TNAG-1040-FCO40-1290-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 23

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Reference........

20.1)

(200

・The suggestions

appear all

right, except I don't fully agree with

9th Para 10

reversal.

I have a few observations on the draft paper which I set out below. I am sorry I have not been able to let you have these before but hope they may still be of value.

Para.2, last sentence: Delete and substitute:

'They have given no indication that they would acquiesce in any formal or legal action which would prolong British administration. It is not clear whether they would be willing to do so in return for recognition by the United Kingdom of Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong. (We cannot envisage any other political concession on Britain's part which might induce the Chinese to accept continued British authority in Hong Kong)'

Para.3, 4th sentence: delete: Taiwan substitute:

...

flag' and

.. The Nationalists on Taiwan must accept reunification with the People's Republic of China (thus renouncing their claim to represent the "Republic of China")!.

3/11

delete 'its', substitute 'their' before 'armed forces'

last sentence: in place of 'the relinquishing of' substitute: 'recognition of Chinese'

I suggest the para. should be rearranged to begin with the existing 3rd sentence and conclude with the first sentence, since this covers a secondary point. (2nd sentence could be dropped).

Para.4, last sentence: amend to begin: 'Although continuation of a leadership committed to a pragmatic approach seems the more likely, we cannot

Delete and less pragmatically'.

Para.5, 3rd sentence: delete 'probably' substitute 'may'

After point C,

Para.7. It is not clear what Chinese assumptions are. I suggest deleting the first two sentences and 'Neither is true' in the 3rd sentence. add: 'The Chinese do not seem to give sufficient weight to these considerations'.

Para.9, last sentence: Delete 'Alternatively

probably and substitute: 'It is possible but by no means certain that!.

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Para.10: B seems to me more difficult for the Chinese than C. The order might be reversed.

CODE 18.77

E (pages 7-8) should the point be spelt out here that such action would be open to legal challenge unless accompanied by legislation to provide for administration beyond 1997?

SECRET

/Para.13