3
(75
香港總督 府
II
TS 2/1126/50
Davies.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE HONG KONG
2018
Pe. opcor
Decor Michael
16th August 1973
R.K. 28. MW/2
OFFICIAL CHINESE REPRESENTATION IN LONG KONG
B
Addis's letter to you of 6 August comments on Hervey's letter of 23 July to Stratton about Chinese representation in Hong Kong. We bave already sent our comments, on lines agreed by the Governor before he left, in Stratton's letter to Hervey of 7 Lugust.
2.
1
The Ambassador refers to llong Kong without official Chinese representation as an anomaly and an anachronism. I would say rather that one can make out a case that it is the position of Hong Kong, with or without a representative, which is the anomaly and the anachronism, continuation of which for the foreseeable future is nevertheless in the interests of all concerned. The present arrangements for conducting relations between Hong Kong and China are adequate. And there are no sources of friction which we can be sure that the appointment of a representative would do anything to
remove.
3.
The appointment of a representative would give face to the CPG's operations in liong Kong, and perhaps infer some official acceptance of their claim to sovereignty over this Colony. There would be a short term gain for Hong Kong and MG in terms of Chinese goodwill. But we have no doubt that this would be heavily outweighed by the immediate loss of confidence in Hong Kong and its future which would follow the representative's appointment. And it would not be long before grave embarrassment ensued caused both by his activities and by other activities for which he would become a focus. We cannot have two Governors of long Kong, which is what will occur. And while his appoint- ment might give a temporary appearance of official approval of Hong Kong's present status, I think it hazardous to argue from that to the smooth evolution of Hong Kong towards 1997.
1.
A
7
The Ambarrandorra interpretation of Chinorit silence, in paragraph 2 of his letter of & August, maty
K.M. Wilford Esq., CMG,
CRET
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