I would emphasise that this decision in no way rules out the possibility of consideration being given in the future to the appointment of an Ombudsman. But I feel that we should first allow time for the effectiveness of the arrangements that I have outlined above to be evaluated.
In your later letter you mention the existence of draft legislation. It is true that a draft Bill was propered in Hong Kong at the beginning of the year.
It was not intended for publication nor did it represent fir proposals to proceed with the institution of the office of Ombudsman. The draft Bill was no more than a working document intended to indicate what would be involved in the creation of such an office and the form of the legislation that would be required for the purpose. In these circumstruicon, I hope you will understand why I do not feel able to meet the request in the second paragraph of your letter.
I
You have also mentioned your interest in Seychelles. I think it is the isolation of the Seychelles islands communities that bred the problems to which you refer. hope they will not recur in the changed circumstances of social and economic advance which we hope are ahead in that Colony. However, I note your suggestion of an Ombudsman, and will certainly tell the Governor you have made it.
(SHEPHERD)