22/3C
Hhn
014/1
Love Pray Seal from 24/3
Mr Giffard
O
X
PS/Low Privy Scale
“CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG ANNUAL REVIEW 1981
1.
ANNUAL
PA
Pas 2913
257
see (3
The Review gives a remarkably encouraging picture of Hong
Kong's position although Sir M MacLehose points out a number of
continuing problems. The future of Hong Kong now dominates public
discussion. There are increasing expectations of a solution before
too long. The Governor rightly urges restraint in tackling this
The fact that relations between the United Kingdom and
Hong Kong on the one hand and China on the other are excellent does
not mean that a solution will be quick or easy.
subject.
2. The Governor emphasises the difficulties which arose in 1981
in relations between London and Hong Kong, particularly over the
Nationality Bill. He warns of the possibility of another row over
the bilateral negotiations under the extended Multi-Fibre Arrangement
(MFA). Hong Kong is indeed likely to become increasingly sensitive
to alleged signs of indifference or even hostility towards the
Territory on the part of HMG, and this attitude will not be helped
as worry about the future grows. As the Governor points out,
the problem is partly one of getting over to people in Hong Kong
the fact that the present administration is in fact highly
favourable towards Hong Kong. In addition to the Ministers to
whome he refers, Sir Murray himself has done a great deal to
hammer this point home.
3. There are indications in the despatch that the Nationality Act
issue may not lie down. It is worrying that paragraph 10 suggests
that the question of nomenclature used to describe British
Dependent Territories' Citizens in passports may be raised again.
/Legal
CONFIDENTIAL
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