TNAG-1037-FCO40-1287-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 169

1.

A

LOA B

า T

ኪ.

1

Reference ............

224011

49

Mr Rushford

Legal Advisers

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: DRAFT PAPER

АКК сис

cuol

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 10 MAR 1981

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

REGISTRY

Action Taken

The Governor has now sent in his comments on the Future of Hong Kong draft paper, a copy of which was sent to Mr Watts in your absence on 23 January (copy attached). I also attach a copy of the Governor's letter and attachments.

2. As you will see from paragraphs 3-5 of his letter and paragraphs 26, 4a and 5b of his commentary, the Governor feels the paper should go deeper, in the form of an annex, into the legal implications of conceding Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong. The points we need to explore in this would be:

a)

b)

c)

3.

what legal basis could be found for the Governor's authority?

where would Hong Kong stand regarding HMG's international agree- ment, such as GATT and air services?

what effect would loss of sovereignty have on the citizenship of Hong Kong belongers?

We have

The timing over this paper is now becoming very tight. to have a re-draft completed by the end of this week, and should therefore be grateful for your comments by noon on 4 March.

2 March 1981

P J Williamson

Hong Kong & General Department 233 4439

K 242

CODE 18-77

SS 8/78

SECRET