CONFIDENTIAL
5. As a result of an oversight in the Department, which is
regretted, the Hong Kong Bill was published before we had
completed our examination of its provisions.
This fact coupled
B C D
with the Tabling of the attached Parliamentary Question led
to the attached exchange of telegrams with the Governor.
6. A draft reply to Mr Rees' Question is attached.
draft is based on the information and views expressed in Hong
Kong telegram No. 482 (attached).
The
The draft is somewhat long
but since the reply is a written one this may perhaps be accepted.
7.
The Parliamentary Office have asked for the reply to reach
them by 11 am tomorrow, Friday 16 July.
8. Notes for supplementaries are not required.
15 July 1971
Maria
E O Laird
Hong Kong Department
CONFIDENTIAL
外