TNAG-0851-FCO40-1061-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 96

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appointing an official representative in Hong Kong during the

1950s, and have reverted to it from time to time over the

years. British response has consistently been that the time is

not ripe for such a development. This line has been taken

largely for fear that a Chinese representative would become an

alternative focus of authority in the territory, and that his

appointment would be misinterpreted by local opinion as preparatory

to British withdrawal.

11. Chinese Foreign Minister raised the question again with

the Governor in March, warning that it would be taken up with

Dr Owen during the visit which the latter then planned to make

in May.

Very likely that they will raise it again on the current

Chinese claim that the function of the representative would

be to improve cooperation rather than to cause trouble for the

Hong Kong administration.

visit.

(Not for use)

12.

Our objections have lost some of their force in the last

few years.

But appointment of an official Chinese representative

would be a major concession which we should only allow in return

for Chinese concession of real substance (eg as part of a package

in which we received bankable assurances on the continuation of

British administration in Hong Kong after 1997). It should

certainly not be conceded immediately after the Chinese rejection

of our proposals on New Territories leases.

(Can be used freely)

13. In the meantime, Hong Kong Government have been at pains

to ensure that the present informal arrangements (under which

/the

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