Chapter 14 Chapter Thirteen The New Territories Lease is Near

In the blink of an eye, a century has passed, and the lease term of the New Territories is approaching—on June 30, 1997, it will be 99 years old. It was a day in March 1979, and the exact time was the 29th of that month.Just as spring was getting stronger, Sir MacLehose, the 25th Governor of Hong Kong, visited Beijing at the invitation of Li Qiang, Minister of Foreign Trade of the People's Republic of China. In December 1978, Li Qiang visited Hong Kong. This was the first visit to Hong Kong by a senior official of the People's Republic of China since the founding of the People's Republic of China.During the visit, Minister Li Qiang extended an invitation to MacLehose.MacLehose was born on October 16, 1917 and studied at Oxford University in his early years.During World War II, he was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy with parted hair. The ship he was on had fought desperate battles with German sea wolves in the depths of the ocean.After the war, he began his diplomatic career and was sent to Hankou, China in 1948 as the Acting Chief Qi. In the early 1960s, he served as a political adviser to the British embassy in Hong Kong. Since 1971, he has been the Governor of Hong Kong.He was the first diplomat-turned-governor appointed by the British Foreign Office.

MacLehose embarked on a visit to China a few days ago.He first made a short-term visit to Guangzhou.In the secret hotel shaded by tall arbors and fruit trees, he met with the highest officials in Guangdong at that time—Xi Zhongxun, director of the Revolutionary Committee of Guangdong Province, and Yang Shangkun, director of the Revolutionary Committee of Guangzhou City. China was at war with Vietnam at the time.MacLehose, who is also a soldier, has already smelled its special atmosphere of war in the air.In the hotel where he stayed, although the bamboo shadows were dancing in the courtyard, the plum shadows were slanting, and the small bridge was flowing, he could still get this accurate information from the guards wearing steel helmets and armed with live ammunition.In times of war, everything is indistinguishable.Even small incidents can lead to major international disputes. Therefore, the CCP's Guangdong side has strengthened security for MacLehose's arrival.

Secret reports on the Sino-Vietnamese War were transmitted to MacLehose every day by the British Intelligence Department in the form of special telegrams.Hong Kong is not only the economic center of Britain, but also its military arm extending to Asia.Hong Kong's position is international, and it is a barometer of countries in the world in the Asia-Pacific region.Although China and Hong Kong have been separated for a hundred years, they have a special relationship of one body and one heart. The people of Hong Kong are concerned about this war. As the Governor of Hong Kong, MacLehose pays special attention to its labor development.

MacLehose is familiar with Vietnam.He served as ambassador to Vietnam in 1967.To be honest, he has no feelings for Vietnam.One is because Vietnam was once a colony of the French. It was a territory operated by the impetuous French, and the calm British had no interest in getting involved.The second is that Vietnam is an extremely unstable country, and the two sides have no common language. Therefore, during the days when he took office as the ambassador, MacLehose usually just stayed in a corner, watching the changes in Vietnam with his slightly gloomy blue eyes. Uncertain sky.It was a strange and viscerally exhilarating time.This small place has attracted the attention of the whole world.First, the Nguyen Group fought against Ho Chi Minh's Communist Party, and then the United States fought against the Soviet Union and China.Vietnam is not only a testing ground for new weapons, but also a battleground for ideological confrontation.it.The load is really too heavy.Like hot air and cold air, like a ridge of high pressure and a belt of low pressure.Meteorological terms are best suited to the changing times in this country.It's just that MacLehose left the country before seeing Yunjuan Yunshu enough.He went to Denmark, where he served as ambassador.Right after he became governor of Hong Kong, the Saigon bloc in Vietnam collapsed and the Communists took power there.This is an incredible land. The United States, the most powerful country in the world, was defeated in the Vietnam War and suffered a complete defeat. It still makes Americans feel sad.But Vietnam's Hanoi regime quickly abandoned its former friend, got carried away with its victory over the United States, and began to fight its former ally. As a result, it was severely damaged by Beijing.

Specifically, it was hit hard by the Beijing politician Deng Xiaoping.At this time, Deng Xiaoping came to power.Facing the provocation from Hanoi, Deng Xiaoping, the most powerful and outstanding in China at this time, with his unique courage and decisive attitude, immediately announced a self-defense counterattack against Vietnam. From February 17 to March 5, 1979, he announced After the withdrawal of the troops, in just half a month, the mighty Vietnam was knocked to the ground. The iron flow from Yunnan and Guangxi wiped out two-thirds of Vietnam's main force, leaving it with only one reinforced division waiting alone Resign yourself to fate in Hanoi.

In terms of personal feelings, MacLehose is inclined to China.He is the Governor of Hong Kong after all.In the days when the Sino-Vietnamese war broke out, his Chinese friends often talked about the Vietnam War, like tasting a cup of mellow Longjing tea.Of course, all that was said was the news that the Chinese army was advancing south. Hey, we have reached Lang Son today, hey, the advance is really fast, tsk tsk... ah, further south is a flat plain, the Vietnamese have no danger to defend, how can only one division's strength resist the Chinese army, ah, Now Hanoi is over... Deng Xiaoping is really powerful, and he would not dare to provoke him.He can play political cards, economic cards, military cards, and bridge...

MacLehose echoed them, and occasionally talked about his personal views.But later, he stopped talking. Because he tasted another layer of deep meaning from the words of these people.Although these people were his personal friends and best friends, they were all Chinese.Yellow skin, black hair, black eyes.They are descendants of the dragon.But I am a British, a foreigner living here.Although he is the governor here.There is something in their words: the Chinese people today are not what they used to be! Vietnam, which Americans can't afford to mess with, was taught by China to be obedient. If they attack Hong Kong, it's not Zhang Fei who eats bean sprouts and side dishes!

The lease of the New Territories is approaching, and Sino-British relations are once again at a delicate juncture.As the British, as the governor of Hong Kong, how should we face the end of the century?He couldn't help thinking of Hong Kong's military strength. Compared with China's military strength, Hong Kong is not fortified.Due to years of peaceful life, the Hong Kong garrison has not been developed. The biggest crisis in Hong Kong was at the turn of spring and summer in 1949.At that time, when the Chinese People's Liberation Army was waiting to cross the river on the north bank of the Yangtze River, the British ship Amethyst disregarded the dissuasion of the Chinese Communist Army and forcibly sailed up the river past the PLA's defense zone, triggering a serious armed conflict.The Amethyst and the other three British ships that came to help were punished.This incident shows that times have changed.The Chinese newspapers in Hong Kong said that the British were no match for the Communist forces, and that if the Communists were willing to take Hong Kong, the British would be powerless to defend it.This should be a truth.But the British were not reconciled. They immediately sent reinforcements to Hong Kong, and before the CCP army captured Hong Kong, they increased to the following strengths:

Army: 2 infantry brigades (4 British battalions, 2 foreign battalions).24 anti-tank guns.36 field guns.16 heavy anti-aircraft guns.12 light anti-aircraft guns.16 tanks. Air Force: 16 Spitfires.5 Sodaland spaceships. Navy: 3 cruisers. 6 destroyers. 5 fast ships.Several small patrol boats.British military circles estimate that if the Chinese Communist Army launches a large-scale attack on Hong Kong, its army will have about 40,000 people and will receive air support from about a hundred fighter jets and bombers. A large number of sea, land and air combat troops should be deployed to support Hong Kong.

