SECRET
11. IF THE BILL IS NOT AMENDED THERE WILL INEVITABLY BE DOUBTS AMONGST THOSE UPON WHOM WE INCREASINGLY RELY, BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL, AS TO PRECISELY WHAT HMG'S COMMITMENT REALLY MEANS. IT IS BECAUSE WE WANT TO SHOW HMG'S COMMITMENT IN AS MANY POSITIVE WAYS AS POSSIBLE THAT IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO US TO SECURE LEGISLATIVE
AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL. I AGREE THAT IF ALL THIS FAILS WE MIGHT HAVE TO FALL BACK ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSURANCE, BUT I SEE GREAT DIFFICULTY AND LITTLE PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN THIS APPROACH AND SUGGEST IT IS FAR TOO SOON TO CONSIDER IT. RATHER WE SHOULD GO ALL OUT FOR
AMENDMENT.
12. I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO CONSULT EX-CO BEFORE TELEGRAPHING ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. WILL IT BE TOO LATE IF I TELEGRAPH FURTHER VIEWS ON 17TH? PLEASE REPLY ON THIS POINT BY CLOSE OF
PLAY TONIGHT.
MACLEHOSE
LIMITED
HK&GD
NTD
FED
SIR E YOUDE
MR ADAMS
MR DONALD
Capigs to sent to
copigo
Hong Kong Conveniort office.
-3- SECRET