TNAG-0607-FCO40-755-Monitoring-progress-made-on-planning-papers-on-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 169

CONFIDENTIAL

since, in his view, this would simply mobilize opposition to the

whole scheme.

8. While it will be unfortunate if no reference to the possible future extension of the contributory scheme is included, this will not, of course, prevent such an extension. we should let this pass for the moment.

9. The OLA concurs.

So I recommend that

4 October 1977

Steent

J A B Stewart

Hong Kong & General Dept

CC:

Mr Jenkins (EID(E)) Mr Hurst (OLA)

81

PS/Lord Goronwy-Robert!

1.

I think Lord Goronwy-Roberts would wish to see these papers. I accepted Mr Stewart's advice, largely for the reasons in his paragraph 4, but equally I saw no call to acknowledge or endorse Sir M MacLehose's proposed wording in advance of delivery.

2.

Like Mr Stewart I am not convinced by the Governor's rationale that underplaying the textiles issue would detract from his ability to push through the social programme. But provided the Governor's public speeches do not breach confidences (which this does not) or damage the relationship with UK, I believe with Mr Stewart that he must be the best judge of how to face the current mood in Hong Kong and how the unpalatable future can be presented to people there.

5 October 1977

cc: Mr Jenkins EID(E) 3

Mr Hurst, OLA

CONFIDENTIAL

Plummery,

D F Murray

I aque with the above. Please let me

Governor's

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Goronwy - Roberts