TNAG-1259-FCO40-1599-The-Future-of-Hong-Kong---special-study-by-FCO--August-1982--1983 — Page 265

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parate copies

Mr Burrows, Legal Awisers,

Mr Smith

Mr Burton

APR 1983

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HONG KONG STUDY

1.

As you know, the Special Study on Hong Kong prepared

last year before the Prime Minister's trip to the Far East contained a number of annexes outlining the present position in, and the likely effect of possible scenarios on, various key areas of the arrangements under which Hong Kong is now administered.

2.

I would be grateful if you would have a look at these annexes and:-

(a) see if they need amending or updating;

(b)

(c)

3.

Admitte

bøen

consider whether sufficient consideration has been given to the likely effect of Hong Kong becoming a Special Autonomous Region of China,, but still under the ultimate control of HMG; if not, what questions arising from the scenario need to be posed and answered.

Clearly, these issues will have to be considered at a high level by other Whitehall Departments. It would be helpful, however, if you could give initial consideration to the points above. I suggest the following division of labour:

Annex G Annex II

Annex D

Constitutional Position

External Relations

Currency and Finance

Defence and Internal Security

Citizenship, Nationality and Immigration

Annex J

Annex K

Annex L

Legal System

Annex M Annex N Annex O

External Trade

Civil Aviation and Shipping

Crown Land leases in the NT

Mr Barrows Mr Smith Mr Hoare

Mr Hoare

Mr Burton

Mr Burrows

Mr Burton Mr Smith Mr Burrows

4.

I should be happy to discuss any of these at any time. At this stage you should not consult anyone in other FCO Departments or other Whitehall Departments. The point is to work out what areas we need to explore when we get to the stage of wider consultation.

5.

I attach copies of the relevant annexes. Please do not enter these on files and return them to me with your comments. It would be helpful if I could have these by 8 April.

29 March 1983

SECRET

R J F Hoare

Hong Kong and General Department

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