no way affected the determination of HMG to
stand behind Hong Kong.
remai a British colony.
Hong Kong was and would
Chinese Ministers up
to the highest level had declared themselves
satisfied with the present situation. Among the
reasons for the improvement in the atmosphere
were China's need to trade and to move into
contact with the outside world. If relations
between Britain and China were good this meant
that Hong Kong was protected.
This
物
4. The Chairman went on to discuss the Heung
Yee Kuk's fears about the McKinsey report.
appeared to split up some of the most important
responsibilities of the District Commissioner
New Territories between the Secretaries of the
Environment, Housing and Home Affairs. The Heung
Yee Kuk were setting up a sub-committee to study
the problem. The people of the New Territories
had a sense of tradition and a close relationship
with the District Officers. The District
was
Commissioner had politically importants.
Professional people dénot take account of the
traditions of the people of the New Territories.
The McKinsey report was only a report. Its
authors do not consider political realities.
5. Mr Royle replied that the Governor was well
aware of the need to take the interests of the
New Territories into consideration. He himself
welcomed the decision of the Heung Yee Kuk to
set up a sub-committee to study the situation.
/The role
0327 17 E.W.& S., Ltd. 164m 3/67.
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