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first need is to gain time and to avoid a situation in which it may be difficult for the Legislative Council or the Governor to accept any amendments or safeguards which may ultimately be seen to be required. I hope therefore that you will find it possible to communicate with the Hong Kong Government in such a way as to ensure the necessary time and I can promise that we will prepare our delegation for urgent discussion at any time.
youre sincerely, Gard Histor
P.S. We have just been informed through a telephone call from Hong Kong that the Bills will come up for their Second Reading tomorrow (Wednesday) and that it is the Government's intention to press through the Third Reading on Wednesday of next week.
The Rt. Hon Sir Alec Douglas-Home, K.T., P.C., M.P., House of Commons,
S.W.1.