TNAG-1431-FCO40-1914-Sensitivity-review-of-FCO-records-on-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 54

End 1988

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Sevrilmly Review hi 24/6

35

HONG KONG DEFENCE

The entire question of the future of Hong Kong is a matter of the utmost delicacy not only in terms of internal confidence in the territory but also in regard to our relations with China. Most of the reactions to Chinese military intentions towards Hong Kong even 30 years ago would be harmful to both.

2.

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There are signs that the Chinese are worried about possible future Russian intentions towards Hong Kong. A public airing of her plans 30 years ago which involved abandonment could only make them jittery about the ultimate security of Hong Kong and could affect their thinking on the future of the territory which we cautiously believe may be favourable towards continued British administration for a long time to come). We may be soon be entering into a period of protracted delicate negotiations on the subject which could only be affected adversely by the release of such papers.

3.

4. Doubts expressed about the reliability of the Hong Kong Volunteer Force, the Chinese in the Civil Service and the Chinese population in general would rightly give offence to many Hong Kong Chinese who have loyally served the Crown and Hong Kong in the intervening period. Some senior serving Chinese officers will have already started their careers in the period covered by the papers.

5.

6. Any papers referring to HMG considering the surrender of the new territories

Previously they were to China before the expiry of the lease should be withheld. flagged for reference to Hong Kong department but in view of the current situation it is obvious that these should now be withheld.

7.

have recently regretted allowing us to release mi the past The department recently called us to task over the release of some papers papees about Kowloon Wall City. Previously they had not placed any embargo on these

Any mention of Kowloon Walled papers but now seen sorry that they have done so.

City should therefore be flagged so that the department can consider their release.

Walled

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR ....4...YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION NO. LIG).....

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27 JUN 1985

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