It would meet Lord Gardiner's request to the Secretary of State - that there should be an objective review of all aspects of the administration of justice in Hong Kong - and your people might find it helpful to discuss the situation with outsiders approaching the problems with a fresh mind. Perhaps you would let us know whether such a visit might be acceptable in principle.
4.
But whether we proceed with the idea of a visit or not, we must soon send a substantive reply to Lord Gardiner. As I have suggested, if we are to do so adequately, our legal advisers believe that we will have to go rather further than the line in your telegram No 67. I also attach a note containing detailed comments in amplification of the points in the Legal Adviser's minute.
5.
On all these points we would like if possible to be able to tell Lord Gardiner either that there had been progress, or that they were under further and active
consideration. Perhaps you would let us know what you think?
You ev
(Duncan Watson)
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