TNAG-0119-FCO40-155-Lord-Shepherd-s-visit-1969 — Page 92

ONG KONG DEPARTMENT.,

ROOM 271,

KING CHARLES STREET

H.K.

Mr Saminceres

Stewart

69

19

لة

London questions Hongkong

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT-Hongkong, June 3

-Lord Shepherd. Minister of for the colony's youth and sugity ranked low. Nevertheless, Brit- State at the Foreign and Com-gested that improved recreational monwealth Office, tonight ques- tioned the Hongkong Govern- ment's policies on matters of social and labour welfare.

facilities for young people were needed.

**

Discussing Hongkong's rela- In a speech at a dinner given

tions with Britain, he pledged that by senior Government officials, maintain

the British Government would Lord Shepherd paid tribute to the

by her presence and steadfastness of the local popula-security which is so vital for the her posture, the stability and tion during the communist dis- | investment, trade and industry on turbances of 1967 and praised the colony's

which the future well-being of the governor, Sir Trench, and other members of pends". In spite of the British

David people of Hongkong the administration.

de- withdrawal from east of Suez, Hongkong's garrison would re- main intact.

He questioned, however, whether Hongkong was doing enough to ensure stability in labour management about which the colonial authori

relations, ties have frequently been attacked for dragging their feet. He also called for the urgent expansion of technical education.

Lord Shepherd also questioned whether enough was being done

SO

After outlining the difficulties which the Labour Government had encountered in restoring the health of the British economy, Lord Shepherd explained that a fixed ceiling had been imposed on queue British aid for overseas and in the for financial assistance from London Hongkong's prior-

ain was still examining the co- lony's request for a £6m, loan to extend its airport to take jumbo jets.

He promised that Britain would be willing to provide Hongkong with staff and expert advice

over a wide range of important social and educational projects

Although Lord Shepherd said that his speech was not meant to be "provocative. but to stimulate thought", it is hard to find any precedent for a British Minister questioning official policies while on a visit to Hongkong.

to

First local reactions speech are mixed. Lord Shepherd the has been criticized by some for being so guarded in commenting on local problems, while his re- marks have been welcomed by others as refreshingly outspoken for an official visitor.