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sort of distortions to discredit Government and Government officers. We have of course, in this regard, been expecting a return to the depressing days of 1965 and 1966 for some time and are perhaps lucky it is no worse. We still retain a very great deal of quiet support, but this alliance between the Communist press and some local Europeans (and some M. Ps!) to denigrate the Government at every possible opportunity cannot but have a gradual effect. Nor, of course, can these people ever be molified by any actions of ours.
No doubt you have heard via Hannam of the very real possibility that the French will build the tunnel without asking for any of the guarantees asked for in the U.K.! The contract would, of course, go to a French contractor as part of the deal. I have not told you of this officially yet, at Clague's request, since the deal is not absolutely fully tied up. But if it comes off, U.K. prestige here is going to sink even lower informed people are already very concious of the fact that absolutely nothing concrete has been done yet to show support for us after 1967, other than by the maintenance of the garrison (which is appreciated).
Chinese opinion here, as supported also by the Chinese press, still welcomes maintenance of the Emergency Regulations generally, including Regulation 31. We are however once again undertaking a comprehensive review of the Emergency Regulations and will get rid of all we can. This should be completed in two to three weeks and we will let you know the result. The fireworks one goes on 1st January, having now been covered by substantive law and the difficulty over continuing compensation payments got around. I have already told you our first thoughts about the remaining detainees.
I hope we can hear about Gass' successor very soon. This is getting quite embarrassing; and from what you told me I had expected something before now. However, I do understand the difficulty.
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