TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 102

CONFIDENTIAL

COVERING SECRET

Flag HCL 10/1 1976

to the inhabitants to maintain in their interests what we have

created and encouraged them to rely on in so far as this is possible taking into account that the colony is militarily indefensible". The UK's commitment to Hong Kong was also recognized openly in the preamble to the Defence Costs Agreement with the Hong Kong Govern-

96) ment in December 1975 when HMG "confirmed its continued commitment

to the integrity and security of Hong Kong". More recently, it was acknowledged, indirectly, in Mr Luard's reply to Mr Miller MP's Question on 2 March. This stated that "we will continue to administer Hong Kong in the interests of those who live there".

Flag F

(3)

Flag

4. I recommend that the Governor should be authorized to make the statement that he has proposed. Lord Goronwy-Roberts may consider that he can give the authority sought on the Secretary of State's behalf and I submit a draft telegram based on this assumption. The Green Paper is to be published on 27 April and Hong Kong have asked for a very early reply to this and the other points (which are being dealt with by N & TD) in their telegram no. 375. 9, FED and N & TD concur.

19 April 1977

*cc: PS

Mr Stanley

Mr Brown (N & TD) Mr Popplewell (FED)

f.00. B. Stent.

JA B Stewart

Hong Kong & General Dept

B

Goronwy - Roberts

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