TNAG-0380-FCO40-426-Sterling-assets-and-balance-of-payments-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 32

15

RIM

REGISTRY M

SEP 1975

PKKS

Mr. Stuart H.K.I.O.D.

1.

200.

156

PA

3/x

Mr. Royle has seen British Trade Commission Hong Kong telegram no. 116

of 11 September, in paragraph 3 of which it is reported that the Trade Commissioner has been advised that a P.R. post is urgently required to restore Britain's image in Hong Kong.

2.

Mr. Royle feels that there is a wider need to restore Britain's image in Hong Kong and suggests that he might issue a statement on British relations with Hong Kong. He considers that there is a need to allay growing fears that the British Government is paying scant attention to Hong Kong's needs in the pursuit of her own interests.

3. I should be grateful if you would consider Mr. Royle's suggestion and, unless you see objection, submit a draft statement which could be put out both here and in Hong Kong, but with particular emphasis in Hong Kong, e.g. the Editor of the South China Morning Post could be persuaded to publish it in full.

13 September, 1973

MR

Guest

M. R. J. quest

cc. to: Mr. Wilford

Sir Duncan Watson.