7.
You will have seen from the background brief that there are a number of points on which differences of view exist between Britain and Hong Kong: for instance, over the death penalty, the defence costs agreement and textiles. I should like to emphasise that this state of affairs is to be expected. Hong Kong is an important trading power in its own right and a place where sociological attitudes are Chinese rather than British in character. Nevertheless it would be right to emphasise the underlying community of interest recognised by both sides and the very good working relationship existing between officials on both sides.
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department Foreign & Commonwealth Office
11 November 1975
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