TNAG-0119-FCO40-155-Lord-Shepherd-s-visit-1969 — Page 93

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Cutting dated.

24 JUN 1969

19

London questions Hongkong

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT-Hongkong, June 3

-Lord Shepherd, Minister of for the colony's youth and sug-ity ranked low. Nevertheless, Brit- State at the Foreign and Comgested that improved recreational monwealth Office, tonight ques- facilities for young people were tioned the Hongkong Govern- ment's policies on matters of social and labour welfare.

needed.

Discussing Hongkong's rela- tions with Britain, he pledged that In a speech at a dinner given the British Government would by senior Government officials, maintain Lord Shepherd paid tribute to the

"by her presence and her posture, the stability and steadfastness of the local popula-security which is so vital for the tion during the communist dis- turbances of 1967 and praised the colony's governor, Sir David Trench, and other members of the administration.

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

investment, trade and industry on which the future well-being of the people of Hongkong pends". In spite of the British SO de-

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

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 British aid for overseas and in the queue 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.

First local reactions to the speech are mixed. Lord Shepherd 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.