TNAG-0436-FCO40-501-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-international-organisations-1973 — Page 155

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at the conference, we produced a small information booklet on what we do, which had the advantage of being pretty well up to date. e did this, in part because we thought it might be helpful and could save time in the opening statements, but in part also bec use I had understood that it was customary. In the event, I think only Singapore did the same. It might be useful to contemplate suggesting to participants that everybody does something of the kind, to'update the basic Dal document. This adds to the amount of paper but caves time in session;

there seemed little by way of "question and enswer" exclimage between delegates in the main sessions, which tended to be little more than a series of set presentations. It may be that this is inevitable, for language and other reasons (I was in particular conscious of a language problem amongst certain delegations which inhibited their full participation). Ilowever, the formelity might be overcome in part

if the conference took place "round the table" rather then in a formal conference hall atmosphere;

(iii) although this would aquin add to the wealth of paper,

there might be some merit in secking and circulating country comments on individual papers, which again could save time in actual discussion (I recognise that there are always some people who will even so be lengthy, tedious and dull!);

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(iv) I think that some of us had a feeling that certain

of the subjecte could have benefitted from being sired in a more informal group or committee bafore being presented to the conference. Some subjects were so troated but some were not. I realise that there are the considerable financial difficulties which you explained at the conference but it may be that the idea of limited working groups as suggested by Mr. Hiller of australia might help towards this.

(v) I appreciate the custor that everyone has their

"thank you" say at the end, but perhaps it could be suggested to the Chairmen that we limit final speeches of thanks to two!?

My congratulations once again on a successful occasion and ay thanks to you for your nasistance.

Yours sincerely,

(D.3. whitelesse)

Commissioner for Juncus and Statistics

Hong Long