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.