TNAG-0753-FCO40-957-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 32

SECRET

11. It seems quite unecessary to cross this bridge now, since the matter cannot become a live issue for more than 18 years.

When the time comes, it would, if necessary, be an easy matter to remove by Order in Council any doubts that might then exist about the powers of the Hong Kong legislature, but the necessity or desirability of doing this could best be judged in the light of all the circum- stances prevailing at the time, including the political

circumstances.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

21 November 1978

SECRET