SECRET
reverted to its former posture and China, while never abandoning its claim, has not brought the matter to a point of confrontation.
Comment
6.
/chinese
It is probably fair to say that China's claim to Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories is based primarily on moral arguments. It may be that they/will expect Britain to recognise the moral appeal of their position and would prefer us to make a spontaneous abdication of sovereignty over Hong Kong, rather than for them to propose a statement implying our recognition of their claim.
27 June 1980
SECRET
S. Pares
S Pares
Far East Section
Research Department
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