this

will be adequately covered by the recommendation

for regular review contained in paragraph 7

above.

10. I draw the attention of my colleagues on the

Committee to the very strict security rules

covering the preparation and circulation of this

paper and the preceding report. Authority has

now been given for one copy of each paper to be

held personally by the Governor of Hong Kong.

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