DRAFT
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MG 19/E/
BRIEF FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MEETING
AT 10.15 a.m. on 21 FEBRUARY, WITH A DELEGATION
FROM THE RURAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL (HEUNG YEE KUK)
OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, HONG KONG
An, official four man delegation from the Rural Consultative
Heung Yee Kak)
Council Council, of the New Territories, Hong Kong, is at present on a
good will visit to this country. The Heung Yee Kuk is a
statutory elected body whose functions include the promotion of
co-operation and understanding among the people of the New
Territories and between the Hong Kong Government and the people
ment of the New Territories. It also advises the Governer on
social and economic developments in the New Territories.
Biographical notes on the members of the delegation are attached
J. The main purpose of the delegation's visit is to make
contact with Hong Kong Chinese (particularly those from the
New Territories) who are working in Britain; to demonstrate
to them the concern of the Hong Kong Government for their
wellbeing and to assure the Hong Kong Chinese community in this
country that life in the Colony continues in the normal way.
The Hong Kong Government have felt that such a step is necessary
after the recent disturbances in the Colony, the sensational
reporting of them and the blandishments of the communist
propaganda which is distributed amongst the Chinese community
in this country.
3. The visit is scheduled to last until 28 February when the
delegation will return to Hong Kong. They have recently
returned to London from a tour of provincial centres, including
visits to Scotland and Wales.
4.The delegation originally asked to be received in Audience
by The Queen or to meet the Prime Minister, but they have been
persuaded that this is not possible. It is suggested that the
Secretary of State might express regret that it was not
/possible
...