CONFIDENTIAL
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4.
Hong Kong's economic difficulties, which the Governor
highlights in paragraph 6, have compounded this uncertainty, as
have stories leaked by the Chinese about their intentions for
the future of the territory. As a result, within a few months
of assuming office the Governor was put in the unenviable
position of having to make the maintenance of confidence his
primary task. That he is able now to report that things have
become calmer, despite continuing economic problems worldwide,
is a measure of his success in this difficult task.
5.
Not that the Governor is in any way complacent. He remains acutely aware of the current volatility underlying
Hong Kong. He gives full weight to the need for HMG to be
unwavering in its commitment to the territory, and in this I agree wholeheartedly. It is vital that the people of Hong Kong,
and the Unofficials in particular, are left in no doubt as to the
strength of our commitment, and our intention to take their views
on the future fully into account.
6.
The Governor also rightly reminds us that amidst these
difficulties the Hong Kong Government is still achieving much
in day to day terms. He omits to say that they are doing so in
circumstances which might have caused many other Governments to
wring their hands in despair.
Drip
R D Clift
20 May 1983
Hong Kong and General Department
Sir Edward's paragraph 14 is especially good. Hong Kong Conturines to change and the young profesimal pressure groups and their developing skill in handling the media
the media constitute a
powerful new factor.
CONFIDENTIAL
Aratmald
2315
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