SECRET
arranged for late April and we shall be submitting recommendations
for briefing of newspaper editors by the Secretary of State.
6.
Looking further ahead, thought must be given to the further
constitutional change needed in Hong Kong, to respond to the aspirations of the more representative element in government and to
bring about eventual convergence with the structures established in
the Basic Law. The despatch identifies particularly difficult
issues to be tackled in the area of relationships between the
executive and the legislature. The Governor is well aware of the
need for careful long-term reflection, of a sort to which the
action-oriented Hong Kong Government is not very well fitted, and
has in mind the establishment of a cell or think-tank for the
purpose. It is right that the Hong Kong Government should take the lead, for only they can assess what is locally feasible and
acceptable: but we shall be ready to contribute to the best of our
abilities.
7. The despatches are fascinating, but not essential reading for
the Service as a whole. I do not think that they justify the very
wide circulation that goes with the general distribution (for despatches "of above average current interest ... or of significant historical value"). I recommend that they be given selective
distribution, with the circulation on the attached sheet.
8. I will in due course reply to the Governor, drawing on the points above and any further comments by recipients of this
submission.
Colten
CO Hum
SECRET