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It is
9. Meanwhile we are still faced by the "personality" problem of Mr. Stewart and the conflict of views in the Board of Trade.
ludicrous in a way that these important issues should be bedevilled by such factors. But we as a department would find it difficult to intervene in this feuding except discreetly to lend our support to C.R.E.; and, as for Mr. Stewart, difficult as he is he has his good points and can be useful; at any rate we have got to learn to live
with him for the time being.
10.
My conclusion is that we should continue on much the same lines as we are doing, not seeking for the present to get B.O.T. agreement to the basic points in Mr. Haddon-Cave's paper.
11.
Whether or not you agree with my conclusion I suggest you canvas Hong Kong opinion on the views expressed here. Mr. Sorby and Mr. Jordan are the officers principally concerned, but
Sir J. Cowperthwaite and possibly Mr. Haddon-Cave will also have an interest. There is no reason why they should not see this brief if you wish; the Board of Trade feuding and the shortcomings of Shaun Stewart are well enough known to them.
Hong Kong Department 21 February, 1969
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