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answers at times if we are to retain good relations and reserve our own credibility with the information
media.
Criticism of Britain. Linked with the above is our campaign to rebut criticism of Britain. Whilst we
have been criticised from time to time on the
"sensitive issues" we have not in recent months been the subject of as much "Britain knocking" as previously.
There are probably a number of reasons for this: practically all developed economies in recent months have been experiencing severe difficulties connected with the energy crisis and the current world recession; Hong Kong has difficulties of her own with inflation, increasing unemployment, factory closures, corruption, etc. and some political crises have hit and remained in the headlines, e.g. Watergate, Cyprus. All these events may have tended to reduce the newsworthiness of Britain's problems; however, it is also possible that our increased efforts to combat Britain-knocking may be taking effect. The more senior staff of the Commission see "Good News" and any other useful rebuttal material received and make vigorous use of it whenever the opportunity arises. The BTC seems to be acquiring a reputation for being a vigorous defender of Britain and a positive contributor to her export drive. We usually obtain good coverage in the media, particularly the press, for British products and trade events, and of course the British Motor Show held in February, in addition to being a successful trade event, proved to be a
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