TNAG-1037-FCO40-1287-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 111

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SECRET

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DSR 11C

that the time was not ripe for such a move.

c) Participation in the Administration of Hong Kong.

This might be an extension of a request for a Chinese

representative. Peking could suggest that the

representative's functions should go beyond a quasi-

'diplomatic' role. This might be done in a number

of ways, eg:

i) a right to represent the interests of the

ii)

Chinese population of Hong Kong (whatever their

legal status in the eyes of HMG);

The right of consultation by the Governor on

major decisions of policy;

iii) A seat on the Executive and/or Legislative

Councils.

HMG's Response

Sovereignty

Should HMG contemplate relinquishing its sovereignty

wonet

over Hong Kong it will need to do so by Act of Parliament.

Continued British administration of the territory, under any

arrangement arrived at with the Chinese, would be best

provided for under the same Act, as would the future citizen-

SECRET

/ship