SPEAKING NOTE
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Visit of the Secretary of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs to Hong Kong and Japan
Visit to Japan
The primary purpose of är. Stewart's journey is to
represent The Queen on the British Day (22 April) at
SIDO. '70 at Osaka. (The Prince of Wales paid an
unofficial visit to Japan from 9 to 14 April but was
unable to remain for the British Day).
2. Secondly, Mr. Stewart will hold talks with the
Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Aichi, within the framework
of the regular Anglo-Japanese consultations. The previous
round of these talks took place in London in May last year.
In addition to discussing bilateral matters, particularly
trade, the two Ministers will exchange views on important
world problems. Now that Japan is the world's third
economic power, we think it more than ever important to
demonstrate to the Japanese that Britain is still a power
to be reckoned with, and to encourage them to maintain their
present basic alignment with the West.
Visit to Hong Kong
3. Mr. Stewart will spend two days in Hong Kong, mainly
to rest before starting his heavy programme in Japan. Не
will be talking informally to the Governor and members of
the Executive and Legislative Councils.
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