TNAG-0848-FCO40-1058-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 50

SECRET

They

issues mentioned are more likely to be raised than others. would have to be dealt with in the light of circumstances at the time. In considering them the guiding principle will be to avoid making concessions which would raise doubts about the British commitment to Hong Kong and thereby lead to a loss of confidence. (a) would be particularly difficult unless it were linked with firm and public Chinese assurances that the status quo would

continue for a very long time.

INTERNAL POLICY

The

10. It has become apparent over the years that the Chinese expect the British and Hong Kong Governments to act in accordance with certain unwritten ground rules in administering Hong Kong. more important of these might be summarised as follows:

(a) There can be no question of independence for Hong Kong.

Changes which could be interpreted by the Chinese

(b)

K

Government or by the local population as moves in that direction are ruled out;

The policies of the Hong Kong Government must be consistent with China's international interests. In

particular:

Official

(i) The activities of the Chinese Nationalists and their supporters must be strictly controlled. representatives of the Nationalist regime must be kept out of the territory, and Nationalist intelligence and subversive organisations must be prevented from conducting operations directed against the mainland from or through Hong Kong (trading, civil aviation and private links are however acceptable);

(ii) Similarly (and in present circumstances more

importantly) the Russians and their East Europe and other allies must be prevented from establishing a foothold in the territory, and from using it as a base for intelligence and other activities; (c) Supporters of the People's Republic of China in Hong

Kong must not be subjected to political restrictions,

- 5-

SECRET