TNAG-0848-FCO40-1058-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 76

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Mr Cortazzi

PS/PUS

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts PS

HONG KONG IN THE 1980s

1.

Hkkowol

INDEX

HOG.STRY NO.

1 2 APR 1979

PA

RE

No 227.4 A

Following discussion 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.

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 decisions are sought at this stage. It would however be helpful to know whether Ministers agree with the general line of thinking.

The Secretary of State may find the paper useful as background for his forthcoming visit to Hong Kong.

4.

Rangemen

28 March 1979

Copies to:

Sir A Duff

R JT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

Mr Murray

Mr Samuel, FED

Mr Braithwaite, Planning Staff

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