24, Park Gate,
Ealing,
May 8th. 1968.
London W.E.
ナ
Dear Mr. Thomson,
There will be petitions from Hong Kong to extend the term of
office of its Governor, Sir. David Trench.
The assumption is a Governor, successful in maintaining the status quo
of the colony will continue to do so.
•
Some Hong Kong Chinese residents disagree, Their not wishing to be openly
discourteous to Sir. David, a good Governor, impels them to approach you privately. I hope to present their views.
They think it will be a misfortune to retain Sir. David. The enemies of Hong Kong regard Sir. David as their arch foe. They will create further
embarrassment for the British Authorities if an appointment, tantamount
to advertising their complete failure to disrupt the peace of the colony,
were approved.
The prosperous future of Hong Kong rests on two premises :
a. Freedom from unfriendly Communist intrusion
b. whereby restoring local confidence as well as foreign belief in Hong Kong's
economic progress.
The future Governor must have qualities that will reasonably foster hope of
his bringing on those conditions.
Some Chinese believe there is a British gentleman suited for the role. He is
Mr. John Keswick, Chairman of Matheson Co. Ltd.
I. His 35 or more years
' association with China and the East has earned
him great popularity, and he is known to leading Chinese Communists. Furthermore, an unknown number of Orientals are eager to reciprocate his
past kindness.
2. When a Far East Economic Community will really be launched who is better
LACT
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andio dictated.
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