Hong Kong telegram Unnumbered to Commonwealth Office.
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He said that when he arrived he expected to be challenged and obstructed but on other hand he found willingness and deter- mination by employers and by Government to achieve reform.
On current situation Lord Shepherd said he looked forward particularly to a restoration of good working relations between China and Hong Kong and also between China and Britain based on an understanding of their benefit to each other.
But the Minister added "I must make it clear that we cannot (repeat cannot) consider any abdication of our authority and responsibilities in Hong Kong".
Lord Shepherd reaffirmed determination of British Government and British people to support and to sustain Hong Kong.
Questioned whether anything was being done to obtain release of two police constables and senior Inspector Knight Lord Shepherd said that strong protests had been made by Brita in in both cases.
He emphatically denied rumours that authorities were only concerned with release of Inspector Knight and not (repeat not) constables.
Lord Shepherd said he is returning to Hong Kong again in about six months..
In a joint statement respective leaders of Birmingham and London Trade Missions Mister W.R.P. King and J. Hamm said today they had been particularly impressed that since troubles began there had not (repeat not) only been no (repeat no) slackening of Hong Kong's productivity but that exports had actually expanded faster. They said "before we left Britain we were a little unsure what effects disturbances might have had. All our members have been impressed with normality of Hong Kong situation and it is now (repeat now) clear to us that their effect has been minimal." They added that great activity in Port is proof in itself that far from there being a stoppage as some rumours have said,there has actually been no (repeat no) diminution whatever of this efficient Port's operations. Hong Kong experienced another quiet day. There were only twelve reports of bombs of which only three turned out to be genuine bombs.
Ends Informs.
Sir D.Trench
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
H.K.D.
J.I.R.D.
Sent 21392/20 October Recd 2100Z/20 October
J.I.P.G.D.
News Dept.
F.E.D.
O.P.A.
O.L.A.
88888
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