TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 279

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Arguments for the proposal:

(a)

6.

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

بر

the creation of genuine autonomous internal self-government before 1997 is such a desirable political objective that it ought to be pursued

if at all feasible;

British interests can be effectively preserved" by

the arrangements contemplated;

China would be unlikely to object to a genuine devolution of power by the Colonial power to the people of Hong Kong, provided it was not inconsistent with their plans for the government of the Hong Kong SAR to be in the hands of local people;

assurance to the people of Hong Kong of Britain's continued commitment and influence will be assured by the terms of the new constitutional arrangements, the exercise of the reserved powers of appointment and commission of the Governor, the presence of the British Representative in the Joint Group, the continuation of the British garrison, and the establishment of Resident British Commissioner;

there are few events likely to arise that could not be controlled as readily by the proposed arrangements as by any others that could be devised; minor risks are manageable, major risks would inevitably test to the limit Britain's capacity to discharge her responsibilities.

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