CONFIDENTIAL
7.
Underlying this perception
is one essential factor:
the Chinese people of Hong Kong think of themselves as
Chinese rather than British, the only exception being a comparatively small number of senior Hong Kongers most of
whom have been educated in the UK.
Some of their
not
that
attitudes, particularly towards the West, are dissimilar from attitudes among the intelligentsia in China proper. If there were a referendum, a very high proportion of Hong Kong Chinese would undoubtedly say
reunification with China wa s right and proper and an
appopriate redress for the humiliations of the 19th
century. It is just that they would rather that this did
not happen while the communists are in power in Peking.
Many of Hong Kong's
Hong Kong's qualified middle
qualified middle class have sought a second passport and place of residence in case this should
be necessary. But being Chinese at heart, most certainly
hope that they will not have to use it.
8.
People do not
do not therefore see the PRC, even a communist
PRC, as as alien a country as we in the West tend to. An
increasing number of them have visited the PRC, and
business and cultural links have increased enomously in
recent years.
There is an instinctive pride in all
overseas Chinese, including Hong Kongers, in
achievements of the Mother land.
the
CONFIDENTIAL
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