En Clair
HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)
13 October 1967
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Attention Glover
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HWA 22/27
Following is text of statement made by the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs, Right Honourable Lord Shepherd, on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport this evening;
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"This is the first opportunity for a visit to Hong Kong since my appointment to the Commonwealth Office at the end of July. have greatly welcomed and looked forward to this opportunity.
"I am not a stranger to Hong Kong, having been here many times in a private capacity but this time I come as a Minister to see at first hand the present situation and to have talks with the Governor and others on all matters concerning the Colony. I also hope to renew some old friendships and trust that during the time I am here I will make many more.
"Hong Kong receives many visitors. They come from many countries. They admire the tremendous vitality and industry of its people. How can there be any doubt about this The evidence is all around to be seen. But despite the tremendous achievements of Hong Kong there is still much to be done. Hong Kong is poised for further achievements. These must come not only by expansion and improved efficiency of the industrial and commercial activities on which the economy is based, but also by increasing attention to the social betterment of its people. We all hope fervently for a resumption of conditions of peace and prosperity in which to take up these tasks.
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"The British Government and people have been deeply concerned about what has been happening in Hong Kong this year. Violence of any kind shocks everyone and when it brings harm and suffering to innocent bystanders it is especially abhorrent. The Government of Hong Kong has carried out its responsibilities to the full in maintaining Law and Order and I would like to pay a very sincere tribute to all who have been concerned in this. They have pre- formed their duties despite great provocation, with firmness and restraint. I hope to see many of them during my visit and tell them how much their services have been appreciated. But the most outstanding feature of the past months has been courage, resolution and good sense of the ordinary people of the Colony. rejection of force and intimidation has ensured that reason should prevail. They can rest assured that Her Majesty's Government will continue to give them the fullest support.
Their
"Of course the situation is serious; actions that put life and limb in peril must be serious. But on the other hand it would be wrong to exaggerate them. y Life continues; factories are busy, ships sail laden with cargoes, hotels are full of tourists.
Given
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