TNAG-0286-FCO40-322-Visits-of-HRH-Princess-Alexandra-to-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 65

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(and other economic measures we have had to take have

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9.

vote).

CONFIDENTIAL

In the event the Hong Kong Government contributed £15,000 towards the total common costs of the tour (which amounted to approximately £55,000).

Argument

7. Royal Visits in general are a very

effective manifestation of the British connec-

tion; they help to reassure the local

population of our continuing interest and are a fillip to confidence and morale. This is a particularly important consideration in the

case of Hong Kong. The economic and

commercial interests of the Colony and of th United Kingdom

have tended to

trade in

Her Majesty's Government sometimes diverge toai in recent years

has been substantial degree. This is particularly the apparent Case/

in the field of textiles and the devaluation of sterling also adversely affected

Publi granion in our relations with the Colony. Factors such as Hạng trong

conscions of the Colony's remde and vulnerable these coupled with Hong Kong's remoteness and position in the shadow of Chima, has understandably been

geographical isolation have tended over the→ inclined to seek some reassurance and to look for this in the years to foster the impression in the Geleny valin and streng 12 of 12e links w12 Britain. Becant of that Her Majesty & Government is not always These factors we have since 1967

sufficiently mindful of or concerned with the interests of the people of Hong Kong. We have for a long time( been striving, in consultation

tangible with the Governor, to find, ways in which we

demonstrate our interest-n and concern for Hong Kon could offset the unfortunate impression caused

by the circumstances mentioned, above and in

and generate somme which we could try to demonstrate warmth in the

ances

with the colon

relationship between Britain and Hong Kong.

One of the measures adopted for this purpose

There have been no

The Colony sma 1961. Snowden

expense

бършае

official Royal unces to Princen Nargaret-

visited it in 1966

#

and hard

at Board of Trade

In connection with British week

Colony; although they undertook engagements, this was not strictly occasion. Princess Alexandria

" in the

Some charg

"Colony

a

and other members of the

Royal Family have paid private visits to the Colony

Sunce 1961.

Fake in slip

Bio. Although a special visit to Malaysia on

its own could not be justified, there would be real advantage to us if Her Royal Highness

could make such a visit as part of a tour

CONFIDENTIAL /which

(118281) Dd. 391599 1,500M 2/69 Hw.