RESTRICTED
4.
I am also enclosing a copy of a letter we have had from the National Union of Students of the Universities and Colleges of the United Kingdom. As you will see, the Hong Kong Fedoration have been in touch with this Union. If you see no objection we propose that the reply to the Union should take the following form -
5.
"I am replying to your letter to ir Royle of 29 September about the use of Chinese as an official language in Hong Kong.
The four reports produced by the Chinese Language Committeo have now been presented to the Hong Kong Government and it is for that Government to consider the recommendations made by the Committee. Er Royle has noted the comments contained in your letter but pending the outcome of the Hong Kong Government's consideration of this matter he does not consider that it would be appropriate for him to oxpress any viewa on the subject.'
#1
Could you possibly send us a telegram next week referring to this letter and giving us your views. We would then consult Mr Doyle and let you have the final form of the replies to these three letters.
2.
RESTRICTED
E O Laird