TNAG-1169-FCO40-1449-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 129

SECRET

DSR 11C

4. Objective during visit to get Chinese to agree to

negotiations, if appropriate, spelling out that these

would cover a possible deal on British Administration in

return for acknowledgement of Chinese Sovereignty.

5. Can offer no concession on sovereignty without clear

understanding that it is conditional on continuation of

full powers of British Administration. Can be no question

of Chinese participation in administration either domestic

or international. In any subsequent negotiations (which

would probably be conducted by officials) we must be

prepared for a long haul. Any idea, in Hong Kong or

elsewhere, that we would get agreement quickly is likely

to be disappointed and lead to a serious blow to confidence.

6. Legal position. Full details of legal requirement

would depend on final form of agreement.

is clear:

But the following

a)

b)

acknowledgement of Chinese Sovereignty would require

confirmation by Act of Parliament;

notwithstanding acknowledgement of sovereignty an

agreement with the Chinese which confirmed our

continuing administration and internal responsibility

for Hong Kong would be valid in British and internationa

law. It need not be in the form of a treaty but some

written exchange would be necessary;

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/c)