CONFIDENTIAL
he feeling hat Hong Kong
s a nuisance 2 Britain
Resentment at what is regar- ded as inter- ference by Britain in
Local affaira
į
United Kingdom-llcng Kong relations during the past decade. 6. There has been a growing feeling in Hong Kong that Britain, so far from being proud of Hong Kong's achievements,
In the regards the Colony as a nuisance and an impediment. post-war years we left Hong Kong to grapple alone (without significant financial assistance) with the tremendous problems At the samo timo posed by the influx of refugees from China. we are seen in Hong Kong as having dealt the Colony a serics
the restrictions on of blows to its trade and finances:
its exports of cotton textiles to this country since 1959, the import surcharge (1954), the increase in the defence contribution (1966), devaluation (1967), the import deposit scheme (1968), and the decision to impose a tariff on cotton
Our actions textile imports from the Commonwealth (1969).
are seen as showing a lack of concern for Hong Kong's intcrcats and for her special problems; as indicating an indifference to the special ties and relationship which should subsist between a Colony and the responsible power.
:
7. At the same time, the Colony's remarkable record of economic expansion and material progress in the last decade, achieved with the minimum of outside aid, has induced a fooling of confidence among those who play a prominent part in public affairs that, but for the complication of China, Hong Kong would be capable of standing on its own feet and, more than any territory which has been granted constitutional advance,
The unofficial membero of sustaining self-governing status.
of Legislative Council, supported by public opinion as axpressed in the non-communist press, are therefore inclinel to argue that Britain should not interfere in local affairs.
CONFIDENTIAL
/ There is
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.