TNAG-0337-FCO40-373-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster--Sir-Geoff-1972 — Page 81

CONFIDENTIAL

However, there have been frequent and plain indications that

the Chinese People's Government expect the "status quo" in

Hong Kong to be maintained and by this they mean that they

would not accept any advancement of the Colony along the nor-

mal progression towards self-Government and independence.

All the evidence suggests that any major constitutional changes

on these lines (which might imply that Hong Kong could have a future other than reincorporation in China) would provoke a

violent reaction from the Chinese People's Government.

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department

August 1972

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CONFIDENTIAL