TNAG-0579-FCO40-712-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 138

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all may count on the essentials of life education; medical services; housing: where

necessary relief through social welfare; protection through adequate labour legislation; and of course personal safety. The first side of the balance - comparative economic

freedom is perfectly compatible with social and commercial responsibility. We

know this is so, and we must keep it so. The other side social provision is equally

·

compatible with Hong Kong's traditional virtues of realism, will to work and self

reliance. These too are precious and essential to our society, and must be preserved.

I am convinced that in the construction and preservation of this balance lie Hong

Kong's best prospect for prosperity, social harmony and international respect.

END