However, the Chinese army did not capture Hong Kong. Lao Tzu said: If you want to seize it, you must face it.Everyone knows that the CCP has millions of troops, the most excellent army in the world, and such a striking force beside Hong Kong, so it is not just about taking it away, it is about taking it.Do not seize or take, there is their intention.All the initiative is in the hands of the CCP leaders. How many generations of Hong Kong governors have come here from fear.This era of insecurity began after the founding of New China.From the 22nd Governor Gregory Gregory, then the 23rd Governor Bai Liji, the 24th Territory, to him MacLehose, the baton of insecurity has been passed down like this, especially at the end of the 1980s. The 1990s are approaching, and all British people living in Hong Kong are starting to feel uneasy.In essence, they are all British wanderers living in foreign countries.They are living in someone else's land.Now, their deadline is up, just like the tenants of the rented apartment, in 1997, the landlord is going to take back their right of residence.McGregor, director of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, said melancholy: When banks gave loans to some larger developers, they began to realize that loans with a period of more than 15 years could not be negotiated on conventional terms, because the rich had already paid for the 1997 years of concern.

Rich people nagging to MacLehose every day: Sir MacLehose, can you guarantee our future 21st century interests in Hong Kong?If not, can you guarantee that our business will move back to mainland UK?If you can't do it, as the Governor of Hong Kong, don't you feel embarrassed? Even more deeply disturbed is the British government.As the end of the century drew near, all cabinet members felt inexplicably irritable.This symptom was finally diagnosed, all because of the approach of the Hong Kong problem. Now is a civilized society.All historical flotsam has been set aside.After reflection and clarification in the chaotic colonial lake, the West finally recognized its dirty face.Some people of insight began to attack the evil deeds of the colonists' aggression a hundred years ago. Therefore, even a primary school student in the first grade will know that Britain once triggered the Opium War because of selling opium to China, and once seized Hong Kong from it.The hands of their predecessors were not very clean. Facing the questioning of British children, no one is ashamed to continue telling lies.If a nation cannot face the scrutiny of morality and justice, it will be difficult for it to grow.British decision-makers do not want their own nation and country to wither and decline, so they must boldly return this oriental pearl to its owner, so as to get rid of this heavy nightmare. However, this pearl is really too bright and lovely. It was raised in a corner of southern Guangdong, China, and it has been nourished and perfected for a hundred years. It is already a peerless beauty. According to relevant data, in the 1980s, Hong Kong's GNP increased from 13.64 billion to 291.897 billion US dollars, an annual increase of 16.55; per capita GNP increased from 666 US dollars to 6,768 US dollars, an increase of 116 times; billion to US$563.335 billion, an increase of 309 times.Hong Kong is already a world-class modern city. It stands at the forefront of the world's economic development and has become an important international business and trade center, financial center, transportation center and tourism center. It is known as the four small in Asia. For Britain, Hong Kong remains the jewel in the crown of its colonial rule.Despite the moral and reputational costs of continuing to own it, the British government has no intention of giving it up because it is so important. This intention had a profound impact on MacLehose. The reason why it is said that the British attempt to continue to own Hong Kong had a profound impact on MacLehose is because he himself is a person who is difficult to be influenced by the outside world.To examine MacLehose from the perspective of a person, he should be a maverick. MacLehose was the first diplomat-turned-governor from the British Foreign Office.Probably because he wanted to be different from the Hong Kong governors of the Colonial Department, so he started to promote British democracy and reformed the Legislative Council at the beginning of his tenure. Before MacLehose, non-official members of the Legislative Council and the Executive Council had to be British.However, MacLehose absorbed a large number of Chinese from all walks of life to enter the two rounds.For example, Liang Dacheng, the English secretary of the Federation of Trade Unions, and Wang Lin, a former Kowloon minibus conductor, were appointed as members of the Legislative Council; church figures and social workers who worked from the lower classes were appointed as members of the Legislative Council; and opposition figures such as Zhang Youxing and Hu Honglie were appointed. For parliamentarians, etc., although this kind of democracy is far from real democracy, it is still much more enlightened than the iron fist politics of the colonists.MacLehose received the most praise during his tenure and the clean government storm he promoted.He specially set up the Governor's Special Commissioner's Office of the Independent Commission Against Corruption to take on the task of