TNAG-0943-FCO40-1162-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 221

CONFIDENTI AL

3. However, representatives of HMG have for a number of years been concerned to avoid making public assertions of British sovereignty over Hong Kong. Such an attitude has

rested on two basic considerations. The first is the

concern for possible Chinese reactions. In an attempt to foster friendly Anglo-Chinese relations, and especially since the admission of China to the United Nations in 1971, HMG has,

wherever possible, avoided giving offence to the Chinese by

asserting Britain's sovereignty over Hong Kong. Thus whilst statements make it clear that Britain reserves its position

regarding absolute responsibility for the administration of Hong Kong, the delicacy of the matter is respected for the sake of Anglo-Chinese relations.

사. A second explanation for HMG's attitude turns on the wisdom of retaining sovereignty over Hong Kong and the question of whether "sovereignty" has been the correct term to use with regard to the New Territories, since these were acquired by lease. Despite Japan's invasion and occupation of Hong Kong during the Second World War, both Mr Churchill and Mr Attlee made it clear that they did not want to see British responsibility for Hong Kong renounced and in August 1945, with the defeat of Japan, the newly re-established British authorities in Hong Kong were instructed to restore "British sovereignty" over the Colony. Subsequently, however,

Foreign Office posts were instructed to take the line that, while British possession of Hong Kong needed "no apology or justification", the question of its status should be mentioned as little as possible. This attitude was again reflected in a guidance telegram to Foreign Office posts in July 1964 which advised that "the question of sovereignty over the leased territories [of Hong Kong] is not entirely free from doubt

It is not considered advisable to make a wholesale denial of Chinese claims to sovereignty".

5. Doubts as to ultimate sovereignty over the New Territories derives from the fact that the lease agreed in 1898 was of limited duration. On expiry of that lease, it could be argued, the New Territories would revert to Chinese sovereignty. Nevertheless, during the period of the lease,

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