TNAG-0249-FCO40-285-Effect-of-entry-of-UK-into-EEC-on-exports-from-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 115

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CONFIDENTIAL

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attack, Local opinion regards the existence of British

troops stationed in Hong Kong as an assurance of our

intention to maintain our position in the Colony. The

principal role of the Garrison is to assist in maintaining

internal security and local confidences if either were to

slip the Chinese People's Government would be quito

exploit the situation and our position could rapidly

beeeme untenable. Relations between HMG and the Hong

Kong Government have been at a low ebb for some years.

The Colony's unique position is largely responsible for

this. Although, in economic terms, Hong Kong is by any

standards both mature and highly sophisticated there can

be no constitutional progress towards self-government in

The Climent Government. ham made clear the Colony since there have been frequent and plain

that it could war countenance the granting of independence indications that the Chinese People's Government experts to the under V.N. or any other auspices.

the constitutional status que to be maintained.

i

10. Hong Kong's remarkable record of economic expansion and

material progress in the last decade has engendered a

strong feeling in the Colony that Hong Kong knows best what

is good for it and in particular for its rather unique

economy. The unofficial members of Legislative Council,

supported by public opinion as expressed in the non-

communist press, are therefore inclined to argue that

Britain should not interfere in local affairs. However,

the constitutional position being what it is and must

remain, HMG cannot abrogate their responsibilities to

Parliament for the administration of the Colony.

11. Future relations between HMG and the Hong Kong Government

will depend almost entirely on the extent to which the

/Hong Kong