cracking down on corruption and promoting corruption by opening fire on government officials' corruption.This department is not under the jurisdiction of any government department and is headed by the Commissioner of Integrity, who reports directly to the Governor. The direct reason for the establishment of this institution was the embezzlement of cigarettes in 1973 by the well-known Hong Kong Governor-General Stephen Godber.Godber took advantage of his power to commit serious corruption, and his bank deposits were as high as 14 million Hong Kong dollars. In June 1973, Godber fled Hong Kong while under investigation.The citizens of Hong Kong were very dissatisfied with Godber's letter, and launched a movement against corruption and arresting Godber in the society.In order to quell public anger, MacLehose announced at the first Legislative Council meeting that an Independent Commission Against Corruption would be established to be responsible for such corruption cases.Later, Godber was finally caught and sentenced to four years in prison.After the establishment of the ICAC, the ICAC became famous because it repeatedly used severe measures to crack down on the corruption of British and Chinese senior police officers in the police force. For this reason, the Hong Kong film industry also filmed the movie "Integrity Storm" based on this theme. , set a record for the highest attendance in Hong Kong.MacLehose's political voice spread far and wide. During his tenure, significant changes have taken place in Hong Kong in terms of housing, transportation, law and social security, medical care, education, culture, and environmental protection. The economic development is particularly astonishing. He has brought Hong Kong unprecedented prosperity. Hao era. As a shrewd diplomat, MacLehose has been handling relations with China cautiously and amicably over the years.The Hong Kong government political plan formulated by him reads as follows: Article 1: Prohibit and suppress the use of Hong Kong by the Soviet Union and Vietnam to oppose China; Hong Kong conducts anti-communist propaganda; Article 3: Hong Kong investors must be actively encouraged to support China’s four modernizations; Article 4: Hong Kong must become an important base for China’s foreign trade transit ports; Article 5: Actively use the logistics conditions of the mainland to solve Good drinking water and non-staple food in Hong Kong... The British government has also paid special attention to its diplomatic relations with China over the years.It was the first country in the West to recognize the People's Republic of China.The relationship between China and the UK has been upgraded from the charge d'affaires level since 1954 to the full diplomatic relationship at the ambassadorial level. The UK has abandoned its consistent position on the Taiwan issue, recognized the Chinese government's view that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China, and closed the The British Consulate in Taiwan has existed for 112 years.On March 13, 1972, after Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qiao Guanhua and British Chargé d'Affaires Axis signed an agreement on the exchange of ambassadors in Beijing, the leader of the British Conservative Party, Heath, visited China due to the official diplomacy between the two countries, thus Greatly improved the long-term hostile relationship between China and Britain. Originally, as an established developed country, Britain gave the world a bullish impression.When the Kuomintang was in power, although Chiang Kai-shek had carefully established a partnership with the British Allies, the British looked down on this poor relative.During World War II, Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese.The British were humiliated by the Japanese.In order to save face, the blushing British Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the Chinese ambassador to the UK Gu Weijun: If Japan is defeated, all the Chinese territories it occupied will be recovered from China.Although these words were somewhat evasive and vague, they still gave the Nationalist Government some hope.At this time, the United States also bluntly asked the United Kingdom why it has not returned Hong Kong to China so far?The Americans are very light at this time, so their public opinion is also louder.Encouraged by all kinds of encouragement, the Nationalist Government took advantage of the discussion to abolish extraterritorial jurisdiction and set out the terms for terminating the 1898 New Territories Lease, which was immediately rejected by British Foreign Secretary Eden. .Chiang Kai-shek himself was rejected. It was during the Cairo Conference of China, the United States and Britain in November 1943.At the meeting, Chiang Kai-shek saw Churchill smoking a big pipe.Churchill was dressed in a dark suit and had deep, haughty eyes.Chiang Kai-shek is dressed in military uniform, and his demeanor is dignified and slightly reserved.As the two held hands, Churchill found his sense of humor slipping away. The majestic, dignified and unsmiling Chiang Kai-shek raised the issue of Hong Kong with a sword-like gaze.He said that President Roosevelt and I have reached a consensus on the issue of Chinese territory. After the war, Britain must return Hong Kong and Kowloon. Churchill smiled contemptuously: It depends on whether we in the UK agree or not.What do you disagree with?Hong Kong is