SECRET & PERSONAL
those concerned with Hong Kong are concerned about how to cope with
the increased political interest which I mentioned. Their concern
makes sense to me. Neither Goronwy nor Tom McNally expect the
increase to be a temporary phenomenon (nor, I think would you or I.)
Hence the need to try to chart a path towards more progressive
internal policies within Hong Kong. No one underestimates the
difficulty which implementing the measures proposed in the Planning
Paper would involve, nor is there any tendency here to underestimate
the restrictive parameters within which you have to operate.
take the point you make about the part that Goronwy can play.
And I
Not surprisingly the Secretary of State has not had a chance to
think about the long term strategy proposals set out in the Planning
Paper. I do not know if he or should I say his successor! will
agree with them: we must wait and see. I shall ask the department
to let you know by telegram if and when we have his views: they will
also of course be in touch with you as soon as the fog clears over
the proposed visit. I myself would very much like to have the
informal "post mortem" with you which you suggested in your letter
though I have not yet detected any corpses! But thank you again
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/for
V
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