Hong Kong's return to China on July 1, 1997, went surprisingly smoothly. In the ensuing months, policy analysts are trying to assess how the territory will fare in the longer run under Chinese rule. The answer is important to U.S. interests because of the enormous U.S. economic presence in Hong Kong; because any adverse developments in Hong Kong are likely to affect U.S.-China relations; and because China's promise to give Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy under the "one-China, two-systems" policy has major implications for Taiwan. But given the political situation, the American ability to affect the course of events in Hong Kong seems marginal unless the U.S. decides to confront Beijing more directly. Developments in U.S.-China relations in recent years suggest Washington might be hesitant to do so.

Letter from F. W. Golding to Harris Leon Kempner checking if he settled down from his trip, and hopes that the excess baggage didn't trouble him too much. He also mentions that the weather didn't get any better after his departure, and that the three packages will ship on 14th of June where he included the certificate of origin just in case customs need that. He also mentions that they hope to see him soon and they could visit new territories.

Letter from Harris Leon Kempner to Edward Marcus handing his letters of introduction. He mentions that they have a number of people whom they could write to but mentions that Baird has met them all and it's better if he writes to them.

Letter from C. L. Kung to James T. Baird regarding the samples that they're returning through sea mail. And asks if they consider other kinds of embroidered table cloths, they would like to send those too.

This report covers the importance of the democratization of Hong Kong to U.S. foreign policy as well as to Hong Kong itself. It specifically looks at two recent election changes which indicate the Hong Kong government's willingness to press for democratic reforms and also give more power to current government officials over incumbent officials.

As a result of an initiative by Australia in 1989, the United States joined with eleven other Asia/Pacific nations in creating APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation organization. This report discusses the annual Ministerial Meeting of APEC in Seattle, held from November 17 - 19, 1993.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Postcard of a large white and grey cathedral among skyscrapers, described as "St. John's Cathedral, Hong Kong. Foundation Stone Laid in 1847." The message on the back is illegible. The postcard is addressed to "Mrs. C. E. Ward 1906 McFaddin Beaumont, Texas 77001 U. S. A."