CONFIDENTIAL
Brief No 15
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
FEBRUARY 1972
SECRETARY OF STATE'S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
On 3 August 1970, the Secretary of State wrote to
Sir David Trench as follows:-
"I wish I could come and see you but that is not possible
just now.
As you know, the Prime Minister was most interested in
what he could see of Hong Kong during his visit early this year
and on his return arranged that our Party, while still in
opposition, should devote special study to Hong Kong and its
problems. It now falls to me in office to assume Her Majesty's
Government's responsibilities on behalf of and towards Hong Kong.
I have therefore thought that I would let you know my thinking
on this part of my responsibilities.
the war.
We are all full of admiration for the way Hong Kong under
you and your predecessors has tackled the difficulties since
It is an achievement of tremendous scale, and too
little attention has been paid to it here and too little credit
given for it to Hong Kong and its people. You can rely on me
and my colleagues in this office to take any opportunity that
offers to put the record straight.
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