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are not normally expected to adopt a political stance.
Nevertheless, in the absence of elected representatives the civil service cannot fall back on the claim that its impartial status must prevent it from rallying popular support in the ways which politicians have successfully developed. The Governor is aware of this and given advice, co-operation and support from HMG will, I am sure, be willing to mould new attitudes provided he is assured that this is in the interests of Hong Kong and its people.
20.
The presence of the British armed forces is of course
essential to confidence and stability. What further can HMG
do to assist Hong Kong? Obviously we should continue to
express in Parliament and elsewhere HMG's support for the Colony.
In addition we must, I think, maintain closer links with
Hong Kong, both by way of visits and consultations on the Colony's problems. You will see from paragraphs 13 and 14
above that we already have the latter in mind, There exists
in some quarters of the Colony the feeling that a financial
gesture by HMG is necessary to sustain confidence in HMG's
intentions. But such a gesture (except perhaps the possibility
of a contribution by HMG towards the extension of the Kai Tak airport which we are looking into) would not, in my view, affect the situation one way or the other. Business men, in general, would know it to be an artifical gesture and, having regard to the Colony's financial reserves, it would not make much sense
locally or in this country. But there is one field in which
HMG could help: this is in the field of technical assistance.
It might be possible to provide, or help towards the provision
of, a Technical Institute from UK Government funds, Many
technical experts could be usefully employed in Hong Kong
and this would be greatly appreciated there.
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