NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
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(and other economic measures we have had to take have
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9.
vote).
CONFIDENTIAL
In the event the Hong Kong Government contributed £15,000 towards the total common costs of the tour (which amounted to approximately £55,000).
Argument
7. Royal Visits in general are a very
effective manifestation of the British connec-
tion; they help to reassure the local
population of our continuing interest and are a fillip to confidence and morale. This is a particularly important consideration in the
case of Hong Kong. The economic and
commercial interests of the Colony and of th United Kingdom
have tended to
trade in
Her Majesty's Government sometimes diverge toai in recent years
has been substantial degree. This is particularly the apparent Case/
in the field of textiles and the devaluation of sterling also adversely affected
Publi granion in our relations with the Colony. Factors such as Hạng trong
conscions of the Colony's remde and vulnerable these coupled with Hong Kong's remoteness and position in the shadow of Chima, has understandably been
geographical isolation have tended over the→ inclined to seek some reassurance and to look for this in the years to foster the impression in the Geleny valin and streng 12 of 12e links w12 Britain. Becant of that Her Majesty & Government is not always These factors we have since 1967
sufficiently mindful of or concerned with the interests of the people of Hong Kong. We have for a long time( been striving, in consultation
tangible with the Governor, to find, ways in which we
demonstrate our interest-n and concern for Hong Kon could offset the unfortunate impression caused
by the circumstances mentioned, above and in
and generate somme which we could try to demonstrate warmth in the
ances
with the colon
relationship between Britain and Hong Kong.
One of the measures adopted for this purpose
There have been no
The Colony sma 1961. Snowden
expense
бършае
official Royal unces to Princen Nargaret-
visited it in 1966
#
and hard
at Board of Trade
In connection with British week
Colony; although they undertook engagements, this was not strictly occasion. Princess Alexandria
" in the
Some charg
"Colony
a
and other members of the
Royal Family have paid private visits to the Colony
Sunce 1961.
Fake in slip
Bio. Although a special visit to Malaysia on
its own could not be justified, there would be real advantage to us if Her Royal Highness
could make such a visit as part of a tour
CONFIDENTIAL /which
(118281) Dd. 391599 1,500M 2/69 Hw.