Chinese territory!wrong.At least it isn't now. Hong Kong has been China's territory since ancient times. It was you who invaded China by force and took it away from the Qing court.Now it is the national government, and we don't recognize it... It's not a question of whether you recognize it or not. The main thing is that we in the UK recognize it as British territory. Churchill wanted to express himself in a teasing tone, but when he saw Chiang Kai-shek's regal gaze, his relaxed tone immediately became contemptuous.His words were full of sarcasm.Just you Chiang Kai-shek?As for your so-called national government?In our eyes, is it still not the same as the Manchu Qing government back then?You civil servants love money and military generals are afraid of death, political corruption, national strength and weak people, how dare you call us Britain? Chiang Kai-shek said, in view of this, we can take back Hong Kong at any time after the war...Churchill just shrugged, noncommittal. Churchill said to Roosevelt, who supported China: It is impossible to take anything away from Britain without going to war. Chiang Kai-shek did not hear Churchill's words, but felt his contempt.In the Cairo Declaration, Britain declared that it would never give up on the territorial issues of Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Tibet.Churchill told other leaders that he has always believed that China is not an indispensable partner in wartime, and it is the same without it.Churchill never talked about China's status and China's proposals at the meeting. After the "Cairo Declaration" was announced, at the Tehran Conference, the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill actually discussed the resolution behind the backs of China, which is also an ally, and did not notify China afterwards.This was both disrespectful to China and a personal insult to Chiang Kai-shek.Fortunately, the page has been turned. The rapid rise of New China and its successes in all aspects have long attracted the attention of the world, especially since the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, reform and opening up, economic development have greatly increased China's comprehensive national strength, and China's international prestige and reputation increasing day by day.China is not what it used to be. Therefore, the UK pays special attention to its relations with China.In this very cautious and very attentive diplomatic gesture, there is also a layer of shy and inconvenient hope.Such is the fascination with Hong Kong.Britain does not want to lose Hong Kong. The British frequently flirt with China, and often make some fawning gestures of thick and thin eyebrows, just to play the Hong Kong card again.However, can the Hong Kong card continue to be played?As a result, the British began to extend their secret tentacles—— In March 1979, British Industry Secretary Eric Varley visited China. On March 4, the two governments signed a long-term economic cooperation agreement.In the next seven years, the total economic activities of China and the UK will reach US$14 billion.At the same time, the UK also provided China with a US$5 billion loan in exchange for documents. During his visit, Eric Valli tested Prime Minister Hua Guofeng, who said China would protect foreign investment in Hong Kong.Is this a promise? How to protect it?If Hong Kong is taken back by the CCP, can it still protect the interests of investors? Because there is no definite language, the British are still uneasy.Now, at the invitation of Li Qiang, Ministry of Foreign Trade of the People's Republic of China, MacLehose will visit Beijing, China.This news immediately attracted the attention of the British government, and members of parliament expressed their opinions one after another. The central word was to let MacLehose act as a secret tentacles again, and let him test it out: Can China sell Hong Kong again? In this way, MacLehose came to Beijing with a heavy mission. MacLehose arrived in Beijing two days ago. The two-day visit schedule was very full. He met with Li Qiang, the British ambassador to China Percy Cradle and his wife, Wang Kuang, director of the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency, and Song Zhiguang, assistant minister of foreign affairs. This gave him his first opportunity to fully understand the communist country.MacLehose used to know China literally and Chinese culture from the Chinese community in Hong Kong.Although he is a diplomat, he is not proficient in Chinese.When he was young, he served in the army and fought in the war. His good years were wasted in blood and fire. He missed the good time to study.But he is still a person who loves to learn.He exchanged many views on Beijing with the ambassador to China, Kollida. MacLehose has been called a neo-colonialist, a title he personally dislikes.He talked with Kollida about a question that he had never thought of before, that is, is it God's will to live in an Eastern country for so many years as a foreigner?MacLehose said that he has been to China since he was young, and later lived here for several years. Now, he really likes it, and loves it from the bottom of his heart.Is this emotion real, he asks Colliday? Colliday understood that MacLehose was in a perplexed and contradictory situation.He has a mission for the British government.But he himself is a tolerant and caring person, and he is conducting