TNAG-0485-FCO40-550-UK-publications-on-labour-and-social-conditions-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 19

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5.

We should nevertheless make clear both that the booklet

has been thoroughly studied and that we cannot accept everything it contains. In particular, I think we should point out that nearly 45% of Hong Kong's urban population, by entering the Colony from other countries, have quite deliberately chosen to live there and also that, notwithstanding allegations to the contrary on the last page of the text (p. 38), the Chinese Government have made it plain that they are content for the

present with the status quo.

6. I recommend that Lord Goronwy-Roberts should write to Mr Farley on the lines of the attached draft. Far Eastern Department agree.

12 November 1974

Desh

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

сс

PS

IRD

FED

OLA

News Dept.

PUSD

Sir D. Watson 0.1.

1. I agree with the recommendation that the reply to Mr Farley should go in this sort of length and detail; and that we should not set ourselves up for a continuing exchange of comment and counter-comment on statistical fact.

2. However (and after discussion with the Overseas Labour Adviser, Mr Stuart and Mr Bentley) I recommend two textual changes.

3.

I think the penultimate paragraph exposes unnecessary surface, given the address to which the letter goes, and the consequent risk that Mr Farley might seek a counter-statement from Chinese sources. In place of that paragraph I therefore suggest that the following sentence be added on to the preceding

paragraph:

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