TNAG-0389-FCO40-435-Visit-of-trade-mission-of-the-London-Chamber-of-Commerce-and-1973 — Page 38

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Aston's role in this respect to any great extent would be likely to place him on almost as delicate a tightrope as the Governor himself.

5.

But this need not necessarily mean that we ought not to give the idea some further thought, for I fear that Sir Patrick Reilly is probably right that, because of the political inhibitions on the Governor and his senior staff vis-à-vis the people of Hong Kong, in some ways Britain's case is going by default and the problems of our relations with the colony are in consequence being intensified.

6.

I should be grateful for views from yourself and Mr Youde.

7 November 1973

भ् Duc Wate

(Duncan Watson)

7

Copies to:

Sir T Brimelow

Mr Tebbit

Mr Youde

Mr Reddaway

CONFIDENTIAL