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5.
CONFIDENTIAL
Both the people of Hong Kong and the Chinese will therefore expect the UK to have a significant presence in post-1997 Hong Kong. Such a presence would contribute to the maintenance of confidence in their future on the part of the people of Hong Kong (a large number of whom may remain British nationals for many years after 1997).
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED
IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
6.
We shall also need to maintain our commercial
presence at least at its present level.
Hong Kong will
almost certainly continue to grow in importance as a direct market for British goods, and as a gateway for
trade with China. And we shall have to carry out
consular work for British citizens living in, or
-
visiting, Hong Kong work which, like passport and entry
our behalf by the clearance work, is at present done on
Hong Kong Government.
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8.
On the other hand it would be presentationally unwise to seek too much prominence for our role as reflected in our accommodation in Hong Kong after 1997. The Chinese would not wish our profile after 1997 to be such as to imply the exertion of direct influence over the administration of what will be part of China. should also avoid creating expectations among the people of Hong Kong that we are able to intervene directly in
the SAR's day-to-day affairs.
We
It would be most unhelpful
CONFIDENTIAL
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