DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
28.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret
Secret
Confidential
Restricted
Unclassified
PRIVACY MARKING
For Hong Kong, the problem of the boat people is
just the latest example of how the territory can respond
magnificently to every challenge and cope with
overwhelming odds. But events in China present an even
greater challenge. Hong Kong has been through periods of
crisis and uncertainty before. It has always kept its
nerve and emerged stronger and more successful.
do so again.
It can
In Confidence
29. That is why I have been encouraged by recent
expressions of the determination of Hong Kong people to
rise above recent setbacks and to reaffirm their powerful
commitment to the territory. It is not difficult to
understand why people should feel so attached to this
exciting and vibrant place. What we must do now is to
harness this positive spirit and sense of commitment.
30. At the same time, It is perfectly natural that Hong
Kong people should want to prepare for the worst and to
make provision for the security of their families. We
are all haunted by visions of some future cataclysmic
event. But we are far, far from that. And we are doing
everything in our power to ensure that such a vision
forms no part of Hong Kong's future.
31. Many people in Hong Kong have expressed the view
that Britain has a moral obligation to give right of
abode to all British nationals in Hong Kong, if not to
the entire population of the territory. The British
Government have had to make it clear that this is not a
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.