Mr Cortazzi
CONFIDENTIAL
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
#KK 06/4.
RALAN
INDEX
25 MAY 1978
No t
j
2
HONG KONG AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT
1.
We spoke this morning about Sir Murray MacLehose's idea that someone who had served in the Hong Kong Government should be placed in Hong Kong and General Department so that the department had resident expertise on the workings of the Colony.
2. I attach, as promised, a copy of the letter which Sir Murray has written to me. I had previously minuted on his idea, and I understand that a submission will be made in due course.
3. I think the department were averse to it, but I myself would see some advantage in some scheme which would enable us to demonstrate clearly that practical circumstances in the Colony are taken into account during deliberations in Whitehall. I am not suggesting that they are not taken into account now, but there is a presentational as well as a practical aspect to this issue to which I know you are fully alive.
17 May 1978
CONFIDENTIAL
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Edward Youde