TNAG-0445-FCO40-510-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 24

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6.4 It was observed that UK relations with Peking

could be seriously affected if the UK found herself unable to maintain internal security in Hong Kong. Any reinforcement of the garrison (if this suddenly became necessary) would itself be provocative to China.

Especially in view of the uncertainties about China's

future leadership, it would be foolish and short-

sighted to take risks which might complicate Anglo-

Chinese relations.

(that he well understood

6.5

Lord Goronwy-Roberts said the Hong Kong position

was well understood. It was not practicable to rely on external reinforcement in case of emergency. The

was crucial question, and starting-point, had to be the

size of garrison necessary in order to be credible

both externally and internally (with all that internal

credibility implied for Hong Kong's relations with China).

7.

Administration of Justice

7.1

Sir M MacLehose would be discussing this subject with Sir Vincent Evans and Mr Rushford.

8. Corruption

8.1

The Godber case seemed to be proceeding satisfactorily. Lord Goronwy-Roberts and Sir M

MacLehose agreed there was no present need to discuss

this subject.

9.

Sterling

9.1

Sir M MacLehose had discussed this with the

Bank of England and he would also be having discussions

at official level with the Treasury.

asked to be kept

the

to be kept informed

10.

Hong Kong and EEC

10.1

Love G-R

Sir M MacLehose was grateful for what the

Secretary of State had said about Hong Kong in his

major statement on 4 June. He again stressed the

importance to Hong Kong of access to the UK market.

while

Λ

10.2 Lord Goronwy-Roberts said that, the Secretary

of State might not always refer to the whole

every

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