CONFIDENTIAL
I would not object if Legal Advisers wish to include in the redrafted first sentence "in terms of international law"
between "that" and "H.N.G."
Para. 4 ... last sentence No comments.
Para. 6... Not the Governor's most helpful comment es he accepts the conclusions in the second sentence (which is something which we may have to hold him to in future). One would have hoped he was able to suggest a more felicitous form of the first sentence which would be acceptable locally. In his own second sentence he has elevated the principle on which we conduct our relationship with Dependent Territories into a statement of international law, which in terms of, for example, Portugal is obviously absurd. I do not know how far the Ministry of Technology wish a reference to the U.K. textile industry made in this section, but if they can be persuaded to accept the substance I would hope they would not be too difficult over the drafting. The meaning of the last sentence of para. 7 of the telegram escapes me.
8.
Para. 3(8) of the telegram has obviously arrived corrupt and the last sentence should be a separate sub-paragraph referring to para. 7 of the draft. The amendment suggested by the Governor is something of a King Charles' head with him but is based on past distrust of certain members of the Ministry of Technology
and the Board of Trade. I practice the Governor can be assured
m
that in any disagreement between Whitehall and the Government of Hong Kong, Ministers here are given his ipsissima verba, the chances of his accepting a ruling against him without further demur will be greatly increased. I would hope therefore that his amendment could be accepted. Para. 4 of the Secretary of State's Personal and Confidential letter to the Governor is of course
relevant here.
C.C,
Mr. Heath (Commodities Dept.)
лова?
(L. Monsob) 11 Aug.1970
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.