may arise. And I am sure it is right that, wherever possible,
the conduct of Hong Kong's commercial relations with other
countries should be left to the Hong Kong Government.
Of course there will be difficulties from time to time and
I hope you will feel able to tell me frankly how you see the
situation.
I would now like to say a few words about relations between
Britain and Hong Kong gencrally. I have no doubt that there are
some in Hong Kong who feel that Her Majesty's Government intervene
too much in the affairs of the Colony.
In reply to those who
hold this view I can only say that we in London have no wish to
intervene unless there are very strong reasons compelling us to do
so.
We are more than content to leave the conduct of your day to
day affairs in your very competent hands, but the constitutional
position being what it is, and must remain, I cannot abrogate my
responsibilities to Parliament for the administration of the
Colony. Nor can I deny to Members of Parliament their right
to interest themselves in Hong Kong affairs.
Although time is short I am sure we shall have a useful
discussion this morning.
I, for my part, am looking forward to
a frank exchange of viovs an exchange which will certainly be
most helpful to me in the exercise of my responsibilities for
Hong Kong. I regard, and have said so in Parliament, my
responsibilities for dependent territories as requiring close and
sympathetic consideration and Hong Kong is, I need hardly remind
you, by far the greatest of territories in terms of people.
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