TNAG-0037-FCO40-73-Effort-to-improve-relations-with-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 106

CONFIDENTIAL

3.

(h) We spoke about the possibility of some aid-money already earmarked for S.E. Asia being used to erect, say, another technical school or some such institution here: on the understanding that we would run it and pay the recurrent costs, earmarking a proportion of the school places for students from nearby

countries nominated by the UK

UK.Y

As I say, I am afraid these are not very inspired suggestions, but if I can think of anything better later on I will let you know. X What is wanted is anything that will help to give Hong Kong the impression that Britain regards her as being, although a

dependency, a valued friend and ally with some dignity of her own. The impression at present which is I fear gaining ground is that she is regarded at home not as the loyal supporter she on the whole is, but as a tiresome nuisance, to be slighted and made use of since she cannot be quietly made away with. A fair measure of basic confidence and trust in Britain is still there, but it will not last for ever if this impression is allowed to grow.X

Yours ever

David.