HONG KONG AND BRITAIN
Wednesday, January 14, 1976.
The following is the full text of the speech by the Colonial
Secretary, Sir Denys Roberts, at the annual dinner of the Hong Kong General
Chamber of Commerce at the Hong Kong Club today (Wednesday).
INTRODUCTION
"I have decided to talk to you about Hong Kong's relationship
with Britain; both because it is fundamental to our existence and because
it is a frequent source of misunderstanding on both sides.
"Hong Kong's link with Britain has remained strong for over
130 years, surviving a series of dramatic changes in the political structure
of Asia and in the international relationships of Eastern and Western countries.
Yet the nature of Hong Kong's relationship with Britain has inevitably
altered. In 1841 Britain was a strong, enterprising world power, Hong Kọng
insignificant trading post. Gradually, in the last century, Britain has
mellowed, relinquished her expansionist ambitions and begun to adapt to
her new role as a medium sized Western country and a member of the European
community. Hong Kong has grown in stature to become one of the largest
exporters in the world, a regional centre for commerce, banking and trade and
an economic entity which is capable in most respects of making its own way in
the world.
"Hong Kong's attitude towards Britain might perhaps be compared to
/a successful..........
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