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and the Chinese may be pardoned for doubting whether a Labour
Government is in por at all. Finally, what a chance exists
for a permanent trude exhibition on the lines of "britain can
Make it". This could show with the brilliance and artistry which
has thrilled us at South Kensingt d, that British design and
industry can satisfy magniiicently meny of the needs of China's
millions.
Such are the stakes and such the
ossibilities.
Britain has already too many committments, but it is submitted_
that from the long term point of view there are jew better ways
in whic some of her limited resources could be used than in
fostering close and constructive relations with Chins. The British
and the Chinese have always had an instinctive sympathy with
each other but spert fr m missionary activity the Chinese have
had little chunce of le rning about British political and cultural
traditions. The social revolution which is
+
ow toxing place in
Great Britain is of immanse significance to China but there is
at present no means of broadcasting the facts. China does not
went ithur Capit:lism .r Communism and britain, more then sny
other country, can help her to achieve that difficult "middle-
way" which is the only means of preventing a civil war which may
prove fatal to her as a nation.
Britain took the load in forcibly opening up Chins
to the impact of hestern civilization. It is surely her duty to do
everything possible to ensure that the seeds which she plented will
bring benefits rathe then destructionto the Chinese people. Trude
with China has brought great profits in the past to British business
The policy here outlined may also bring gr at profits, direct and
indirect in the future. But profits should no 1 nger be our chief
aim. Gr t britain is no longer in a position to achieve her ends
by militery and economic power. She must rely financially on
moral and educational influence. it is .ot too much to ask the
Foreign Secretary and the Colonial Secretary to consider carefu ly
whether the possession of hong kong does not give us an unper-ll-
eled opportunity to exercise this kind of influence on 6 Wast
!
nd benefic nu scele. Even if the Colony eventusliy r turns to China mony of the fruits would still remain.
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