A covering TOP SECRET
thent
Desh
3. I think you will find that the Governor, as indeed HKIOD, will be in general agreement with your thesis that the planning papers on Hong Kong, China and Japan should be submitted to the Secretary of State at roughly the same time.
LL.
I should add that we are committed to showing the Governor the outline planning paper attached to my submission of 15 August (folio 5 herein). I have at all times been anxious to ensure that his views and those of HM Ambassador Peking should be fully taken into account before anything goes to the Secretary of State.
The highly classified nature of the papers has, however, meant that Mr Youde and Sir Murray MacLehose should be shown them while they are on leave in this country rather than that the papers should be sent to them in post for comments. The PUS designate has also indicated that he would like to discuss the Hong Kong question at an early stage after his return from his introductory tour, with particular reference to the immigration issue which you will see is at present regarded as the overriding factor in favour of the retention of the present status quo.
мим
PL O'Keeffe
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
21 November 1975
EPHEMERAL Covering SECRET
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HKK 4/1 (Annex)