time or the opportunity to take a continuing interest in all aspects of liong Kong trade. Second, decisiona in the commercial policy sphere have to be defended before Hong Kong public opinion. Whereas this public opinion accapta that information must often be with- held on political aspects of the conduct of the Colony's external affairs (especially where thase concern China), no much passivity exists on economic aspects, especially as the interests of the U.K. and Hong Kong do not always coincide. Public opinion in Hong Kong is best gauged and handled by officials thoroughly familiar with the local scene. Again, no official of H.M.0. in the U.K. is likely to be in this position.
3.
If the foregoing arguments are accepted, the question arises on what occasions and to what extent responsibility for the management of Hong Kong's external commerciel relations should be delegated by R.M.G. in the U.. to the local Hong Kong Government. Beonuse circumstances will vary, it is impossible to do more than lay down guide lines, but an attempt can, and should, be made to reduce uncertainty bɔta through definition and through procedures.
It
As regarda definition, it would seem reasonable to assume (as a general principle) that the extent to which the Britial Governsent would be willing to delegate its responsibility to the Hong Kong Government would bear a direct relation to the extent to which Hong Kong trade interests were directly involved. would also be reasonable to assume that, while an element of opinion would enter into a decision on such a matter, it would largely be a matter of fact (e.5. the size and extent of Hong Kong trade involved). For example, where only Hong Kong trading interests a involved, there would be no need for C. in the U. to become involved other than to ascertain whether any adverse political results could stem from the manner in which the matter was handled by the Hong Kong Government and to agree the general policy. “hare both Hong Kong and U.E. interests are involved (and by the latter is meant both the interests of British domestic industry and also the wider international interests of Britain), it is suggested that a general principle of paramountoy of interest should be adopted, where conflicts between these interests might arise. By this is meant that, if the interest of H.7.0. in the V.K. is self-evidently less important than the Hong Kong interest, then the Hong Kong Government should manage the matter, receiv- ing policy instructions through the 7.0.0., including instructions on the extent of the British interest. It is not possible to define this interest adequately by such terms as major policy issues.
5. It is suggested that the F.C.0. could, in casos of doubt, decide whether matters should be delegated, weighing a statement of British interest, prepared (in most cases) by the Board of Trade in its role as representative of British domestic trading intoresta, against that of Hong Kong.
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