Original at:
HKCK 3/548/14
This Copy for: NKK 3) 548/15
46 ཙྪཱ སྶ,
Information only/Action on
Para(s)
PRIME MINISTER
PM/73/70
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Amery
мегу
Mr. Royle
P.U.S
Lady Tweedsmuir
M. wright / Robingon
Distribution-
HILOD TO ENTER FED
HND
210(1)/ EID (E)
MITD.
Mr. White hond/M TO Sir D. Watson/ Mr. Wilferd Mr. Pansons / UND
HKK J/145/17
Hong Kong
DAF
B
I have recently had discussions with the Governor of Hong Kong and I write to give you an account of the situation there and of certain implications for our interests. On the
whole the Colony is doing well. The crucial relations with
China are on an even keel. Inside the Colony the economy is sound and still expanding very fast. The Governor has
made a good start in developing Hong Kong into a place where the ordinary people wish to live and work.
2.
I am, however, concerned about the state of Hong Kong's relations with Britain, and the implications of these relations for our interests. The problems need not be overstressed. Official relations are good and the people in Hong Kong still look to Britain. But there are areas of strain, arising from the fact that Hong Kong is a modern industrial society in its own right, but without any hope of constitutional advance.
The discussions with the Governor have highlighted the difficulties which face him at present, bearing in mind that public and press opinion in Hong Kong and in particular some
3.
/of his
17
CONFIDENTIAL