TNAG-1036-FCO40-1286-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 73

I.

23 Jan 81

U 2

PRC

HONG KONG COMMUNIST PRESS

3. Based on the second condition and the fact that the lease of the New Territories will expire in 1997, Communist China must make an official indication by 1983 at the latest.

4. In making the indication, it must not offend the dignity of the Chinese nationality. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain Communist China's consistent stand, which is nonrecognition of the unequal treaty signed between Britain and the Qing government.

The above is the principle behind the proposed solution. Communist China can consult with Britain first and issue the following declaration after an agreement is reached.

1. Hong Kong has always been part of China's territories. The various treaties on Hong Kong's territories in 1842, 1860 and 1898 were all signed under unequal conditions. China never has recognized these treaties.

The fact that Hong Kong is currently ruled by Britain is an issue left behind by history. At a suitable, opportune moment, it will be solved through consultation and deliberation.

2.

3. The maintenance of Hong Kong's current political and economic situation is in line with the greatest interest of the Chinese people.

If China wants to take Hong Kong back, it is necessary to raise the issue 15 years before the actual takeover. Before the actual takeover, China must not interfere with Britain's ruling rights in Hong Kong.

4.

5.

The fourth declaration is valid only under the following two situations:

1. Hong Kong is not in danger of being nibbled at and occupied by a foreign power;

2. The Hong Kong Government is not conducting itself as an enemy of the Chinese people.

Explanation of the Proposal

The first and second declarations have always been the consistent stand of Communist China. This is only a reiteration. The key to the declaration lies in the fourth item. Reaffirming this principle can not only eliminate Britain's worry in "1997," but can also avoid embarrassment for Communist China. After the promulgation of this declaration, if Communist China still proposes to take Hong Kong back by 1983, this means that the British rule will continue until at least 1998. Both sides can quietly avoid the date of 1997. If Communist China still does not propose to take Hong Kong back by 1984, this means the British rule can continue to at least 1999.

First,

There are two problems which require thorough consideration in this declaration: if Communist China promises to inform Britain 15 years before the actual takeover of Hong Kong, will it be tying its own hands and feet? In allowing Britain to continue to exer- cise its ruling rights in Hong Kong without any interference, will Communist China damage its own reputation?

First, the so-called tying its hands and feet means that if China wants to take Hong Kong back at once, but has already made a promise and cannot take it back, it has to wait for 15 years. It is possible for such a situation to emerge, but first we must find out under what circumstances China would want to take Hong Kong back at once. The author believes that Communist China will act in this way only in the following situation: 1) Hong Kong is in danger of being seized by a foreign country; 2) Hong Kong is heading toward the road of independence; 3) the British Government allows a foreign country to use Hong Kong as a base to conduct sabotage against China. [paragraph continues]

--བས་བོ་ཀ

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