TNAG-1138-FCO40-1418-Valedictory-despatch-by-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Ho-1982 — Page 13

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HONG KONG: SIR M MACLEHOSE'S VALEDICTORY DESPATCH OF 17 APRIL 1982

1. This despatch has two functions. The first 12 paragraphs

summarise succinctly Sir Murray's outstanding 10 and a half year's

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governorship. The emphasis is on the efforts, generally successful

to promote the economic, social and political viability of Hong Kong

(both internally and internationally) during a period in which the

question of the future loomed gradually larger. Sir Murray stresses

the pressure to ensure during this period that Hong Kong remained

demonstrably of value to China.

2. The second half deals with the problem of the future and its

possible settlement. Sir Murray describes the movement in the Chinese

position since 1979 but explains the constraints on Peking illustrated

by their stress on the principle of Chinese sovereignty.. He ends

with a recommendation for careful preparation of the ground before

negotiations are opened in order to ensure that the Chinese under-

stand the need for British administration to continue.

3. The despatch thus forms a valuable companion to my submission

of 6 May on the future of Hong Kong as well as background for

Sir Murray's projected called on the Secretary of State and

Lord Belstead next week. I agree with his analysis of the position

on the future. I think he is right that more preparation may be

necessary before negotiations proper can begin. How this should

be achieved will need to be carefully considered in the context of

the Prime Minister's visit to China and Hong Kong, once Ministers

have taken a decision on our aims and negotiating position.

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