TNAG-0752-FCO40-956-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 252

CONFIDENTIAL

Flag A

Flag B

Flag C

Flag D

Mr Thompson Mr Quantrill Mr Stewart

шеконо Revci:

PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

INUTA

- 1 FER 1973

OFFE

31

ken

It

A

1. You will recall that a Mr Pawson, representing a firm of stockbrokers, recently made enquiries about the future of Hong Kong, ostensibly in connection with investment prospects in Hong Kong after 1997. I was subsequently asked to discover whether recent public statements made by Ministers and officials had disclosed more information than that given to Mr Pawson. was felt that the department could expect to receive an increasing number of similar enquiries in the future, and that a standard line could be evolved to help with public requests for information.

According to our files, public pronouncements on Chinese attitudes to the future of Hong Kong, and HMG's intentions for the Colony, have constantly been cautiously phrased.

2.

3.

Several PQs in the last few years have focused on the problem:- (a) Apparently the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, in a written answer to Sir A Royle's PQ on 6 November 1974, stated that the British Government had no intention of abandoning Hong Kong.

(b) In a written answer to Mr Grist on 26 February 1976, Mr Ennals replied that the Secretary of State had received no representations from China over the altering of the constitution or administrative structure of Hong Kong.

4..

The House of Lords discussed Hong Kong in detail on 1 April 1976. During the debate Lord Goronwy-Roberts referred to the good state of UK/Chinese relations, despite the Chinese view of the "unequal treaties". He said that the Chinese appeared satisfied with the present arrangements and that the UK and Hong Kong Governments would continue to work for higher standards, a strong economy and progress in social welfare, without adopting policies which might prejudice UK/Sino relations.

Mr

5. Mr Skeet put down several relevant PQs on 11 June 1976. Rowlands, in a written answer, told him that the New Territories lease did not cover the question of renewal, and he reiterated that no representations had been received from China on the matter. He also said that "it was not possible to predict what the effect of British passport holders would be should the New Territories lease expire".

(a) On 15 November 1976, Mr Hooley put down a Question asking "what arrangements have been made for local or expatriate pensions or compensation when the lease of the territories adjoining Hong Kong expires?" Mr Luard wrote "consideration has not yet been given to the arrangements which may be necessary in these circumstances".

(b) In a written answer to Hal Miller's PQ on 2 March 1977, Mr Luard stressed that HMG's policy, like that of previous Governments, is to administer Hong Kong in the interests of those who live there.

CONFIDENTIAL

/(c) In the