CONFIDENTIAL
"If we stood a chance of winning, I would favour
fighting now. But the advice seems to be that we don't.
On that assumption I would advise putting in a firm
statement of our views this year and making it plain that we
shall press the point at the annual review next year when we
have more evidence to support our argument.
This will not satisfy Hong Kong (or the House of
Commons) but it will be less damaging then riding for a
fall.
If the Secretary of State agrees, the paper can be
redrafted accordingly."
MI Gouldi
3 October 1973
c.c. Mr Guest
Sir D Watson Mr Robinson Mr Youde Mr Butler
Mr Stuart
M I Goulding
CONFIDENTIAL