TNAG-0119-FCO40-155-Lord-Shepherd-s-visit-1969 — Page 76

3.

Much of what is discussed at these

meetings must be regarded as confidential. But

since I have tonight what a politician always dreams

of a captive audience I should like to take

this golden opportunity of stating how I see the

relationship of Hong Kong with the United Kingdom.

When I arrived at Kai Tak Airport on

Sunday I was asked a pertinent question: What

could Britain offer to Hong Kong?

I am not sure what motivated this.

But

I should like to answer this question tonight and

to do so in some detail for I believe it is

4.

important that this relationship should be

fully discussed and properly understood.

Hong Kong is what it is today largely

due to the initiative, determination and

ingenuity of those who live and work here.

But despite the boundless energy and

the constant ingenuity, the miracle of Hong

Kong could not have been achieved had there

not existed efficient, orderly Government.

It seems to me, therefore, that the

most important contribution Britain can make

to Hong Kong is to continue to discharge her