Secretary of State
CONFIDENTIAL
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG
1.
As you know, I am leaving tomorrow for a visit to Manila and Kuala Lumpur and I shall be breaking my journey for a short time in Hong Kong. I shall be seeing the Governor and I know that he will be delighted to hear that you are planning to visit Hong Kong in the autumn.
2. The prospect of these visits has caused me to think carefully about the next stage of social development in accordance with our policies for Hong Kong. It is now two years since we drew up a Planning Paper setting out targets for development in Hong Kong up to 1980. I am very glad to say that all the proposals in that paper have now either been implemented or are in the pipeline. The next stage therefore is to consider what is to be done after 1980.
3. I have asked the Department now to give consideration to Hong Kong's own development plan for the next five years and to identify from that any lacunae which we should wish to see filled. As you know, Michael Stewart, is planning to visit Hong Kong, together with Mr John Stewart, the Head of Hong Kong and General Department, in April. They will be armed with a skeletal plan and will discuss this with the appropriate authorities there. After their return they will prepare a more detailed and firm paper which will be ready for you to discuss with the Governor of Hong Kong during your autumn visit.
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17 March 1978
Goronwy-Roberts
CONFIDENTIAL