CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong. The new Office would of course have to be
quite separate from the normal machinery of government
and I am sure the "Commissioner" would have to report
to you personally. The Parliamentary Commissioner
here has certain restrictions on his activities and
it will be necessary to consider what restrictions
should be placed on the "Ombudsman" in Hong Kong.
I am arranging therefore for the Parliamentary
Commissioner to be consulted about these proposals
and our considered views in the light of this
consultation will be sent to you as soon as possibly
Meanwhile, I should be grateful if you would consider
the best way of reviving this issue with your
unofficial advisers.
If we can treat these matters as urgent I think they would pay
off handsomely in terms of social content.
I have agreed with Anthony Royle that he should visit
Hong Kong in October and he will be in touch with you about
this. He is anxious to discuss the situation generally with
you before you go on leave, but I should hope that by the time
of his visit at the latest it will be possible to announce
decisions on primary education, an accelerated housing programme
and the appointment of an Ombudsman."
2.
C
primary education, housing
Notes on the three points
and the appointment of an ombud sman are attached.
CONFIDENTIAL