is
CONFIDENTIAL
thune discussed the rechost with our ".. Mention and Hon. Magan
Sir S. Tomlinson the plight auctions
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I have discussed with Mr. Laird the draft telegram to
Hong Kong attached to the submission below and attach a revision.
You will see in this that we have turned the arguments more in the
direction of Hong Kong's wider interests rather than those of the
U.K. I think this is an approach which is likely to be more
effective with the Governor whose withers quite frankly are not
likely to be much wrung by the frustration of U.K. export possibili-
ties in China. If you agree the revised draft, could you send it
on direct to Miss Deas.
2.
I should perhaps comment on the reference to the Governor's
Executive Council in para. 5 of Mr. Morgan's minute. I assume that
the word "official" in the sentence I have side-lined should
read "unofficial" but, while it is possible that the Governor might
think it necessary to take the unofficial members of EXCO into his
confidence on a matter of such general public interest and
importance, he is under no "statutory" obligation to do so except
in capital cases. He does however consult with his "Board of
Review" long-term prison sentences which comprises the Attorney-
General (Chairman), the Director of Medical and Health Services
or his representative, the Director of Social Welfare or his
representative, the Deputy Colonial Secretary or his representative
and two unofficial members (Mrs. Ellen Li and Mr. Fung Kam-chung).
He has always in discussion laid great emphasis on carrying the
last two with him and has given me the impression that both of
them are, if anything, too susceptible to fears of criticism from
their friends if they are too lenient.
c.c.
Mr. J.A. L. Morgan
Ливибрат
(L. Monson)
4 January, 1971
CONFIDENTIAL