TNAG-1036-FCO40-1286-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 112

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DSR 11C

responsible the potential problem will remain of a

large part of its population pressing at some stage

for admission to the United Kingdom.

b) In Parliament. As in (a), Ministers are answerable

for a range of detailed matters in which they are not

directly involved. With the United Kingdom reluctance

to hang on to our last major colony may grow.

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20. In addition, Hong Kong represents a continuing defence

commitment. The United Kingdom's possession of territory in

a sensitive area increases the risk of our involvement in

international disputes. Above all, there is a constant

danger of friction with China on border and other questions

against which our present good relations with Peking cannot

provide a permanent insurance.

Taking Steps to Leave Hong Kong

21.

If HMG indicated an intention to withdraw there would be

a number of international problems, including possibly

pressure from the US Government not to give up a Western

foothold in the Far East at a time when Soviet influence was

expanding.

Moreover, a unilateral move could well complicate

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Dd 0532000 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell

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