CONFIDENTIAL
almost all the initiative comes from the top. The despatch's
"tail-piece" suggests that the Governor has concluded that the
problem may be insoluble without some direct elections to
Legislative and Executive Councils. He may be right. His
promised proposals will deserve careful examination.
difficulties remain formidable.
15.
But the
I do not consider that we should this year send a despatch
in reply to the Governor's report. Subject to further comments
I would propose to write to the Governor with a bowdlerised
version of the points outlined above.
16.
I have sent the despatch for printing.
1 February 1974
сс FRD FED
EID(E)
CONFIDENTIAL
AC Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
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