TNAG-0224-FCO40-260-Administration-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 33

Miss Deas

Confidential

Governorship of Hong Kong

27

Адмед

A.R

He

As I had spoken to Sir David Trench last Monday about this Sir L. Monson asked me this afternoon to speak to Mr. MacLehose on the telephone. I have just done this. I explained the circumstances to Mr. MacLehose and he told me without hesitation that from the beginning his own inclination had been not to make a major policy speech immediately on arrival in Hong Kong. had hoped that this would not be necessary until he had been there for a year. However, he had sensed that Sir D. Trench was upset when he said this (Sir D. Trench was particularly anxious that his wife and daughter should be in Hong Kong for the farewell celebrations) and he had therefore put himself in the hands of Sir D. Trench, saying that he would do whatever Sir D. Trench thought was right.

2.

It is clear therefore that both Sir D. Trench and Mr. MacLehose agree now that the former should make the Address at the Session of the Legislative Council in October 1971.

3. I have spoken to Sir L. Monson on the telephone and told him how Mr. MacLehose felt about this situation. Sir L.Monson asked me to report to Mr. Royle. I would very much like to ring Sir D. Trench back as soon as possible. May I have authority to do this, explaining that on instructions I have spoken to Mr. MacLehose in Copenhagen, who readily agreed that the new arrangements would be best. This would mean that Sir D. Trench would wish to amend his reply to Sir H.Norman-Walker It will also of course be necessary to inform Mr. Day of the alteration in plans; I shall do this.

Enaria

ойл

E. 0. Laird

Hong Kong Department

5 November, 1970.

Mr. Day

With the agreement of Sir David Trench I have now sent the attached amended telegram to Hong Kong. On present plans Sir D. Trench will be in London again on 23 November. That, I suggest, will be time enough to consider with him the exact timing of his departure. We shall then have to settle the date of Mr. MacLehose's arrival in Hong Kong. Sir D. Trench mentioned to me on the telephone this afternoon that he would like to make his own plans public on his return to Hong Kong in December.

Thank

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M. hard.

day.

a

E. O. Laird

6 November, 1970.

Confidential