TNAG-1431-FCO40-1914-Sensitivity-review-of-FCO-records-on-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 83

CODE 18-77

Mr Powell HKD

LRR 334/4

Reference...

20

Your ref HKK 444/1

CONFIDENTIAL

RELEASE OF UK DOCUMENTS CONCERNING HONG KONG

1. In an attempt to eliminate the risk of arousing local sensitivities in Hong Kong by the release of UK documents under the 30 year rule, we are issuing new guidelines to our Sensitivity Review Unit.

2.

We are allocating responsibility for the review of Hong Kong related records to Sir John Lambert and he will contact you shortly for a briefing. As far as written guidance is concerned, we have listed the following subjects for embargo or reference to you before release:

(a) Law officers opinions

(b)

Defence, including potential reactions to attack on Hong Kong and possible abandonment of the territory.

(We have already asked MOD to refer to us any papers on these topics before release)

(c)

Kowloon Walled City

(d)

(e)

3.

References to repatriation of assets to the UK in the event of a crisis

Doubts expressed about the reliability of the Hong Kong Volunteer Force, the Chinese in the Civil Service or Chinese population in general.

There are probably more which you will wish to add. You may also consider some of the above are no longer sensitive and may be released. It would be helpful if you could amend the list as necessary, giving an indication of the action required; eg 'refer to Department' 'withhold' etc. Please remember that in all cases of retention or extended closure we may be called upon to justify our action by the Lord Chancellor's Office.

29 April 1985

MKK 444/1.

Denk Whil.

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

10 MAY 1985

DESK OF FICUM

D L White LRD

INDEX

PA

XY

jaken

CW 314

CONFIDENTIAL