Mr M
PAA file
20.
19.
C.C.
Mr. Battiscombe
Room W. 48.
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Reference
My Gardnan
I have went off the lilyan. I think the ladyment note reeves five Challen
I mentioned to you yesterday the question of the form of briefing required for Mr. Rippon's visit to Hong Kong.
2.
Briefing on matters related to our entry into the EEC will be provided by EID. So far as briefing by this Department is concerned, we propose to provide Mr. Rippon with a comprehensive background note in the form of the attached draft. This is the form of the note provided for the Secretary of State when he first assumed office. It needs bringing up to date in certain respects.
3. In addition, we have been asked to prepare some notes on questions likely to be raised at any press conferences that Mr. Rippon may give. Mr. Royle has suggested that it would be appropriate for Mr. Rippon at any press conference given on arrival in Hong Kong
to explain that his visit was primarily concerned with familiarising himself with those aspects of the negotiations for our entry into the EEC which would be of interest to Hong Kong; and that he would not be concerned during his visit with internal Hong Kong affairs; on these the Government, having recently taken up office, was still considering its policy.
4. We have further been asked to give some thought to the preparation of defensive briefs on any matters not covered by the background note and on which it might be useful for Mr. Rippon to be forearmed.
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5. We are at the moment waiting for the Governor to telegraph details of the programme that he is arranging for Mr. Rippon. I attach a draft telegram which I propose should be sent to the Governor. you suggested that we need not await the arrival of the programme before sending this telegram. I have cleared the draft with Mr. Pakenham of EID and Mr. Beetham of News Department.
6.
Will you please:-
(a) Say whether the form of the attached background note is what is required.
b) Issue the attached draft telegram if
you agree with its terms.
Perhaps we could clear on the telephone any amendments that you think necessary5 (b).
Mr Pakenham (12.1.D.)
i4 Beetham (News Depri)
Miss Deas.
ها معتاد
(A. W. Gaminara)
Hong Kong Department
18 August, 1970
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