(4)
5.
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4.
Suggested Course of Action
In the light of the F.C.O.'s and Peking's
comments and SDA's misgivings, whilst it will be made
clear in the relevant paragraphs in Y.E.'s Annual
Address that the present arrangements for local
administration are to be examined to see if they can
be further improved, it is now proposed that no mention
should be made of the formation of a working party or
group, nor of the options to be considered.
6.
The final draft memorandum for Executive Council
reflects this backtracking. The memorandum should be
considered by Executive Council on 20 September at the
latest, so that Members will not (hopefully) get the
feeling that they are being asked to endorse the
recommendation for a review at the last moment.
Chief Secretary's Office,
Government Secretariat, Hong Kong.
26th August 1983
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PS/Mr Luce