Secretary of State might express regret that it we not possible
for them to be received in Audience by Th queen and any that as
of Her Majesty's Ministers he is receiving them on Her behalf.
5. The delegation have been informed that their meeting with the
Secretary of State will be brief and in the nature of a courtesy call.
They may, nevertheless, attempt to raise matters concerning the
positiem and importance of the New Territories in the future of
Hong Kong; the representation of the New Territories on the Executive
and Legislative Councils of the Hong Kong Government, and allied
matters. It is possible that the delegation will present a
memorandus to the Secretary of State setting out various matters that
they wish to bring to his notice.
6.
It is suggested that in response to the delegation's
representations the Secretary of State should reply in general terms
indicating his interest in the delegation's mission to this country
and expressing agreement with its purpose; conveying appreciation
of the very steadfast attitude maintained by the people of the
New Territories in the face of communist violence during 1967:
expressing his own interest in the development of local government in
the Colony and undertaking to consider their representations.
(N.B. For the Secretary of State's own information.
The reply
to any representations will be made (in the usual way)
after consultation with the Governor and will be sent
through hia).
Hong Kong Department, 19 February, 1968.