TNAG-1038-FCO40-1288-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 34

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Hong Kong:

with

ник оков

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5

Options for action to deal a lide of

DESK OFFFQfidence.

INDEX

[

PA

Action Taken

(125

Introduction

This paper considers alternative ways in which

action might be taken to restore confidence in Hong Kong if it came under pressure. It starts by looking at the Chinese attitude to the problem and the actions

which they might be prepared to take. It then considers joint actions and unilateral actions on the British

side with tacit Chinese concurrence. In each case the

likelihood of the action being taken, its effects, and

residual problems are considered briefly.

2.

The paper is written in outline form. Further detailed work will be required in particular on the

legal implications of the various options.

The Chinese View

3.

The Chinese neither accept nor have they

abrogated the 19th century treaties on Hong Kong. It

is therefore open to them to disregard 1997 or to cla im

that some change of status must occur. They see Hong Kong in its present form as useful to them now and in

the immediate future. Any formal or legal action to

prolong the status quo into the longer-term future is politically difficult; it risks the accusation of "selling out" China to foreigners. Pressures on the

Chinese leadership are such that they are likely to do the minimum necessary to preserve the advantages they gain from Hong Kong, and to do so in such a way that they minimise the risk of being accused of selling out.

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