TNAG-0845-FCO40-1055-Visits-of-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 37

world and with that background and with the extra problems

imposed by the recent influx of refugees from Vietnam and

immigrants from the mainland of China of course the situation

has been made more difficult. I think the achievements of the

Government of Hong Kong are very remarkable indeed by any

international standards. I think we need to keep a balance.

There is a lot more to be done but a great deal has been done

and by international standards, certainly standards in the

rest of Asia, I think the achievements of Hong Kong are really

remarkable.

Question: When did you reach a decision to re-appoint the Governor ?

Mr Blaker: Well of course I didn't reach the decision. That was a

Governmental decision approved by the Queen. But it was a

recent decision. I don't want you to imagine that it has been

taken since my arrival in Hong Kong. It was taken in the due

process after due consideration that is always given to these

matters.

Question: Could I follow up this question about the New Hebrides? Could

you tell us what amount of aid the British Government intends

to give to the New Hebrides in the next few years ?

Mr Blaker: As you know, the New Hebrides from which I have just come hence

the relevance of the question, will be independent in 1980. I

had a conference with my friend of the opposite number in the

New Hebrides last week and we reached a decision on the new

constitution. The British aid programme is £3.5 million over the

- 6.

...period