world and with that background and with the extra problems
imposed by the recent influx of refugees from Vietnam and
immigrants from the mainland of China of course the situation
has been made more difficult. I think the achievements of the
Government of Hong Kong are very remarkable indeed by any
international standards. I think we need to keep a balance.
There is a lot more to be done but a great deal has been done
and by international standards, certainly standards in the
rest of Asia, I think the achievements of Hong Kong are really
remarkable.
Question: When did you reach a decision to re-appoint the Governor ?
Mr Blaker: Well of course I didn't reach the decision. That was a
Governmental decision approved by the Queen. But it was a
recent decision. I don't want you to imagine that it has been
taken since my arrival in Hong Kong. It was taken in the due
process after due consideration that is always given to these
matters.
Question: Could I follow up this question about the New Hebrides? Could
you tell us what amount of aid the British Government intends
to give to the New Hebrides in the next few years ?
Mr Blaker: As you know, the New Hebrides from which I have just come hence
the relevance of the question, will be independent in 1980. I
had a conference with my friend of the opposite number in the
New Hebrides last week and we reached a decision on the new
constitution. The British aid programme is £3.5 million over the
- 6.
...period