TNAG-0331-FCO40-367-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 27

CONFIDENTIAL

TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR

3. The present Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, has been in office

for less than three months. In August 1970 the Secretary of State

wrote to Sir David Trench about free compulsory primary education, (now achieved) the housing of squatters and the appointment of an

Ombudsman. It is not suggested that the Secretary of State should

take the initiative in raising any of these matters during this visit (a defensive brief will be available). Sir Murray MacLehose

is very alive to the Secretary of State's interest in these and other

questions, but has not as yet had time to assess for himself the

general situation in the Colony.

4. There are in fact no particular matters which we would wish

the Secretary of State to raise with the Governor.

For his part,

Sir Murray MacLehose has told us that he would like to discuss

(1) expatriate staffing problems and (ii) developments in the world's

trading system and their effect on Hong Kong.

prepared.

Briefs are being

MEETING WITH THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE

AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS

5. Sir Murray MacLehose has suggested that the following questions

are likely to be raised with the Secretary of State by the Unofficial

Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils:-

(1) Why does Hong Kong as a Crown Colony seem to get much

worse treatment from the UK than independent Commonwealth

countries? (Questions such as aid, technical assistance, defence

costs, restrictions on cotton textiles, may come up.)

(ii) The effect on Hong Kong of United Kingdom entry into the

Common Market.

(iii)

Foreign affairs (United States and/or Chinese intentions

in the area).

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CONFIDENTIAL

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