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clearly set out by the Governor in his Saving Despatch. But I should like to expand a little on what is, in my view, the fundamental factor common to them all namely, the vital need to maintain the confidence of the people of Hong Kong in Her Majesty's Government's will and determination to safeguard their interests and, in so doing, to underline how in the changed circumstances the political arguments have added force.
Although the people of Hong Kong have shown a characteristic resilience in the face of the developments of last year, there is no doubt that their confidence in the future has
been affected. The communist campaign in Hong Kong has not ceased; the indications are that it is entering a lengthy phase of non-violent "political" struggle. Steady communist- pressure is therefore likely to be maintained against the authorities in Hong Kong, which is bound to retard a return of confidence if it
does not indeed erode it further. Confidence is also likely to be further affected by a growing sense of isolation as the rundown in Singapore/Malaysia gathers momentum. When that withdrawal has been completed, the Hong Kong garrison will be several thousand miles away from its nearest source of reinforcement, a factor that will undoubtedly have its effect on morale within the Colony and on
business attitudes overseas.
(Alove
Alove all
In the last year there have been a number of ministerial statements on Hong Kong, proclaiming and reiterating Her Majesty's Government's complete support for the people of Hong Kong and giving clear assurances of our determination to fulfil our responsibilities to them and to maintain our position and authority in the Colony. It becomes all the more important that, in the face of the hazards mentioned above, we take every possible step to sustain morale and to let it be seen that we have a real concern for the future safety and well being of the Colony and its people. In this connection the w temes of
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