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"This morning I toured the streets, I saw the children in their
swimming-pools, and visited people in their homes. I felt the warmth
and vigour of Hong Kong's life. I also saw some of the oldest and newest
in public housing, and heard of the work in hand and the further plans
being drawn up for major housing development.
"I am aware of the conditions which history has forced on Hong
Kong, and my predominant feeling is pride that so much has been achieved,
and that there is so much determination to solve the many problems that remain,"
The Queen said she recognised that the rate of Hong Kong's advance
"But I urge
depended upon economic conditions beyond Hong Kong's control.
you," she went on, "to hold your vision and your will to put things right.
I believe these qualities to be essential to the health of any community.
Your aims, efforts and achievements have earned you the respect and goodwill
of many governments and communities, both within and without the Commonwealth.
"It is vital to you that the respect they now have for Hong Kong
should be retained. The tasks confronting you are indood daunting. While
most of them are common to other countries, they are made more difficult
by your limited area, your crowded population and the absence of natural
resources,"
But, added the Queen, in facing them Hong Kong had many assets.
Its people had toughness, imagination and an infinite capacity for hard work.
Hong Kong lived in harmony with the Chinese People's Government, and Hong
Kong's people benefited from the confluence of the two great cultural streams
of East and West. The fabric of Hong Kong's community was strengthened
by family ties, which were still stronger in Hong Kong, and more durable,
than now existed in most other parts of the world.
"Chinese