CONFIDENTIAL
2.
clear, I therefore prefer to play safe. My objectives in these lists are merely:
(a) To make no major changes until I can better trust my judgement of personalities and their respective influences.
(b)
More room for manoeuvre by staggering appointments.
(c)
Two women instead of one.
This was huded
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5.
(d) Slightly increased emphasis on
(e)
(f)
(1) Education (the appointment of Mrs. Symons, a prominent head- mistress, as well as Mr. Wilson Wang, a head-master).
(2) Social Welfare (reinstatement of the Director of Social Welfare, which I propose to complement in a year's time with the appointment of a lady prominent in the field of social welfare).
To establish a substantial overlap between the Executive and Legislative Councils (3 persons) so that there can be assurance of a decision of the Executive Council on a financial matter being upheld in the Finance Committee.
To reduce the load on unofficials by an increase of one in their number (I have telegraphed separately about the amendment required in the Royal Instructions)
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Most of these changes speak for themselves, in particular (a), (d) and (e).
6.
With regard to (b) you will note that some appointments are only for 1 year. In Legislative Council Mrs. Li and Mr. Browne wish to retire after 1 year. But the others in the two Councils with short appointments are all in my opinion of doubtful bng term value though reliable enough, and in sounding them I have made it clear that there is no commitment on my part or theirs on what happens after the year is up. So in sum this leaves an option on a considerable
CONFIDENTIAL