TNAG-0067-FCO40-103-Governors--reports-1968 — Page 18

(FD 1/1)

SECRET

Mr. Gammara

M5316 Mr. Carter

20

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

Plse resulsmal on the.

3075-

29 May, 1968.

Dear Bunny,

Thank you for your letter of 23 May (HWB 13/7) enclosing a copy of a letter from Anthony Elliott in Hong Kong querying a passage in the Commonwealth Secretary's Despatch of 16 April. As you point out, paragraph 3 of the Despatch was based on 3) the view I had expressed in my letter FD 1/1 of 8 March.

2. I agree with Anthony Elliott that there can be more than one view on this matter. It is difficult to predict future events in China and I suppose we cannot totally rule out a further wave of radicalism at some time in the future which would take observers by surprise as did the Cultural Revolution. Such an event seems improbable in the next few years; and with the departure of Mao from the scene it should become that much less likely. As for the Cultural Revolution itself, we here do not now give the more radical elements. much chance of taking the initiative for the remainder of the movement. We have, however, taken Anthony Elliott's point and I share your view that no useful purpose is to be served by continuing the exchange.

RECEIVE

ARCH

AWAAL

W. S. Carter, Esq., C.V.O.,

Hong Kong Department,

Commonwealth Office.

LAST

REF.

18

Jous ever,

James.

SECRET

(James Murray)

Mr Carks.

If you

wish to reply

to (16)

I will put up a

put up a draft.

A

4,6, 68,

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