TNAG-0616-FCO40-764-Policy-of-UK-on-status-of-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 114

SECTION C: UK/HONG KONG RELATIONS: MATTERS OF CURRENT INTEREST

Background

13. While in practice Hong Kong enjoys a considerable degree of autonomy in the management of its own affairs, particularly in the commercial, financial and economic sectors, its constitutional and, to some extent its political, dependence on Britain is accepted. It is appreciated that without the British connection Hong Kong in its present form would cease to exist and it is acknowledged, even if grudgingly at times, that where UK interests are involved

the last word must rest with HMG. However, local awareness of Hong Kong's importance as a trading power, Chinese attitudes and a certain sense of "national" pride often lead to demands that

certain issues which have implications for the UK should be treated

as essentially "local" issues.

14. Hong Kong matters are the subject of a certain amount of public

and parliamentary interest in the UK. The extent and nature of UK parliamentary interest in Hong Kong was illustrated in December 1976 when two Early Day Motions, one favourable and one very unsympathetic to the Hong Kong Government and establishment, were tabled in the House of Commons. Hong Kong is also the subject of a very large number of Parliamentary Questions (over 100 so far this year) and Hong Kong matters are sometimes raised in foreign affairs debates. This parliamentary interest is reflected to a lesser extent by the media and by the public at large and its impact on the relationshin between the UK and Hong Kong is important.

Social Progress

15. There is a critical interest in labour end social conditions

in Hong Kong amongst various sectors of UK public opinion, including the TUC and the NEC of the Labour party. This was . given fresh stimulus early in 1976 by the publication of a Fabian Society pamphlet entitled "Hong Kong: Britain's Responsibility" and has since been sustained by reports in the press and elsewhere on such matters as the illegal employment of children in Hong Kong, crime, drug addiction and corruption.

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IN CONFIDENCE

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