philosophical deduction and soul torture.He is suffering.The topic is cut from Churchill. Churchill was a successful man in British politics.He is a world-recognized anti-fascist warrior and a hero in the eyes of the British.But when it comes to China, he is a total colonialist.That said, he lives in a paradox, and his theoretical support is twisted.Since fascism is a ferocious enemy of mankind, is imperialism superior to fascism?Churchill did not examine his footing.The reason why his lion-like fighting posture left an unforgettable impression on people is that his motherland is being threatened by fascist aggression, and he is the roar of justice.Unexpectedly, when he turned his head and faced east, he was standing in the position of the invader.Thus his personality was called into question.Therefore, he was strongly opposed by the Chinese people. Churchill declared: We also have our traditions, as long as I am in Whitehall, I will defend British traditions and keep the British Empire. Churchill's tough colonialist stance made him a subject of ridicule for future generations.His majesty, his persistence, his bravery and perseverance, his combativeness, and his authority have all been covered with a layer of historical mud.He will be eroded to pieces by time in no time.He will be buried in history. Even if he is of the same generation, even if he is equally expensive as president, Roosevelt is an era ahead of Churchill.Roosevelt commented on Churchill, saying that he took a typical imperialist position.Roosevelt also ridiculed that the purpose of the British participating in the Pacific War was not pure, and they fought to take back Singapore. The Chinese people strongly criticized Churchill's colonial rhetoric.The famous writer Lin Yutang suspected in "The Destiny of Asia" that Churchill's advocacy of defeating Germany was a colonial conspiracy.Because he has repeatedly emphasized that Europe comes first, that is, everything is to defeat Germany.After defeating Germany, Britain can continue its colonial rule.Because Churchill once said to the world in March 1942: British colonies, including India, Burma, Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong, must continue to be ruled by the United Kingdom, which is the sole responsibility of the British Empire.Lin Yutang said sarcastically: Queen Victoria's British Empire lacked a capable prime minister and more dedicated officials.Churchill's generation lacked insight, courage, foresight and good political accomplishment. Churchill's disrespectful attitude towards Chiang Kai-shek during the Cairo conference also had its retribution.It's just that it was his wife Song Meiling who avenged Chiang Kai-shek.This outstanding Chinese woman gained the limelight due to her successful visit to the United States.She made millions of Americans love and adore her as if she could make magic.Her smile is as mesmerizing as the Mona Lisa, and her tears can break the hearts of many Americans.Frowning, Soong Meiling delivered a speech, publicly criticizing the government led by Prime Minister Churchill for playing tricks in the Far East War of Resistance and doing its utmost to do colonialism in China, which made many Americans boo when they heard Churchill's name. Both MacLehose and Colliday believed that times had changed and that it was unwise, even foolish, to approach international affairs with a stubbornly colonial attitude.Churchill's lesson is profound. MacLehose said that for someone like Churchill, he should be outstanding.But because he has never been to China, it is difficult for him to understand China. MacLehose visited the Forbidden City.While wandering in the palace with red walls and green tiles, he suddenly thought of Johnston, the English teacher of Puyi, the last emperor of Qing Dynasty. Johnston is a native of Scotland, England.He is a graduate of Oxford University, specializing in Oriental classics and history.After graduation, he was sent to Hong Kong as the personal secretary of the governor of Hong Kong, and then to Shandong as the chief executive of the Weihaiwei colony. In the summer of 1918, Johnston came to Beijing to serve as Puyi's English teacher. From then on, in the Yuqing Palace of the Forbidden City, a foreigner wearing a mandarin jacket and robe often appeared here.Johnston guided the last emperor in English, making him grow up gradually in "The King of the Golden River" and "Alice's Adventures in Adventures", slowly touching this sad world with the language from a distant country. Johnston taught Puyi English here for five years.Until Puyi was expelled from the palace by Feng Yuxiang.Later, Johnston discovered that Puyi was not fascinated by Great Britain, but he himself was fascinated by China's profoundness. Johnston has studied the Buddhist scriptures of the East deeply, and he feels that the Buddhist theories of the East are many times higher than the Christian Bibles of the West.His home in Zhangwang Hutong outside Andingmen is full of ancient and modern Chinese and foreign books, more books such as the Four Books and Five Classics, and he is deeply trapped in it every day and cannot extricate himself.He said that these books are like his wife, they can talk to him silently and accompany him faithfully.As a result, he remained unmarried all his life and remained celibate.He was fascinated by China.He was even obsessed with Zhongjue's name, No. He printed Johnston