be hoped that this momentum will be
maintained and, if possible, increased in the
future. The British Information network has
been working in close collaboration with the
Hong Kong Government Information Services
with a view to presenting to the world a
balanced picture of development in Hong Kong.
But in view of the traditional independence
of the Press and other mass communications
media in this country, any attempt to bring
official influence to bear would defeat its
own object. Subject to your views, a reply
might be returned along these lines.
(iv) Lack of leadership in the Chinese
communities in Britain
We
The substance of this proposal is not
clear and the delegation did not expand on it
in the course of their discussions.
understand, however, that it relates to a
suggestion that a committee consisting of
leading Hong Kong Chinese from various parts
of Britain might be set up to advise the
Hong Kong Chinese Liaison Office on problems
affecting the Chinese community here, to
facilitate contact between the Office and
Chinere living away from London and to provide
some form of recognised leadership within the
community. The suggestion was one originally
made by Mr. Sedgwick to the delegates in the
course of a discussion of their mission and
will be considered further in Mr. Lai's official
report on his own mission.
It would appear
to be for you to decide in due course whether
the idea is worth pursuing.
The reply might|
indicate that this is a matter which the
S. of S. understands the Hong Kong Government has under consideration.
/ (v)
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