As for the request at (b), Cunningham's point
about the confidential nature of parts of the Country
and economic reports is appreciated (his letter
G/5000/35/1/6/1 of 14 Jan.1966 to Ingerson in the
Colonial Office refers). But is the difficulty.
insurmountable?
The Corporation's senior officers are Government
officers and are subject to the provisions of the
Official Secrets Act. Further protection could also
be afforded by posts deleting such sensitive items
from the copy sent to Hong Kong or even withholding
it altogether if deletion were impracticable; posts
would have entire discretion.
The Hong Kong authorities are very grateful for a‡
all the assistance that is already given to them by
overseas posts and home departments and fully
appreciate that British interests have to be served
first. But Hong Kong is in particular need of
support at the present time and I should therefore
be most grateful if their request could be considered.
I am sending copies of this letter to Hildyard
in the Foreign Office and Kemp in E.C.G.D.
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