TNAG-1038-FCO40-1288-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 140

CODE 18-77

2.

3.

Secret

Mr Willions on J 21.4.

1.

Reference....

Futeen of Hong Kong

period stretching beyond, 197

please see the atherbal enquing from leuters, passed to us by Mr Mc Croxy. The writer expostulates that, if the Horry

New Temitones. Cown Lease Kong Government were to isle a ( a sub-let) to bt Chinese Goverment (our landlord)). You it comat constitute, center, British law, on extension of the 1898 leave from China). Wilt a rod and a wink from China, ave would therely to loosed from our

loosed from our legal entinglerent over tenure of the New Temitonces post-1997.

Ales

for the length of 'thit, period

k

poses a for question

(6) The low refeed to is prescerally for domestée Lalings between levillords and tevents. Does it have application to Gxenments and leaves of tenitory som foreign power:

<

(6) Is the 1898 lease a lease as

that as 'rent' is payable) ?

defined in law (mucking

(c) Can the Minere to regarded as the landlord' when they do not

China-based recognise the validity of the leave? Can

L

to taller unte Baitul low as sucessor to a long-defurct

Carpany dynasty?

(2) If our truns post-1997 were this extitliskel, would we not still

need & provide for adminitiation by extension of the Order in Council until the timer wouht not litte?

до

What sont of answer should be given Peuters? Should we wake Mr Rustford for a legal form of words to quare et idea?

the buckford - minute oreleaf.

SECRET Jwikiama

21.4.

Youry 16.4.81.

96