TNAG-1142-FCO40-1422-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 104

Mr. Giffard

Ps/ Lond

Bels road

7

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AM

Mr Donald minute.

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Ford Felstead

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HONG KONG AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS CRISIS

Problem

1.

cc Mr Elliott, FED

SAMD

News Department Planning Staff Mr Burrows, Legal

Advisers

The Falkland Islands crisis may lead to closer Parliamentary

and public scrutiny of HMG's policy on other Dependent Territories,

particularly Hong Kong.

Recommendation

2.

I recommend that:

see (19)

+/20

6%

A

i) the defensive line to be taken by News Department and

Ministers in answer to enquiries should be that there is

no parallel to be drawn between the Falkland Islands and

Hong Kong cases; and

ii) the attached set of answers to likely questions be drawn

on if Ministers are pressed.

FED, SAmD and Legal Advisers concur.

Background and Argument

3.

Immediately following the invasion of the Falkland Islands

there was some Parliamentary and press concern about the impli-

cations for Hong Kong. It is likely that this may intensify.

The references to a 'Hong Kong style' lease-back of the Falkland

Islands may encourage this.

4.

We have consulted Peking and Hong Kong FCO Telegrams Nos 246

and 247. It is clear from Hong Kong Telegram Nos 354 and 378 that

Hong Kong would much prefer us not to go beyond the line that

Auesti

[uestions are either hypothetical or that there is no analogy

between Hong Kong and the Falkland Islands. This is certainly

the line that News Department should take and should, I recommend

be the first line for Ministers.

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