TNAG-1037-FCO40-1287-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 120

SECRET

-18-

DSR 11C

1

Kong Chinese who were Citizens of the United Kingdom and

become

Colonies (to / Citizens of the British Dependent Territories

theoretically be

Дmas

under proposed legislation). But arrangements could. /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.

23. Even if the confidence problem could be overcome, the

and that of the Secretary of State

vis a vis Parliament

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. In practice

the Governor ensures that any changes which might be open to

misinterpretation are explained to Peking, usually through the

SECRET

/Political

Dd 0532000 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell

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