En Clair
HONG KONG ΤΟ COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Unnumbered
UNCLASSIFIED
(D.T.D.
20 October 1967
لاسان
94
Press.
201600.
It also represents a massive achievement. This has not (repeat not) arisen by accident or by miracle. It has resulted by industry and vitality of people here. It has resulted by investment of local and overseas capital. It also represents a sound and farseeing Government [mut. grp] devoted voluntary services by many people of Legislative Council and many other voluntary organisations.
Main purpose of my visit was to learn and assess.
I I have been very stimulated by many ideas I have been given. promise that I shall give great consideration to all these ideas. Progress if it is to be real progress is not (repeat not) based on a hasty judgment. Each will require deep consideration and this I promise will not (repeat not) only be done in London but in Government of Hong Kong.
It is a story of great achievement and of great change bearing in mind size of Colony lack of raw material and a population that has trebled in size over last twenty years.
As we all know much still needs to be done and there is no (repeat no) one more conscious of this than Governor Sir David Trench.
I came with no (repeat no) magic solution but I do believe that there is an opportunity for sound change in Colony. Some changes particularly in field of labour reform are possible. When I came here I expected to be challenged and obstructed but
on other hand I found willingness and determination by employers and by Government to achieve reform. Clearly it is not my responsibility but that of Government of Hong Kong to announce details of proposed legislation and there are some very interesting proposals,I have very great confidence that these proposals in due course will be placed upon Statute Book. There was one aspect which has given us all very great concern particularly in United Kingdom and that related to hours of work for women and young persons.
Sir D. Trench
Sent 1630 20 October
Recd 1205Z 20 October
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