SECRET
3.
Some of remaining papers fall into a relatively
non-controversial category although they may still raise difficult
issues.
They are:
(i) Land
(ii) Civil Aviation
(iii) Shipping
(iv) Treaties
4.
The remainder will deal with more complex questions either
directly connected with the central problem of Hong Kong's future government system and relationship with China or raising issues likely to affect confidence fundamentally. They are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Nationality and Citizenship
Defence and Internal Security
The Public Service
Central Government Structures
Land &
securită
5.
Both Sir P Cradock and Sir E Youde have urged that we
accelerate the presentation of working papers to the Chinese in
order to keep up the momentum. Peking in particular would like us
to put in at least one paper from the more controversial category
at or before the next round. The Hong Kong EXCO are less convinced.
Some members see a risk of our being hustled by Chinese pressure.
The right answer is to get on with the papers as quickly as we can
while still being thorough and clear about our aims. We should be
Jual comble to complete the paper on Land in time to present it at the next
mean round and some of the other less complex papers shortly thereafter.
Where the paper on treaties is concerned, there is a difference of
approval between ourselves and the Governor, which we hope will be
resolved during the latter's visit to London.
6.
It is not likely that we shall get any of the more
controversial papers ready by the next round. The present position
is:
(a) Nationality and Citizenship. Draft agreed with Hong Kong and
Peking. About to be submitted to Mr Luce. Not yet considered
by Home Office. Several tricky points for ministerial decision particularly the possible retention of a form of British nationality by BDTCS with transmitability for one generation.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.