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We thought it entirely wrong that educational privileges which were extended to
not only students from Europe but French dependancies are denied to people
from HK. I think it would be a thousand pities for these educational links
to be weakened. But as you saw in the House yesterday Mr Boyson said that
he did not rule out a reconsideration of policy. I think generally speaking
the relations with the UK could not be better I find the attitude helpful
betterI
and positive. We needed reinforcements for the garrison they were sent
straight away in spite of the fact that it caused very great difficulty in the UK.
Q. Why is it that an issue like University fees is allowed to come to a head to
cause a change of policy.
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A. It's very understandable really. The decision was taken under extreme
financial pressure and fringe considerations were overlooked. But I think
that it is greatly to the credit of the Govt that having taken this step
they now do not rule out the possibility of reconsideration.
Q. Would it be better if HK had stronger representation.
A. It wouldn't make the slightest difference. It has very strong representation.
Q. We know Sir Jack has just come back from England and we also know that he has
discussed some problems with the British officers. Did he report anything to
you?
A. Sir Jack went in to bat with considerable success on this question of
University fees. We do not know what the outcome is, but they do not rule
out the possibility of the policy being reconsidered which was ruled out a
week or 10 days ago. To tell you the truth it's such a short time since he
has been back that I haven't had much opportunity for going over the ground
with him, but I will be doing so before I go back. But I'm sure he's had
a general discussion about all sorts of things in HK.
Q. You say that China would like to see HK remain prosperous why then do you think
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they haven't made any statement aout the expiry of the lease? Is the Govt
trying to press the Chinese authorities to make some sort of statement?
/A. I have