TNAG-2014-FCO40-2865B-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1991-1990 — Page 133

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circumstances could arise if it emerged that the Deputy President was totally unsuited for the job.

4.

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Mr Fifoot has once again come back to his themes on

reserve powers and the Colonial Laws Validity Act. I do not think that this context is in fact the one that these points should be taken up with the Governor assuming that we do want to take them up. Mr Fifoot has kindly attached to his

minute a submission from Sir G Howe to the Prime Minister of

1985 which I was not aware of. However I think that this

weakens his case for taking the question up again since it

seems clear that the previous Governor was against the

proposals and it is also clear that the Hong Kong Government remains against the proposals. I am not in a position to

say whether the current Governor himself has focussed on

these issues recently but frankly I doubt the need to revert

to him.

5. If you agree I shall take up with Mr Fifoot the points

concerning the Letters Patent and will draft you something

to send Mr Fifoot on the reserve powers and the Colonial

Laws Validity Act.

Mill

M V Stone

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