SIR F. BENNETT:
While welcoming the Minister's firm adherence to the view that these were politicallý motivated disturbances,can she give an assurance that this country will not tolerate the kind of humiliating demands and actions perpetrated upon our officials serving abroad when they are only doing their duty?
MRS. HART: If the hon. Gentleman reads my statement, he will see that I said very clearly that we intend to fulfil our responsibilities in Hong Kong. I am sure that, as I said, good sense will prevail and that the situation that he has described will not be one of the facts that we have to face.
MR. PETER BLAKER:
As regards the increasing population
to which the hon. Lady has rightly referred, would she not confirm that as well as an increasing birthrate the population is going up because of substantial immigration. Does this not suggest that conditions are not too bad?
MRS. HART: This is certainly one of the factors in the population growth. Obviously, one can always select those conditions about which more needs to be done faster. Equally, it is fair to point out how well the Hong Kong Government have dealt with the enormous problem. We have to keep a sense of proportion in making our judgment.
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Peking and POLAD Singapore)
Distribution
-
H.K. and W.I.D. 'C' I.G.D.
Copies also sent to:-
Ends.
Foreign Office
11
11
11
#f
111 !
Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland Mr. Denson
Mr. Wilson
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.