TNAG-1265-FCO40-1612-Future-of-Hong-Kong-despatch-on--The-Hong-Kong-Negotiations--1983 — Page 14

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Throughout this period, and indeed from early 1982 onwards,

the Chinese, through remarks to eminent visitors, or to journalists, or in meetings with delegations of Hong Kong Chinese, were gradually making their plan for Hong Kong after 1997 known. In its latest most authoritative form this was to become known as the 12-point plan. In essence the Chinese envisaged a Special Administrative Region under Article 31 of their Constitution. Over wide areas the Hong Kong way of life and administrative systems would remain unchanged or little changed. The Special Administrative Region would enjoy a high degree of autonomy, though it was far from clear how the confidence critical to prosperity was to be preserved under the new dispensation. The region was to be governed by Hong Kong Chinese, though foreigners might also be employed. prescription was vague and superficially attractive.

The

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