TNAG-1142-FCO40-1422-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 139

3

DSR 11C

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Question:

How do you intend to ascertain the views of the

people of Hong Kong?

Answer:

Obviously the wishes of the people of Hong Kong would be

taken into account. The Hong Kong Government already has

well-tried machinery for ascertaining public opinion.

Question:

!

Is HMG considering a 'lease-back' for Hong Kong on

the lines previously mooted in the context of the

Falkland Islands?

Answer:

No conclusions have been reached.

[If pressed] Of course the position in Hong Kong and

the Falklands is different in that part of the territory

is covered by a lease arrangement but this should not

be taken as prejúdging the solution.