TNAG-0610-FCO40-758-Hong-Kong-annual-review-for-1976-1977 — Page 21

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

HKK 014/2

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DIPLOMATIC REPORT NO. 84/77

CONFIDENTIAL FCO (Seet) A WHI (Secret)

ANNUAL REVIEW FOR 1976 HONG KONG

SUMMARY

Distributor HONG KONG

1 January, 1977'

Paragraphs 1 & 2).

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1976 saw an economic recovery in Hong Kong of remarkable speed, whose benefits were widely distributed

2. Against this background of prosperity Hong Kong took calmly Mao's death. Though policy to Hong Kong is not at issue new uncertainties now exist. The policies and programmes of the Hong Kong Government are already designed to strengthen the Colony against an

undertain future, but Mao's death adds a new urgency.

3. A review was undertaken of policy to China in respect of Hong Kong and of the domestic policies of the Hong Kong Government. The latter should provide reasonable answers to reasonable criticism, and will achieve sound social conditions in the Colony by the early '80s.

the

4. During the year the composition of the

Legislative Council was changed; target was announced for labour legis- lation of comparability with Asian neighbours within 5 years; the fight against crime and corruption made visible progress.

5 Towards the end of the year a strong

back-lash developed against the announced programme of labour reform.

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CONFIDENTIAL

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