TNAG-1038-FCO40-1288-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 155

kana na kuandamana la data entendan RANDE RASTROGRAMAS NIATURAS MEMBATANTES, PAPÍRON and Mã počeodukt

MACAU

SECRET

a

The Portuguese established a settlement in Macau in 1557. The original arrangements for their

presence are lost in historical obscurity.

For many years the Portuguese paid rent, or "tribute", to China and a Chinese mandarin was stationed in the territory with varying degrees of actual and claimed control over

the local inhabitants. In 1845 the Governor refused

to continue paying ground rent and turned out the Chinese

customs.

2.

The status of Macau was not clarified legally until 1887 when, by treaty, the Chinese confirmed "the

perpetual occupation and government of Macau and its dependencies by Portugal as any other Portuguese possession". Portuguese sovereignty was to some extent limited by another clause which stipulated that the territory of Macau should not be alienated by Portugal without the agreement of China. This clause was included. to meet British fears about another power becoming established too close to Hong Kong.

3.

The 1887 treaty is not now quoted by the

Portuguese as their title to Macau. For instance, the official Macau Year Book has, since the 1950s, made no reference to it. Instead, the Portuguese imply that their claim to Macau is based on long tenure.

4.

The present Chinese position is that Macau is Chinese territory, occupied by Portugal. In official statements it is linked with Hong Kong as a historical problem to be settled "when conditions are ripe".

5.

The 1933 Portuguese constitution defined Macau

as an integral part of Portuguese territory. This was changed when the present constitution was introduced in

naw constitution says that "the territory of Macau, under Portuguese administration, shall be governed by a statute in keeping with its special situation".

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/contd.