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布政司署
香港下亞畢道
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Dear Jayk,
180074
C.S. 41A
79
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HONG KONG
14th October, 1974.
80
I fear that I have been slow in writing to
you following our discussion in London last month, For I had to find the right moment to broach the matter even obliquely to Kenneth Topley! Having found the moment, I caused him to understand that notwithstanding his obvious intelligence and penetration being fully appreciated in London, there was some apprehension that his zeal might on occasion outweigh the diplomacy and sensitivity to other peoples' sensitivities so necessary in his new job, and be to that extent counter-productive. I felt I could be no more specific than that, at this stage.
2.
His reaction was not unexpected: "I'm a late newcomer to the game, lots to learn, mountains to move in H.K., only a few days in U.K.". But he was genuinely concerned that he may have seemed unappreciative of the excellent arrangements made and of the care taken of him. I think he has taken the point. There has been no difficulty here so far on the score of insensitivity: people know him and his habits; he speaks out straight, and that I think is a great relief for the press and the public. The White Paper on Secondary Education is to be tabled in LegCo the day after tomorrow, and there will be two weeks of public "debate" before Members have their say. It will be instructive to see how Kenneth handles his mandate to respond how to choose, in public, during that fortnight.
3.
On the Adviser post, we are leaving it to Kenneth to let us know his views and needs; if it reactivates, we will let you know immediately.
I have det
fatter.
Andras Stuart
Bearin's to
A
(A.J. Scott)
Secretary for the Civil Service
J.E.C. Thornton, Esq., 0.B.E.,
Chief Education Adviser,
Overseas Development Administration, Eland House,
Stag Place,
Victoria, S.W.1,
England.
CONFIDEN