TNAG-1308-FCO40-1665-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 117

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference...

vi) To carry out a policy of freedom of religious belief, and to respect the religous beliefs and customs and habits of the Tibetan people.

xii) In accordance with the actual conditions in Tibet, to gradually develope Tibet's agriculture, animal husbandry, industry and commerce, and culture and education.

The aim of the article was naturally to justify Chinese actions in Tibet but it was probably more than that. In early January the Chinese press was conducting a massive united front campaign, aimed at promoting China's message for reunification with Taiwan (and by extension Hong Kong). The author of the article, Wang Feng, would be very well aware of the implications of what he was writing. Not only did he serve in Tibet immediately after the 1959 rebellion, but he is also Head of the Central Committee's Leading Group in change of implementing the policy on the relatives of those who went over to Taiwan.

3.

I do not wish to suggest reading too much into this article, but it strikes me as an interesting indication of the points the Chinese consider important and worth high- lighting when reunification is being dealt with. Thus the impression given by the article's summary of the agreement, is that once China's overall sovereignty (including responsibility for defence and foreign affairs) is acknowledged, a wide degree of autonomy will be allowed. It is also interesting for the omission of the undertaking not to alter the political system, to preserve the functions and powers of the Dalai Lama, and to allow Tibetan officials to hold office as usual (including those who had been pro-kuomintang or pro-imperialist provided they broke with their past). The summary generally follows closely the original wording of the Seventeen-point agreement. Point five, however, of the summary differs significantly from its model (article 11 of the Agreement). Point five states that reform is necessary whereas the agreement said "in matters related to various reforms in Tibet, there will be no compulsion on the part of the central authorities".

RF Wye