TNAG-0380-FCO40-426-Sterling-assets-and-balance-of-payments-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 152

CONFIDENTIAL

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS SHOWN INADEQUATE CONSIDERATION FOR THE POSITION OF HONG KONG AND IS INCLINED TO TAKE DECISIONS MORE ON THE BASIS OF ITS OWN INTERESTS THAN THOSE OF THE COLONY. STRONG PUBLIC OPINION DEPLORES THE CAVALIER TREATMENT METED OUT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON HIS MOST RECENT ATTEMPT TO OPEN A DIALOGUE. THIS HAS INCREASED THE FEELING OF DISENCHANTMENT ARISING IN THE COLONY AGAINST THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH COULD WELL RESULT IN MORE SERIOUS ECONOMIC - AND POLITICAL CONSEQUENCIES IF A UNILATERAL DECISION IS ANNOUNCED WHICH IS UNSATISFACTORY FROM HONG KONG'S POINT OF VIEW. IT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE TO TAKE STEPS AT ONCE TO PREVENT THIS. THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THEREFORE RESPECTFULLY

ASK THAT A REQUEST SHOULD BE PUT FORWARD TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO ENTER INTO MEANINGFUL NEGOTIATIONS FORTHWITH.

NORMAN-WALKER

FILES

HKIOD

FRD

FR MARSHALL

MR HOLLAND

MR WILFORD

P.C. WOO

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CONFIDENTIAL