TNAG-0280-FCO40-316-Visit-of-Parliamentary-under-Secretary-of-Foreign-and-Common-1970 — Page 51

CONFIDENTIAL

Note No. 8

VISIT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY, MR. ROYLE,

TO HONG KONG

OCTOBER 1970

BACKGROUND NOTE

CHINESE POLICY TO7RDS HONG KONG

Chinese Ains

The Chinese regard Hong Kong (both the ceded and leased areas) as Chinese territory, which will eventually return to China. They are aware that the Colony cannot be defended for any significant length of time against a determined Chinese attack or against local Communist-inspired disturbances, reinforced by substantial military intervention from China. any case the Chinese have at their disposal ample means of

But for the making difficulties for the Hong Kong Government.

In

time being the Chinese are prepared to accept the existence of the Colony in its present form, since it brings them considerable economic and political advantages.

2.

They have

While the Chinese Government are content for reasons of self-interest to accept the status quo, there are certain questions on which they are particularly sensitive. always been quick to react to any action by the Hong Kong Government which they considered a threat to communist education,

But provided that due heed is schools, trade unions or press. paid to their known susceptibilities, the Chinese are likely to

CONFIDENTIAL

/acquiesce