They did
junct of you
not! As
葉錫恩
TEL. 3-422414
(MRS.) E. ELLIOTT.
OUR
REF:
YOUR REF:
RECEIVED
REGI
- S APR 1975
1~1163/548/1
Lord Goronwy Roberts, Sec. of State,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
Whitehall,
United Kingdom.
Dear Sir,
LAST REE
HRIOD
for overly
dratt
55. Kung Lok
Road, 3/
Kwun Tong,
(ike 20th is out but we KOWLOON and time
RLF
12
come
احين
23002 wk 1st. April, 1975.
hood G.R.
You will probably be aware that a group of Hong Kong Urban Councillors will seen be visiting Londen see the work of the London County Council.
It is my intention to spend a few days lenger in Londen, commencing before the official visit, after which I also hope to spend a few days in my home town, Newcastle Upon Tyne. I shall therefore be in London from 8th. April (early morning) to about 10th. and would be most grateful if you could possibly give me just five minutes of your time. All I want to do is to ask you a question on behalf of a group of people to whom I gave the enclosed address yesterday.
What they asked me to ask you is what you would consider sufficient indication of the "desire" of our people here in order to get representation by the election of the unofficials on the "egislative Council (as opposed to appointment), without disturbing the balance of ex-offici. members. The group concerned is composed of Chinese and British, most of whom I did not previously knew, and who are forming themselves inte a "Movement for Representation in Government". This movement began as a result of your visit to Hong Kong in January.
J
You will n● doubt recall that you said that it would be a good thing to turn the Legislative Council inte an elected assembly - provided that Hong Kong really wants it. They are new concerned to knew what would convince the British Government that this is really wanted. The group does not go as far as your words suggested, but asks only that the unofficials be elected.
I am sure that a verbal explanation would take only a matter of minutes, so that at their next meeting, I can convey what was in your mind on this subject. You gave hope to many people by your statement. I am afraid, however, that Government quarters panicked and told the media that you had "omitted" the last part of your "briefing" which usually says that because of Hong Kong's geo-physical position, this was impossible. However, many responsible people were gladdened by your statement and believe you spoke with intention, omitting only what you intended te mit.
I apologise for the length of this letter. The purpose is that you may know what question I had in mind, and to save your time should you grant me a brief audience.
Besides being in Londen for these few days, I shall also be in London 20th - 25th. April, and our visits to the G.L.C. will be within the hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. I would go anywhere at any time within the time left free, or on 26th. which is free, to see you only for that short time.
PA
14/14
I can be contacted from 8th. April
10th. at the Royal Westminster