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Monday, February 14, 1972
He told his listeners in a public speech broadcast and televised by
the Colony's radio and television networks that a Britain in decline could
not be of use to Hong Kong.
A Britain with the assurance of expanding economic activity would be
much to Hong Kong's advantage.
The Foreign Secretary said liberal trading policies generally served
British national interests best, and Britain would have every incentive to
pursue these policies when it became a member of the European Economic Community.
"As I see it, in the Common Market, Hong Kong's interests and Britain's
are not opposed, but complimentary."
On the subject of China's entry into the United Nations, the Foreign
Secretary said Britain was the first Western Government to recognize China.
Facts Of International Life
Britain had for a long time believed that the "facts of international
life" required that China should take her rightful place in the Security Council
and the General Assembly.
These developments, he emphasized, were not related in any way to the
status or future of Hong Kong.
On the contrary, Hong Kong had every reason to be thankful for the
ending of an anomaly which was a major source of friction and misunderstanding
in the world, and in particular in this area.
He was glad to say that Sino-British relations have steadily improved
in recent years.
Both countries had much to offer each other in trade and culture.
" he added. Good relations between us must be to the benefit of all,
/On trade
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