TNAG-0568-FCO40-701-Planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 49

21.

SECRET

I

Taiwan, Korea and other Asian countries. should add that I do not think a comparison with Japan itself is reasonable considering its vast population and resources, and its freedom from the handicap imposed by Hong Kong's rapid increase in population, let alone the enormous outside aid injected to re-establish Japan's essential infra- structure after the war - aid which in circumstances just as daunting has never been given to Hong Kong.

AN EXPLANATION

42.

On re-reading this despatch I am conscious of room for misunderstanding in particular on two points. Firstly these plans for material, social, and political progress between now and the '80s described in it cover only what I believe to be the essentials from point of view of the Department's immediate interest. There are very wide and important and indeed exciting fields of government, accounting for over half the budget, that are not referred to at all. Secondly, the Hong Kong Government's plans do not stop dead in the mid-80s. All plans, including the budgetary 3 and 10 year forecasts that reflect their financial implications, are rolled forward each year. Moreover the direction and content of plans are reviewed as targets are approached or new factors appear. In eventual discussion with China about the future of Hong Kong it is impossible to say now whether the condition of the Colony at that time will or will not be of significance. But in the circum- stances I believe most likely it could be. I have therefore stressed the time factor since it is essential to work for maximum material prosperity and political contentment and unity at the time of discussion. implies both a spur and a curb.

This

IS THE PROGRAMME IN THIS DESPATCH POLITICALLY VIABLE IN HONG KONG?

43.

-

What I have set out above are

plans Can we see them through?-

a) assuming a reasonable level of world economic activity I am completely confident of completing the material and social plans described in paras. 7 and 8. There is strong public and UMELCO support for them.