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E. SUMMARY AND GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
Points to follow up from the above.
(i) Retention of one R. A. battery (AZ).
(ii)
Evacuation Plan (A11).
(iii) Dormant commission (A12).
(iv) Aid for airport extension (C(vi)).
I believe that the Secretary of State was
impressed by all he saw in Hong Kong. Our programme
was prepared and organised with great efficiency.
The place itself can scarcely fail to make a dramatic
impact on the visitor. Miracles are being accomplished
by Chinese industry and initiative under an
authoritarian but beneficent Colonial administration
operating with the consent of the governed.
Although some stirrings of interest in elected
participation are evident, the great mass of the
people, many of whom it must be remembered are aliens,
are indifferent to such things and are well content
with the status quo. I believe that the Secretary
of State felt that Hong Kong is essentially a place
where one should leave well alone. At his official
press conference he paid a handsome tribute to all
he had seen; and at his various meetings he firmly
upheld existing policy on constitutional matters
and did his best to reassure all he met of Britain's
determination to maintain the defence framework
necessary for continued confidence.
Golnozel
(.0. Moreton)
13 March 1967.
Copies: Sir Arthur Snelling
Sir Arthur Galsworthy
Mr. L. B. Walsh Atkins
Mr. H. P. Hall
Mr. 0. G. Forster
CONFIDENTIAL