HWB 2/7
RESTRICTED
22 January, 1968.
During Lord Shepherd's visit to Hong Kong in October you raised with him the question whether Hong Kong should abandon its political isolation in South East Asia and try now to establish some informal relations with political leaders in the area. The Minister agreed that the idea was worth considering in consultation with the Foreign Office and this has now been done.
You will recall that discussion of this subject arose because hitherto Governors of Hong Kong, when passing through such centres as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, have apparently always made a point of avoiding contact with the local political leaders. The Foreign Office agree with our view that it would be desirable for the Governor, when in transit through such centres, at least to meet the local political leaders informally and explain to them the situation in Hong Kong and the manner in which it is being tackled. Whenever any visit of this kind was contemplated you would no doubt seek the views of the High Commissioner or Ambassador concerned so as to ensure that any special local considerations relevant at the time were taken into account.
of the foreign capitals in South East Asia, Bangkok is probably one which the Governor of Hong Kong can expect to pass through at some time. Political contacts there could be helpful in view of the extent to which Hong Kong is dependent on certain food supplies and imports from Thailand. And contacts in Tokyo could, we feel, be useful in view of Japanese interests in Hong Kong.
I should perhaps make it clear that we are not suggesting that these contacts should in any sense be formal, although I think this point was brought out in the course of your discussions with the Minister. We suggest you consider making arrangements on these lines as and when suitable opportunities present themselves. Needless to say, we shall be most interested to learn how you get on.
SIR DAVID TRENCH, K.C.M.G., M.C.
RESTRICTED
(H.P. Hall)
PA
MG
4,5,63.