Mr. Laird
Reference.......
26
I attended a meeting this morning which was chaired by Miss Emery, in connection with the forthcoming debate (on 8 December) in the House of Lords on the future of dependent territories.
2. At the meeting Miss Emery handed out copies of the attached minute which refers to a chance conversation which she had with Lord Shepherd.
3.
It is clear from the attached minute that Lord Shepherd does not intend to talk about Hong Kong and I was informed at the meeting that we would not be expected to contribute to the briefing for the debate (which is being coordinated by Mr. Blain in Commonwealth Coordination Department). However, although Lord Shepherd does not himself intend to mention Hong Kong, we cannot be sure that his example would be followed by other speakers. I therefore undertook to let Mr. Blain have a very short defensive note on the con- stitutional position of Hong Kong, just in case the matter was raised. I attach a copy of the note that I propose to send to him.
4. I suggest that it would be advisable as a safeguard against any last minute queries (which might not arise until the debate had started) if we had a very brief resumé ready of the main issues in the economic and social spheres.
5. Miss Emery said that Lord Shepherd made it quite clear to her that the main point which he would press would be his request for the setting up of the review body to which reference is made in paragraph 3 of the attached minute.
ший
ARG.
(A.W. Gaminara) 24 November, 1970
the minor currant, her defensie
пл
a
в посід,
housing, education
ы.
the
tha
Ombudsman, the medical services,
P. A. Scheme and the Palom situation,
Wals
Свете
In pl. prepare then will
ре
M
any
additional malłni
you
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.