'X' TOP SECRET MR. McDERMOTT said that the Foreign Office would prefer this whole question to be deferred for the time being since the precise role and responsibility of the Political Adviser in Hong Kong was now being given detailed consideration. He suggested, therefore, that as soon as this matter had been cleared up they should exchange views with the Colonial Office and come forward with a firm proposal for consideration by the Committee. In discussion it was agreed to adopt the above suggestion by the Foreign Office.