on his business card, and also printed the nickname of Lao Dao.He learned the etiquette of the Chinese people, and he did not shake hands when meeting people, but bowed his hands as a courtesy. This is the story of an Englishman who was fascinated by China.It is reminiscent of the fact that Johnston was also a person who walked out of the Governor's Mansion back then. MacLehose said to Colliday, if it was me, if I lived in the Forbidden City in Beijing for a few years, could I become another Johnston? Collier said he didn't know.But one thing is for sure, unlike Churchill, you will love this country with all your heart... MacLehose smiled and said, do you love China as much as you love Britain?Colliday didn't answer him.They all knew that this question was actually lying in front of MacLehose, and he was about to answer it.He couldn't get around it. On the afternoon of March 27, Minister Li Qiang held a discussion with MacLehose.Ambassador Kollida and Song Zhiguang, an official from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were present at the time.MacLehose did not forget his mission. He asked Song Zhiguang to convey his wish, the 25th Governor of Hong Kong, whether China would continue to lease the New Territories to Britain after the 99-year "Special Clause on the Expansion of Hong Kong's Boundary Site"? But China has not responded. On the morning of March 29, the person most qualified to answer MacLehose in China answered.Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping met with MacLehose.Deng was accompanied by Liao Chengzhi, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress, and Li Qiang, Minister of Foreign Trade. Deng Xiaoping wore a Chinese tunic suit and walked steadily.When he and MacLehose held each other, MacLehose felt his strength. Since MacLehose formally requested to renew the lease to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have replied to MacLehose tactfully: China does not intend to lease Hong Kong to you again, and China wants to take back Hong Kong. However, the experienced MacLehose has always believed that this is only the voice of a national department.He is not quite reconciled.He still had a glimmer of hope.He thinks he understands China.The person who best represents China at the moment is Deng Xiaoping, Vice Premier of the State Council.He wanted to hear Deng Xiaoping's voice. Before meeting Deng Xiaoping, the mature and prudent MacLehose read a lot of relevant materials about Deng Xiaoping.He believes that no matter how he looks at it, he is a world-class legend.Among the first-generation leaders of the CCP, he is outstanding and has his own place; among the current second-generation leaders, his prestige is at its peak, and he will become a true leader.According to the materials, he is a strict person and a person of character.He studied in France in his early years and went on a long journey at the age of 16.His name at that time was Deng Xixian. In 1925, Deng Xiaoping became the head of the Chinese branch in France, but was persecuted by the French government, and then transferred to Moscow Sun Yat-sen University to study.In this school, he met Jiang Jingguo.Now, as the two major political opponents on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, he and his classmates look at each other secretly, and they still can't let go of it. MacLehose got to know Deng Xiaoping's personality from a small bamboo stick.When he was studying in the Soviet Union, Deng Xiaoping often had a circle around his neck.The winter in the Soviet Union is long, so this square scarf has become his eye-catching symbol.However, he rarely had time to wear a hat.People usually think that hats are important to live in cold regions.But Deng Xiaoping did not.He would rather wear a scarf than a hat.He was in his early 20s at the time, and this scarf became his aesthetic pursuit.He said the scarves had been brought from France, where the cleaners wore them when they collected horse manure.Deng Xiaoping's work-study program needed money, and cleaners earned the most money, so Deng Xiaoping joined the ranks of cleaners, getting up every morning when the stars were dark, and picking horse manure on the deserted streets.Deng Xiaoping was deeply impressed by the streets of Paris. Even the horse manure was different from the horse manure in his hometown of Sichuan. The horse manure in Paris carried the steaming message of the industrial age.Deng Xiaoping believed that the French cleaners were beautiful, his closest friends, and the guarantee for his survival.Therefore, when he left Paris, he took away a scarf from Paris as a permanent souvenir.He doesn't care what other people say, as long as he thinks it's beautiful.Therefore, he is unique and stubborn.At first, his stubbornness helped him. Wearing a French Paris scarf, Deng Xiaoping won the love of a girl named Zhang Xiyuan at Sun Yat-sen University in Moscow.Later, they returned to China and got married in Shanghai.During the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping's stubbornness nearly ruined his family.He himself was sent to Nanchang, Jiangxi Province for labor reform.After a few ups and downs, he was hailed as a little man who couldn't be beaten.Now, there are various indications that the era of Deng Xiaoping has arrived. MacLehose thought, this is a person with a charismatic personality. Not long ago, Deng Xiaoping had just visited