and finances: the restrictions on its exports of cotton textiles to this country since 1959, the import surcharge (1964), the increase in the defence contribution (1966) we are now
engaged in difficult negotiations with a view
to increasing the size of the defence contrib-
bution still further devaluation (1967), the import deposit scheme (1968) and the decision
to impose a tariff on cotton textile imports from the Commonwealth (1969). Our actions
Showing
are seen as a lack of concern for Hong Kong's
interests and for her special problems as
indicating an indifference to the special ties
and relationship which should subsist between a clony and the responsible power.
What I am seeking is a gesture which would demonstrate
administer to the Unofficial Members of the
Executive and Legislative Youncils that we do
*** care about Hong Kong. I believe that the
psychological effect of the proposed grant
would be out of all proportion to the compera-
tively smell sum involved.
hey
This leads me to the further point that
if we ignore Teng's suggestion which was
made in the presence of the leaders of Hong
Kong business and industry, those leaders are
bound to take our refusal to follow up the
suggestion as yet a further example of our
lack of interest in Hong Kong, even to the
extent of helping ourselves in the process
of helping the Colony. This in turn would be
bound to colour local attitudes towards
3