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.

Sound recording of Margaret Parx Hays and friends addressing Hays' mother while in Hong Kong, China and Bangkok, Thailand in June of 1964.

This report briefly discusses Hong Kong's Legislative Council (Legco), and the recent defeat of a proposal to reform the city's Chief Executive (CE) selection method.

Letter from Arthur M. Alpert to The Consular Officer including the information to sponsor Chung Kat-yan Herbert as he desires to pursue his further education in the United States. He mentions that he'd take care of all his expenses while he's in the United States. He also encloses a statement from bank and if they need any more documents he mentioned not to hesitate.

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 K. Weston to Edwin Tsai memorizing his trip to Hong Kong and tennis matches, and informing about his friend's arrival to Hong Kong.

Letter from Harris Leon Kempner to Brinsley Golding thanking him for his letter of 10th and also getting these packages to us. He mentions that Ruth also joins in thanking them for their attention and help.

Letter from Harris Leon Kempner to Henry Chung regarding Hebert's letter to Ruth about his requirements of a financial guarantor and reference for his stay in the Unites States of America. He mentions that he'd be happy to do that and requests information how they want the letter to be written.

Letter from Harris Leon Kempner to Henry Chung handing the notarized letter of sponsorship for Herbert. He mentioned that he's not sure about where to send it, and thought it's be best to send them to him and Kempner also enclosed another envelope addressed to consular officer if he wishes to use it.

Letter from Harris Leon Kempner to Richard Kyle mentioning why he's late in replying to his letter of May 7th, as he was in Orient and then had to take a quick trip to Washington. He mentions that he had dinner with Fred Gardner and that Shrub is entering his junior year at Harvard this Fall. And mentions that it's great pleasure to have some news from you and Nina and that him and Ruth are doing the same things they usually do.

Letter from J. G. Tompkins to Harris Leon Kempner mentioning about the three boxes of personal effects that're loaded on the "Barbara Lykes" consigned to him. He also mentioned that he'll keep him posted on where it is and when it'll arrive.

Letter from Mutual Textiles Suppliers to Harris Leon Kempner appreciating hi8m for his letter of 18th regarding his son's entry into the state for his studies. He mentions that Herbert is highly recommended by his high school principal. He mentioned that the consular officer suggested that it would assist them if he could write a notarized letter addressing it to the Consular office in Hong Kong. And in the end he mentions that anything that will favor that quick passing out of the visa will be much appreciated.

Letter from Robert A. Vineyard to the Consular, from the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, describing the H. Kempner Cotton Company's validity and trustworthiness.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about fire officials at Galveston who say that one un- attended smoldering cotton bale may have caused the 5 to 10 million dollar fire at a two square block pier at the Galveston Wharves overnight.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about firemen in Galveston who continue to keep a close watch on a smoldering warehouse complex.

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

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

Photograph taken for a story in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. Caption: "Tong Chiu, 35 , says in Hong Kong the UN " has worked out pretty well."

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.

This report discusses the current state of democracy in Hong Kong leading up to elections in 2017. The democratization of Hong Kong not only has implications for U.S. relations with Hong Kong, but also for U.S. relations with China and the political development of Taiwan and cross-Strait relations.