the United States.MacLehose once watched the live broadcast of Deng Xiaoping interviewed by American journalists through satellite TV. At 3:30 p.m. on January 31, 1979, reporters from CBS, ABC, NBC, and PBS interviewed Deng Xiaoping at the Blair Building in Washington.At that time, the Americans only asked some questions about Taiwan.But even though neither the answerer nor the questioner mentioned the Hong Kong issue, MacLehose still believes that this answer to the reporter's question is also aimed at Hong Kong. Reporter: If the people and government of Taiwan refuse to voluntarily reunify with you, and the United States continues to provide defensive weapons to the people of Taiwan even after the abrogation of the Mutual Defense Treaty, what option do you have other than to use force to achieve reunification? Deng Xiaoping: We strive to use peaceful means to realize Taiwan's return to the motherland and complete the reunification of our country. Reporter: Does the Deputy Prime Minister have any doubts that the United States will use force to resist once peaceful means are abandoned? Deng Xiaoping: No, the problem is that if we promise that we will not use force at all, it will be tantamount to tying our hands, and the result will only prompt the Taiwan authorities to negotiate peaceful reunification with us at all.This can only lead to the final solution of the problem by force. MacLehose noted the phrase that the ultimate solution to problems is by force.His heart trembled. Now, this CCP strongman is sitting next to him, looking at him with an unexpected expression.At this time, Deng Xiaoping was amiable, like a kind elder.Deng Xiaoping asked about the basic situation of Hong Kong in a very homely manner.MacLehose briefly talked about the basic situation of Hong Kong.He said these words very self-sufficiently, very passionately.But he suddenly realized that Hong Kong's achievements in recent years are inseparable from its external environment, that is, the support given to it by the mainland.He talked about the relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland. The relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China is a topic worthy of study. I don't know if others have studied it. Anyway, MacLehose has explored it in depth.There is a saying in China that the lips are dead and the teeth are cold, there is a saying that the skin does not exist, and the hair is not attached, there is a saying that the flesh and blood are close, and there is a saying that the mother worries when a child travels a thousand miles. It seems that they are all about the relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China.For example, the draft problem in Hong Kong.Hong Kong has no big rivers and lakes.Among the several rivers in the New Territories, the Shenzhen River is the longest. It originates in Baoan County, Guangdong Province and flows into the Deep Bay from east to west. There are also Shing Mun River, Kam Tin River, Yuen Long River, Ping Shan River, and Lam Tsuen River. Most of them are used to irrigate farmland.由于缺乏大的河流和湖泊，地下水缺乏，随着香港的发展，人口的增多，食用水和工业用水一直是困扰香港的大问题。第5任总督罗便臣曾悬赏1000英镑，征求开辟香港水源计划，此后，自1863年建成香港第一个山塘始，至今120年，相继建成薄扶林水塘、大潭水塘、黄泥涌水塘、九龙水塘、石篱贝水塘、城门水塘、大榄涌水塘、大屿山石壁水塘等等。但是，与香港崛起的速度相比，仍有杯水车薪之虑。 1960年，香港人口已达300万，吃水问题成了香港的头号问题。初时，港府用每天限制用水的办法，每天仅供三小时的用水时间，但久而久之，市民们怨声载道，如不妥善解决，就会酿成大的政治危机。 当时的港督柏立基不得不考虑别的思路。能不能向大陆求助呢？ 思路向大陆一转，立时有柳岸花明又一村之感。他立即向中闰政府请求，由大陆出面帮助解决香港居民的用水问题。 1960年4月15日，柏立基的代表被邀请到深圳，就供水问题与广东宝安县正式会谈。当地政府马上答应，1960年由深圳水库向香港居民提供50亿加仑（约2300万立方米？的食用水。柏立基的请求引起国务院总理周恩来的关注。1963年12月，周恩来总理出国访问回国路过广州时，专门询问了广东省政府有关部门关于香港缺水问题的处理意见。他当即指示：一定要全力以赴，想方设法解决香港同胞的困难，关心香港同胞的生活，尽快采取措施解决香港用水难问题。 在周总理关怀下，广东省政府开始兴建东江——深圳供水工程，即把东江河水通过八级提水站，倒流83公里注入深圳水库，再由深圳水库输水至香港，解决香港居民的食用水问题。 1965年，供水工程全线竣工，当年就向香港供水6000万立方米。当清冽甘甜的东江水注入香港的千家万户时，人们回眸大陆，内心该激荡着怎样的亲情潮汐呀！ 麦理浩充满深情的叙述着，邓小平和廖承志饶有兴味地倾听着，像听着一个家庭的亲情故第。 麦理浩说：中国有句话叫吃水不忘打井人。我们饮水思源，忘不了中国政府对我们香港的支持和帮助。邓小平和廖承志对视一笑。 廖承志说：一家人不说两家话，我们从来没有将香港同胞当作外人。 邓小平说：是呵。我们希望香港繁荣富强，这对我们都有好处嘛！ 麦理浩：我们特别感谢周恩来总理。邓小平点点头。 麦理浩说：我一直认为，香港的存在和繁荣，并不是英国政策的结果，而是中国政府的政策所致…… 邓小平说：这也与阁下的勤政和努力分不开。自从阁下任职以来，中国和香港的关系从来没有像今天这样好。香港的经济取得了很大发展；政府兴建了全部住房的40，解决了住房危机；人均收入以比英国高几倍的速度增长；香港的失业率通常低于，是英国本国失业率的零头…… 麦理浩有些吃惊。邓小平已经75岁高龄，竟然对香港的情况了如指掌。尤其是他对香港经济的细微末节竟如此明晰，这不能不让他肃然起敬。他甚至还形容香港是一个霍雷肖，阿尔杰式的社会。麦理浩知道，这是美国儿童文学作家所创造的靠艰苦奋斗发家致富的社会，而香港正是给平民许多机会的社会。但邓小平这番话的潜台词麦理浩也解读了出来，那就是，香港是以华人为主的城市，占城市人口百分之九十以上的中国人是这座城市的灵魂和脊梁。正是有了勤劳勇敢智慧的中国人，香港才有了今天。在英国的所有殖民地城市里，香港的成就是独一无二的。它甚至超过了英国本土的城市，其经济地位一直名列前茅。香港是因为有了中国人才伟大。 麦理浩说：香港还要继续繁荣下去。它还要发展。廖承志说：是的，它的人口越来越多，经济上隆起的山脊越来越高，它的地位越来越重要。它将会成为国际大都市…… 麦理浩说：刚才邓副总理说了，香港繁荣对我们和中国都有好处。现在我有一个问题…… 麦理浩欲言又止。他不得不说。他毕竟是英国政府任命的港督。他想起了自己的使命。但这使命却多少有些令他难为情。所以他欲言又止。 邓小平平静地注视着麦理浩，等待他把话说下去。麦理浩：我这次访问贵国，还想知道一件啦情，新界的租约1997年到期，如果英国政府提出续约的要求，中国政府能否同意？ 邓小平说：我们的外交部不是已经回答了你们吗？麦理浩一时语塞。旋即，他似乎想起了什么似的又补充说道：据有关学者认为，1997年新界土地契约的年限规定不太准确，应改为在英王管治此地区内一直有效。副总理先生，您认为可以吗？ 邓小平以很快的速度回答说：不可以。我们历来认为，香港主权属于中华人民共和国。 麦理浩点点头说：是的，我个人也是这样认为的。问题是香港一直是在资本主义体制下成长的，发展的。而中国是社会主义国家，一旦香港回归中国，能否…… 邓小平把手一挥，说：噢，这个嘛，我说香港主权属于中华人民共和国，但它又有其特殊地位。将来我们可以把香港作为一个特殊地区来处理。我可以给阁下交一下底儿，在相当长的时期内，香港还可以搞它的资本主义，而我们搞我们的社会主义。 廖承志说：是呀，香港和内地可以搞一个比学赶帮，搞一个竞赛嘛！ 说着，廖和邓笑起来。麦理浩受到感染，也笑起来。 麦理浩说：只是香港和国外的投资者有些放不下心来，似乎觉得不踏实…… 邓小平说：让他们尽管放心，请你回去转告香港的投资者，让他们放心好了，我的话可以拿回去发表，公开声明。会见接近尾声。窗户纸终于捣破。 麦理浩尽管心事浩渺，但他巳不再为失去香港遗憾了。事已至此，应该以达观的态度面对它。 他想起对柯利达说过的那些话。刚才几分钟内，他确实觉得英国的份量还是要比中国重些。但对方已明确答复，他反而心情轻松起来。他觉得中国的选择是对的。他应该为中国这个正确的选择而高兴。 因为他说过他爱中国。 而中国也确实该富强了，它的付出太多太多了。它将很快强大起来，这是一定的。 邓小平、廖承志和工作人员都站起来，双方热烈握手。麦理浩激动地对邓小平副总理说：以往，我们之间似乎隔着什么东西。隔着英中两国的友好往来，隔膜正逐渐消失。今天，由于有了我们之间的会议，我认为我们之间已经没有隔膜了。然而，麦理浩的估计有些太乐观了。 就在麦理浩访华不久，也就是当年的6月3日，英国下议院就麦理浩访华一靠展开充分辩论。英国外交大臣卡林顿说：香港并非时代错误的产品，而是一个成功的例子。麦理浩访华并非意味着英方想通过谈判解决香港问题，因为这并不是讨论香港问题的适当时机。 卡林顿的话代表了英国上层人士关于香港的主流话语。中英双方的立场相去甚远。香港的回归道路上充满了雾障。 麦理浩的浪漫情怀受到了狙击。 英国是注重理性的国家。一个政府官员在东方传染了浮躁的法国式病毒，首先就应该在理论上廓清它。 香港的成功应该是英国式体制的成功。这就是说，在香港，唯有拥有英国这样的政府它的花朵才不会凋谢。请看它们是怎样赞美英国的政治制度的： 我国的政体是约定俗成的体制，这种政体的唯一权威性在于它的存在源远流长。我们的国王，我们的贵族，我们的法官，我们的陪审团，不论是大陪审团还是小陪审团，这一切都是约定俗成的。约定俗成在一切权中最坚实，不仅对财产是如此，而且对保障该财产的权利，对政府，也是如此。它是支持任何既定方案以反对未经考验的计划的根据，一个国家正是以此为根据而长期存在并得到繁荣的。它甚至是一个国家作出抉择的更好的根据，远比通过现实的选举作出突然和暂时的抉择要好得多。因为国家并不仅仅局限于地方范围的观念，也不是个别的暂时的聚合体；它是一个连续性的观念，既在时间方面持续，也在人数和空间方面延伸。这种抉择不以一时或一部分人为转移，也不是乌合之众的轻浮选择，它是经过若干世纪和若干代人的审慎选择而成的…… 这个叫做柏克的英国传统的拥护者，成了英国上层人士摧毁麦理浩理想主义的理论武器。既然香港是经过证明的成功城市，它的成长的秘密就在于它选择了英国模式。现在，一旦它远离开英国目光的注视，它还会一如既往的繁荣吗？cannot!cannot!cannot! 英国的保守的政府官员们在理论上占了上风。它们觉得不能轻易地将香港归还一个未被证明成功的政府。这是不负责任的表现，它有悖英国传统。谁都知道，一个迅速成长的城市不仅仅会成长，它还会萎顿和停滞，甚至会死亡。就像中国西藏境内的古格王国，就像埋在火山灰尘下的庞培古城，就像成为废墟的雅典遗址等等。既然香港由一个偏僻的荒凉渔村变成崛起世界城市之林的大都市，既然它是邂逅英国才有此鸿运，那就是说它仅仅属于英国，离开英国，就像飞机偏离航道，火车离开铁轨，人类离开地球，那还成何体统？cannot!cannot!cannot! 麦理浩带回来的关于中国准备收回香港的信息激怒了英国上层。矜持的英国贵族集团们说：要收回香港只是中国的厢情愿。而英国从来不会答应！ 但是，既然香港回归问题已经提出，就由不得英国人了。由英国主宰世界的时代巳经结束…… 各国舆论纷纷发表中英香港争夺之战。英国衰落了。现在正是收回被它掠夺的领土的大好时机一一位阿根廷军方人士说。 因为阿根廷和英国也存在着领土之争。这是由马尔维纳斯群岛的归属问题引发的冲突。马尔维纳斯群岛，也叫福克兰群岛，位于大西洋南部，总面积11700平方公里，居民仅2000多人。1833年英国人占领了此岛，从此便被标为英属两字。英国人派驻了部队，委派了总督。此岛离阿根廷近千公里，阿根廷一直认为该岛应该是它们的，它的主权应该属于阿根廷，英国人过去掠夺了它，现在应该把它归还给阿根廷。 尤其是在该岛海底发现了大量的石油储藏，阿根廷就更加当仁不让。国内政界军界商界要求归还马尔维纳斯群岛的呼声越来越高，它们认为英国人占领该岛是殖民主义的掠夺，是海盗行径，现在是二十世纪了，是文明进步的时代了，英国应该无条件归还阿根廷。 军方人士强硬地表示：英国已是昨日黄花，再说，英国本土离该岛万里之遥，飞机和军舰及军队的后勤补给线都受到制约，而阿根廷则以逸待劳，万一双方发生军事冲突，相信日不落帝国就会变成落日国…… 阿根廷人的话语激怒了英国新任首相撒切尔夫人，这位女强人，以非常强硬的态度阻断了阿根廷人试图靠谈判收回马尔维纳斯群岛的企图。 撒切尔夫人之所以强硬，有着种种原因，最隐秘的原因很有些杀鸡给猴看的意思。80年代，她上任伊始，似乎赶上了谈判的年代，她一天到晚马不停蹄奔波于谈判会场之间，而且大都是领土边界势力范围之争。种种迹象表明，大英帝国今不如昔了。 这是她内心难以言述的感慨。她最相心的就是与中国的香港问题的谈判。不谈判似乎是不现实的。 自她1979年入主唐宁街以来，中英两国上层的往来也频繁起来。这并不仅仅是她作用的缘故，而是中英双方河床春潮澎湃的结果，这是大势所趋，也是世界潮流所致。 比如：1979年10月，中华人民共和国总理华国锋访问英国，这是中国政府首脑首次访问英国。 1981年4月，英国外交大臣卡林顿访问中国。1982年1月4日，中华人民共和国总理赵紫阳在北京会见英国副外交大臣兼掌玺大臣艾金斯。赵紫阳再度代表中国阐述了对香港问题的立场。他说：中国对香港、九龙、新界全部领土享有主权。中华人民共和国于1949年成立后不久即宣布一切不乎等条约作废。中国重视香港作为一个自由港的地位，重视香港作为贸易中心、国际金融中心的地位。关于将来香港地位的安排，中国政府主张： （工？在较近的将来，中英双方进行讨论；（之？中国方面的态度是有理有节合情合理的；在作出正式安排之前，希望双方都不要做任何有损香港经济繁荣的事。 中国政府在遥远的彼岸向英国政府发出了正式谈判的邀请。与此同时，香港境内的居民却积极行动起来，民众们纷纷派代表去港府游说，表达它们盼望回归的意愿。香港舆论界也开始行动，为香港的未来筹划开来。1979年7月，香港《信报财经月刊》发表一组文章，提出解决香港问题的若干设想，这是香港报界提出解决香港前途问题的具体方案的始作俑者，此后，各新闻媒介开始竞相炒作，把个香港回归的消息搞得周天响彻，无人不知1997年。 显然，以不成熟，时机不到为理由拖延归期，阻搁谈判进程是不明智的。 撒切尔夫人不得不面对现实。 香港问题一直是她的心腹大第。她的政府不想放弃香港，她的英国也不想放弃香港。 谁知正在这时，半道上杀出个程咬金，阿根廷这个南美小国竟也闹事来了，真是不知天高地厚，如果不使出大英帝国的威风，以后谁都会白眼瞧我玛格丽特，撒切尔夫人！ 于是她飞速运转着大脑，计算着该怎样走马尔维纳斯这步棋。当今世界充满凶险。尤其是政治家的命运，通常是险象横生，一着不慎，就会跌下尘埃，再无出头之日。撒切尔是和平时期的首相，要想强硬，就必须和战争打交道。但是，英国已远离战争多年，如今再重敲鼙鼓，英国还能打赢吗？这确实是一着险棋。但这一仗却非打不行。 阿根廷是小国，竟敢如此张狂，若是大国呢？难道让英国从此臣服别人吗？ no. 正在这时，一场突发变更坚定了撒切尔夫人的决心。 1982年4月1日午夜，阿根廷的警察部队包围了英国驻布宜诺斯艾利斯大使馆和贸易机构，军方封锁机场。第二天，阿根廷陆海空三军一齐出动，几乎兵不血刃，便占领了马尔维纳斯群岛。岛上的英军士兵全部束手就擒，总督雷克斯亨特似乎早就知道这一天会到来，就像办理一次普通的调动手续一样就把一切交给了刚从海上钻出来的阿根廷军人。他和那些英国守岛士兵被送到乌拉圭首都蒙得维的亚，就像一次春季游历。马尔维纳斯就这样被阿根廷占领了！It's incredible! 英国舆论大哗。这是英国外交史上从没有过的负件。由英国人守备的地方竟被个小国占领，这简直是奇耻大辱！ 国内各界人士的目光都齐刷刷聚集在撒切尔夫人身上。 撒切尔夫人拍案而起：与阿根廷断交。宣布对阿根廷进入战争状态！ 1982年4月5日，英国政府派出一支由36艘舰只组成的庞大的特混舰队，从朴茨茅斯港出发横渡大西洋，带着撒切尔夫人，一个复仇女神的全部希冀怒气冲冲地出现在南大西洋。 撒切尔是政治家，又是战略家。她一直认为，虽然马尔维纳斯群岛离香港十万八千里，但它们却是有联系的。马岛好比是香港的前哨阵地，如果马岛失守，从英国人手中滑落而无人过问，香港就会重蹈它的路辙。任何精明的政治家都可嗅到它们共同的气味。这是英国海洋霸权下的殖民气味。现在马岛要挣脱英的控制，而英倘若无所作为，它很可能就是香港失落的序幕，这出闹剧的高潮就会在南中国海出现。如果真是这样的话，那就是大英帝国最后的挽歌。 因此，撒切尔夫人怒气冲冲地说不。她要挣回英国的面子，同时也挣回自己的面子。她要杀鸡给猴看。她要敲山震虎。她要挽将倾大厦给世人看看我铁娘子手段如何。她要给中国人一次含义深远内容丰富的暗示：谈判桌上得不到的东西，我可以通过战争得到！英国人开始反击。 4月25日，英国海军陆战队重新攻占位于马尔维纳斯以东1267公里的南乔治亚岛。4月28日起，英军全面封锁马尔维纳斯群岛周围200英里空中及海面。 紧接着，英军对马岛实行地毯式轰炸，并随后发动攻击。身穿伪装服的英军身背几十公斤的军事装备竟然跃动自如，他们经受住了长途奔袭的考验。战前，他们经受了强化训练和一系列模拟训练，所以战斗之后进展异常顺利。它们在东马岛登陆之后，三支突击队和空投的两个伞兵营很快在沙滩上建起桥头堡，然后向岛内纵深处攻击。 面对英军的如潮攻势，原本喜形于色的阿根廷总统加尔铁里害怕了。加尔铁里是个投机家，他是追随豪尔赫拉斐尔魏地拉将军发动的肮脏战争上台的。1976年3月24日，他们发动政变推翻了政府，对总统伊沙贝尔马丁内斯，德庇隆实行保护性监禁，并组成军人政府。在他们执政期间，对自由派左派和政治恐怖分子进行无情镇压。任何涉嫌同情这些组织的人都被随意逮捕，人们在街头横遭绑架，并从此不见踪影；狱中所谓的政治犯如同蝼蚁，残酷肉刑司空见惯，法律程序荡然无存。据称，自1976-1981年间，估计有1.5万阿根廷人失踪。加尔铁里总统为转移国内逐渐沸腾的民怨，便发动了这次马岛战争。谁知，英国人真的发怒了。 加尔铁里看到了撒切尔夫人斩钉截铁的手势。他自知不敌。倘这样下去他的本钱就会输得精光。他觉得应该举起橄榄叶。于是他找人调停，想通过谈判解决争端。但是，撒切尔夫人并不摇动橄榄枝。 谁知天有不测风云，战场形势瞬息万变。一枚飞鱼式导弹击中了英舰谢菲尔德号。这艘军舰集中了英国现代科技的骄傲，具有第一流的抗干扰电子设备和反导弹技术。它被击沉，使英国朝野震惊，舆论大哗。 英国能打赢这场战争吗？ 英军已死伤近二百人，舰船损失已近特混舰队的十分之一。再打下去，英军能顶得住吗？ 美国、意大利、法国、德国都出面规劝，似乎整个欧洲和美洲都对撒切尔夫人说，行了，适可而止吧。 联合国秘书长佩雷斯德奎利亚尔也出面请双方息怒，尤其劝撒切尔夫人息怒，诚挚地劝他们坐到谈判桌边来。撒切尔仍不为所动。 她再一次显示出她的性格，她的意志。既然人们称她为铁娘子，那就是说她的一切，都是铁的。她孤注一掷了。 她向遥远的南大西洋抛下骰子，就像一个真正的赌徒。她口中哺喃，让上帝保佑英国。胜败在此一举了。她胜利了。 英军相继攻占了索莱达岛上的达尔文港和古斯格港。接着又向马岛首府斯坦利港推进。 1982年6月14日，英军全部占领了马岛苜府斯坦利港。阿根廷守军无条件投降。 至此，英国取得全面胜利。 撒切尔夫人取得了成功。她以强有力的姿态显示出她的战斗性格。她用铁的手臂把阿根廷人演奏的回归序曲打落在南大西洋，残剩的音符溅落在波涛汹涌的洋面上，使其随波逐流，向世界广为扩散，扩散…… 1982年9月22日，中午1时22分，撒切尔夫人的专机平稳地降落在首都机场。 撒切尔夫人踏上了中国的土地。正是秋天，一个金色的城市被黑色车队划破。历史就是这样不可思议。一百多年前，英国人率先撞开了这个东方帝国的大门，一百多年后，英国人又将最后退出这个国家。 透过车窗，看到斑斓的城市快速地向后退去。车队路过天安门，路过新华门，前来迎接她的使馆官员不停地向她介绍着。她一一侧头看去，其神情就像个旅游观光者。 这个国家马上就要了结和英国的百年恩怨了。而自己，似乎就是终结者。撒切尔隐隐有些伤感。这是一队感伤的行旅。 马岛之战胜利之后，撒切尔曾在首相府召开专门会议，研究香港前途问题。 不久前，前首相希思曾专程赴中国访问，希思是作为她的特使去北京的。希思曾经在1974年在北京会见过中国的毛泽东主席和周恩来总理，同时还有陪同的邓小平副总理。 毛泽东当时曾经对他说：香港作为英国管理下的亚洲贸易及金融中心，其地位是安全的，至少目前如此。 毛泽东去世了，他所说的目前已经过去数年。香港的问题该解决了。 希思来到了北京，邓小平和赵紫阳都会见了他。数年前，邓小平曾在希思告别北京时宴请了他，邓小平对他说，香港问题将在适当时机解决。当两位政治老人为重逢相握时，世界和平进步的钟声悠然响彻他们的耳际。他们为对方的国家祝福，为对方的健康祝福，更为人类世界拥有更加美好的未来祝福。 邓小平对希思说：现在是解决香港问题的时候了。希思就这样回到了英国。 希思在会议上介绍了访华过程和他本人的看法。他以一个持重的有经验的政治家的口吻告诫与会人员说，中国正在崛起，它将会成为真正的东方雄狮。我们过去曾说它是一匹昏睡的狮子，现在我向诸位报告，这匹狮子已经醒过来了！ 希思接着说，鉴于此，我们应该慎重地调整我们的政策，继续拥有香港般的优势…… 希思的话引起大家的沉思。尤