CONFIDENTIAL
{
statement of the Governor's policy proposals was strictly in line with the objectives laid down in the Planning Paper. Now that all the major proposals in that paper have either been implemented or are on the way to being implemented, that consideration no lon ger applies.
5.
We can scarcely at this stage propose major changes, even if we wanted to. It would perhaps make more sense, if, in future, rather than asking to see the actual text, we should instead endeavour to agree with the Governor well in advance the broad outline of what is to be included in the speech. There is no point in taking this up with the present Governor since he will not be opening another LegCo session, but it is perhaps something that we might try to establish as a matter of routine with his
successor.
6.
In the meantime however, I suggest that a reply to the Governor's telegrams might be sent on the lines of the attached
draft.
1
9 October 1978
cc:
Mr Cortazzi
Overseas Labour Adviser
CONFIDENTIAL
W.E. Quantill
W E Quantrill
Hong Kong and General Department
/I think