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Monday, February 14, 1972
"But do not imagine that the general trend of these questions
is towards greater protection."
There was recognition that Hong Kong as well as Lancashire had
to be given a fair deal. As a member of Her Majesty's Government, he had
responsibilities to both.
He said that for all the "mutual awareness" of each other's
problems, there were bound to be times when Hong Kong or Lancashire
felt they had not been treated with the consideration they deserved.
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"We must both make a constant effort to avoid these occasions and
when they arise to end them through amicable contact and discussion.
Ingenuity Of Man
Sir Alec began his speech by saying that having visited Hong
"But I have seen enough
Kong only once before revealed a gap in his education.
to recognize that Hong Kong is one of the monuments to the ingenuity of man.
He hoped his presence in Hong Kong would provide "tangible proof"
of the British Government's continuing concern for Hong Kong's welfare
and prosperity.
He said Britain was concerned that social progress in Hong Kong
should match Hong Kong's economic growth.
The Foreign Secretary said it was only upon steady growth in
Hong Kong's economy that social progress could be fairly based.
Sir Alec said he would pay Hong Kong the compliment of believing
that Hong Kong was well able to manage its own affairs within the limitations
of the Colony's constitutional position.
"This has always been the tradition.
I have only to look around me to see that it has worked out well."
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/The Foreign