HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1953
Relations with the neighbouring Portuguese Colony of Macau remained close and friendly. The Governor of Macau, Rear-Admiral Joachim Marques Esparteiro, visited Hong Kong on several occasions and his promotion from the rank of Captain gave much pleasure here.
In the political sphere, the troubled situation throughout the Far East continued, but public confidence in Hong Kong was well-maintained. The news of the cease-fire in Korea was, of course, welcomed, but businessmen were cautious in their estimate of any immediate beneficial effects. The year closed without any palpable sign of a political settlement, without which few people expect to see any real relaxation of the artificial restrictions which continue to impede the Colony's trade. There was no change in the relations between Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Chinese People's Government. As far as Hong Kong was concerned, that Government remained cold, aloof and ambiguous. Frontier incidents, most of a minor nature, continued and in each case such action as was feasible was taken. In September, however, a serious incident occurred which caused bitter resentment. Royal Naval Launch, on routine patrol in international waters south of the Pearl River Estuary, was fired on without provoca- tion by a Chinese naval craft. The Launch, though seriously damaged, made its way back to port, but out of a total comple- ment of 14, seven were killed and five wounded. A strong protest, including a claim for full compensation, was lodged with the Central People's Government by Her Majesty's Govern- ment in the United Kingdom, and at the end of the year the matter was still outstanding.
A
As in 1952, there were several instances of interference with British Merchant shipping, bound to and from Hong Kong, by vessels under the control of the Chinese Nationalist authorities
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