1971 it will no longer be possible to reinforce Hong Kong from
Malaysia or Singapore. Although the local Communists have not
resorted to violence since the end of 1967, there is every
indication that their efforts to undermine authority will
continue unabated in the form of a long term ideological struggle
for the "hearts and minds" of the people of the Colony. The
Hong Kong Government will continue to take such measures as may
In be necessary to maintain peace, order and good government.
so doing, they will continue to have the full support and
assistance of Her Majesty's Government.
13. The Philippine claim to Sabah, in East Malaysia, is a
matter of concern to several countries in South-East Asia, apart
from Malaysia herself of course, and to their friends as well.
For it runs counter to the expressed policies of some of those
countries to work towards the strengthening of regional
cooperation in economic and social matters between friendly
neighbours. Both the Philippines and Malaysia are members of
the Association of South-East Asian Nations, which has made a
useful start in making people in the different countries
concerned aware of their mutual interdependence, and of the
advantages of working together in partnership instead of in
isolation.
14. For our part, we very much regret this dispute between
two Asian neighbours, both of whom are our friends and allies,
and we sincerely hope they will find a means of speedy and
peaceful reconciliation. As for the rights and wrongs of the
dispute, all I need say is that we had no doubts about our
sovereignty over North Borneo, when it was part of Her Majesty's
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