Bowden found no gap
the
No evidence of a "gap" between people and Government of Hongkong been found by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Herbert Bowden,
Speaking to reporters before re- turning to London last night, Mr. Bowden said his two-and-a-half days here had not given him the impres- sion that such a "gap" existed.
Mr. Bowden said: "People who believe such a 'gap' exists should face up to the fact that in view of the internal and external problems facing Hongkong, the local govern-
ARTS
ment is doing a terrific job."
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"So much has already been done despite these problems, I was literal- ly amazed," he said.
Mr. Bowden suggested that if people genuinely wanted to play a part in solving these problems, they would have no trouble finding parties willing to listen.
On the question of possible effect on Hongkong should Britain gain entry to the European Common Mar- ket, Mr. Bowden said that during his talks he had been given the impres sion that there was fear in certain
quarters Hongkong would be "left out in the cold."
"This is quite wrong," he said. "Britain will take the position of the Commonwealth countries into account before any decision is made to join the EEC."
"This will be done by individual falks with each country concerned," he said.
Mr. Bowden declined to com- ment on the subjects of "sweated" labour and local representation in Government, He felt these topics were "questions for the local govern. ment and not me.” (See Page 2)
MR. HERBERT BOWDEN
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