5
Monday, February 14, 1972
rates continued the temptation to each of the main trading nations to look to
its own defence, to man the ramparts and raise the drawbridge, grew. Now the
American surcharge is removed and for that reason alone the future is brighter.
"Hong Kong, like the rest of us, has of course, to face trade barriers.
This is in some degree a tribute to your success, and we of course are conscious
of your problems in particular in the field of textile exports. But even where
Hong Kong has to operate under restraints, a vast and profitable market still
lies open to you.
And if the continued expansion of your exports requires a
conscious process of diversification, as I think it does, none can doubt that
Hong Kong will meet this challenge with the enterprise and ingenuity that has
been shown in the past and in doing so will gain new prizes for this island
people. And is not the answer to all your problems, present and future in
Hong Kong, to keep your standards high so that people enjoy living here and in
doing that set an example to others of what a high standard of living and a
tolerant people can achieve.
"Then how glad my wife and I are to have this opportunity of visiting
you, of meeting and talking to those responsible for the direction of your
affairs. Even in this brief visit I am seeing for myself a little bit of the
development and of beauty of Hong Kong and of the growth of this city which has
already worked wonders. So may I renew my good wishes to you. I'm afraid, Sir,
that I have abused your hospitality slightly. In this country you have the
most civilised habit and that is, having speeches before meals.
"Thank you for your patience and may I conclude by proposing to you
all a toast of Hong Kong."
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