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that the report will now be delayed until February 1979 at the earliest. But we are in no position to contest Professor Turner's view that he needs more time in Hong Kong before he can complete
his work.
4.
We can expect to remain under pressure in this country to ensure that the report appears as soon as possible. Concern was shown at the TUC's Brighton Conference earlier this month about the delay in completing the report, and the General Secretary was asked to write to the Secretary of State on the matter. He has not yet done so. But the non-appearance of the report is bound to become increasingly embarrassing.
5. Our interest is to get a good report as soon as possible. If, as Professor Turner maintains, a Ministerial approach to the Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, will help to get him out to Hong Kong a few weeks earlier than would otherwise be case, then I believe it is worth making. I think it would be appropriate for Lord Goronwy-Roberts, as the Minister most directly concerned with Hong Kong, to write to the Vice Chancellor.
6. I submit a draft letter accordingly, together with a draft reply to the Govemor.
25 September 1978
Rwängler
RJT McLaren
Hong Kong and General Department
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