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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
directly involved.
Within
not
the United Kingdom reluctance
to hang on to our last major colony may grow.
27. 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
28. 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. If Peking opposed the move and were not prepared to cooperate over transitional arrangements and over
it could be reassuring the population about their future
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Dd 0532000 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell
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