2
4.
(e) Britain was doing an abrupt about-turn
where we had not given the proposed tariff
policy a chance to work.
The British decision created particular difficulties
for Hong Kong and not least for the Governor, who had
only just been appointed. Sir M Maclehose had said in his
address at the time he assumed office that one of his prime
tasks was to do all he could to ensure that growth and
expansion would continue; he would thus be faced with an
unexpected and very sudden crisis where British policy was
inconsistent with earlier British statements. This could
only lead to strong criticism in the Colony (some had
already appeared in the South China Mail of 6 December)
that our action showed a complete absence of the moral
obligations the British Government should have for the
people of Hong Kong.
5. Hong Kong would therefore seek from HMG an assurance
that, when there was more time available, there should be
meaningful consultations on the ways and means by which
the new policy could be ameliorated for Hong Kong.
Mr Grant said we would consider any specific proposals very
carefully.
6 December 1971
c.c
Mr Logan
Mr Bottomley
Sir L Monson
Mr Laird
Commodities Dept. (4)
CONFIDENTIAL
H E J Hale Commodities Dept. G68/G G98
: