CONFIDENTIAL
"China
Sino-British relations. For the present the Chinese accept the status of Hong Kong and do not want to change it; but that acceptance is not an advantage to us in our relations with Hong Kong, and Hong Kong continues, despite that acceptance, to be an embarrassment in our relations with the Chinese Government. Nor can I agreee that Hong Kong gives a valuable substance to our relations with the Chinese. The French and other Europeans get along well enough without any such substance; and our experience in Asian affairs for which the Chinese hold us in esteem does not derive solely or even predominantly from Hong Kong.
Faragraph 14. It is true that Chinese missions
have visited Hong Kong to inspect plant in operation but many more have made the long journey to Europe for the same purpose.
Yous ever,
John
Addis
(J.M. Addis)
Copy to: H.E. The Governor of Hong Kong