TNAG-0848-FCO40-1058-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 75

SECRET

W51

Mr Cortazzi PS/PUS

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

PO

HONG KONG IN THE 1980s

1. Following discussión with Mr Cortazzi and Mr Murray, and with the concurrence of FED I submit the attached paper which sets out some of the basic considerations which are likely to affect our policy towards Hong Kong over the next 10 years, and attempts to identify some of the issues with which we and the Hong Kong Government may be confronted. The paper takes into account the possibility that we may be able to achieve a satisfactory solution of the New Territories leases issue, but does not assume that we will do so.

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2. As this paper is intended to be an internal FCO study, I have not thought it necessary to consult the Governor of Hong Kong and HM Ambassador in Peking, or to bring in other Whitehall departments. 3. The paper makes no specific policy recommendations and no

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however be useful as a decisions are sought at this stage. It would however be helpful

forward looking brit for an mcoming Govenment

I suggest that it to know whether Ministers agree with the general line of thinking.

might

achmitted

where they have 4. The Secretary of State may find the paper useful as background

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shorter brif for his forthcoming visit to Hong Kong.

to

our

Ministers

www he

avid

and

provided

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Ады адраги кел

The New Tessiture's

leases.

28 March 1979

Copies to:

Sir A Duff

Mr Murray

Mr Samuel, FED

Mr Braithwaite, Planning Staff

APORP

Ruangwen

RJT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

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