G.F. 323
0003230
CONFIDENTIAL # 機密
2
(iii)
Further than that, it is essential to
avoid any discouragement to overseas investment in Hong Kong by raising the rate of taxation too high. The most essential thing for Hong Kong is to maintain full employment. This can only be done with the help of overseas capital investment.
(4) LABOUR LEGISLATION
UMILCO are in favour of improved labour legislation where this clearly confers benefits on workers in Hong Kong. There has already been progress. But any labour legislation merely on political grounds or in order to pay lip-service to I.L.O. Conventions is inappropriate.
(5) EXTERNAL COMMIFICIAL RELATIONS
In the present depressed economic
si tuation, Hong Kong exporters are very concerned at any elements of restrictions or discriminati on against Hong Kong. Whenever there are, or are likely to be, restrictions which are discriminatory against Hong Kong we urge the U.K. Government strongly to oppose them.
(6) IMAGE OF HONG KONG IN BRITAIN
(7)
(i) Criticisms of Hong Kong in U.K. particularly by MFS generally strike the headlines in Hong Kong. Our local press does not indicate the minimal interest which such criticisms arouse in U.K. itself. This results in a feeling on the part of Hong Kong people that as a Colony and a successful one at that Hong Kong is considered dispensable, unwanted by Britain. It is realised this is not the view of the U.K. Government. Nonetheless it would be helpful at the appropriate times for S. of S. and other ministers to reaffirm MG's interest in and commitment to Hong Kong, both in Farliament and to the press.
(ii) ULCO would be grateful for advice on the action which Hong Kong could itself take in U.K. to counteract the effect of anti-Hong Kong propaganda.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
How does the U.K. Government see the long- term future of Hong Kong?
CONFIDENTIAL
機密