TNAG-1036-FCO40-1286-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 109

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SECRET -13-

DSR 11C

Kong Chinese who were Citizens of the United Kingdom and

Colonies (later Citizens of the British Dependent Territories

under proposed legislation). But arrangements couldbe made

for a Chinese representative to play a part in the

administration.

However, Chinese government participation

would be regarded with great suspicion by the Hong Kong

population and by investors.

It would be seen by many as

the prelude to a sell-out. It would be very difficult to

allay such fears by a general understanding which simply

emphasised Peking's support for stability in the Territory.

Probably only a new written agreement or an official state-

ment by the Chinese Government that a separate administration

under Britain would continue would be sufficient.

Such a

formal undertaking is most unlikely.

16. Even if the confidence problem could be overcome,

the

position of the Hong Kong Government would be made almost

untenable by any move which allowed the Peking Government

a real say on policy in the Territory.

It is, of course,

that in practice the Governor ensures that some major

changes are explained to Peking,

SECRET

usually through the

/Political

Dd 0532000 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell

tru