TNAG-0279-FCO40-315-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 41

Brief No. 5

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG

APRIL 1970

REORGANISATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SPEAKING NOTES

(for use with Governor)

I share your view (and so, I understand, does Lord Shepherd)

that there must be a gradual cnd cautious approach to the extension

of local government in the Colony.

I see the need to test the efficiency and competence of

existing and any new authorities before deciding on the measure

of responsibility they should be given. And the dangers of

communist infiltration obviously needs to be carefully watched.

You have proposals under consideration, I believe. I shall

be most interested to see these when they are ready.

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