TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 276

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4.

?

3.

the proposed changes.

sovereignty, an earnest

This would be a symbol of

of

continuing British responsibility for the security of Hong Kong, an instrument for exercising the responsibility for defence against external threat,

and a valuable force that could come to the aid

of the civil power in maintaining internal security and good order. In practice, CBF would be able

to monitor and report upon the conduct of government,

and to bring influence to bear upon the Governor

if conflicts with the interests of HMG appeared

to be developing.

The proposals are not inconsistent with the simultaneous establishment by HMG of a British

presence in Hong Kong. A ResidentBritish Commissioner's office could be established to

fulfil before 1997 some of the functions proposed

within the SAR set out in para 5 of the draft

Annex on External Relations (British travel

documents, trade promotion etc). This could

serve as a channel of communication between

HMG and the Governor and a further source of

political advice and influence.

The merits and demerits of the proposal:

The merits include:

(i)

innovation of genuinely autonomous internal self- government before 1997 is a necessary political goal and appears to be consistent with Chinese plans for Hong Kong after 1997;

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