TNAG-0518-FCO40-613-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 26

CONFIDENTIAL

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10 whe7 November 1975

SIR DUNCAN WATSON XCMG

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

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Dear Deen

HONG KONG:

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Mr O'Keefe

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I was grateful to Murray MacLehose for sending me a copy of his letter of 23 October about Hong Kong, with an extract from your letter of 8 August to him.

2.

The aspect of particular concern to me in Peking is the suggestion that the Secretary of State might discuss with the Chinese during his visit next year the desirability of more active Communist trade union interest in the processes of

government in the Colony. I share the Governor's view on

this. It is the Chinese Government's view that responsibility for the administration of the Colony is ours. To invite theme to modify that view to the extent of intervening in this

themselves, even indirectly, would, as the Governor says open

up some very large questions about the future administration of the Colony. Our existing policy of dealing with all such issues locally in Hong Kong to the maximum extent possible has been very successful in ensuring that they do not develop into issues involving Sino-British relations. In consequence, share the view that the problem is far better dealt with Toe hy the Governor suggests.

Sir M MacLehose KCMG KOVO MBE

Hong Kong.

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Tuldy Forde

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