CONFIDENTIAL
1. I think Lord Goronwy-Roberts would wish to consider these telegrams, ie the explanatory telegram at Flag A and the extracts from the texts at Flag C. It is most regrettable that Sir M Maclehose cannot yet take the Social Security scheme any further than the very cautious words proposed in Hong Kong telegram No.1175 which, though they indicate that proposals may be submitted, are somewhat discouraging because he has included references to the "wide measure of cover for the lower income groups" already existing. Lord Goronwy-Roberts may@care to refer back to the record of his meeting with the Governor on 19 July (paragraph 2) which I have added at Flag D.
2. What I think is appropriate is a neutral telegram accepting the Governor's proposals (there is little else we can do) but reminding him that Ministers attach importance to the new Social Security scheme.
3. As for the longer term I agree with Mr Quantrill's paragraph 5.
9 October 1978
cc: Mr Cortazzi
OLA
HKGD
DF Murray
CONFIDENTIAL
18/10
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