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5.
introduced immediately which would demonstrate the
Government's ability to understand and to remedy public
grievances. For instance, the introduction of Chinese
as a second, official language would go far towards
bringing the Government and the people closer together;
the relaxation of the existing restrictive land policies
would be especially welcomed in the New Territories.
Mr. Pang said that he and his colleagues were very
privileged in having such an occasion to exchange views
with Lord Shepherd and hoped that there would be further
opportunities in the near future. He added that he had
stated his views in the strongest possible terms because
it was his sincere conviction that only by introducing
rapid reforms would the Hong Kong Government be able to
overcome the efforts made by the Communist to upset the
peaceful and prosperous way of life which Hong Kong
people cherished.
10.
11.
ect]
Mr. Cheung asked Lord Shepherd what attitude
H.M.Government would take in the event that Communist
China should attempt to regain possession of the Colony.
Lord Shepherd assured the Delegates that H.M. (Bustam and Government would do all it could to support and protect
Hong Kong. He did not personally believe that China
would try to regain possession of Hong Kong because of
the latter's importance to her economy. In any event,
H.M.Government would not tolerate a state of affairs
such as that which obtained in Macau. He assured the
Delegates that he would give full and careful consideration
to the views they had expressed both orally and in their
memorandum, and that although it was not possible to
introduce a democratic system of Government in Hong Kong
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