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an inadequate knowledge of its problems;
or that Hong Kong's
or that
interests would weigh lightly if they had to be measured in
the balance against the greater interests of our relations
with foreign or independent Commonwealth countries;
with the heavier responsibilities falling on Ministers, they
would not be able to give full consideration to Hong Kong's
particular interests. However, frequent visits in the pust
eighteen months have done something to dispel these fears
and any distrust, and we think that Hong Kong officials are
now more ready to make allowances for the short time the merged
office has been operating, for the more frequent staff changes
and for the inevitable unfamiliarity with the osition in
dependent territories of staff who come in fresh from posting
overseas.
Chinese
Attitude
towards Hong Kong
Benefits of Hong Kong
11.
RELATIONS WITH CHINA
-
like
The Communist Peoples Government of China (CPG)
previous Chinese Governments regard Hong Kong as Chinese
territory, wrested from the mainland during a period of
weakness and to be recovered in due course. The Chinese
official attitude, pronounced in March 1963 and reaffirmed in
1965, is that Hong Kong is a legacy from unequal treaties in
the past and that Chine's claim will be settled peacefully
But there is at through negotiations when the time is ripe.
present no indication that the Chinese intend to press their
claim in the near future.
12.
The Chinese derive considerable benefits from the Colony,
which provides them with easy access to world markets and
serves as an invaluable base for travel and intelligence
/ activities.
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