CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
2-3 NOVEMBER 1972
STEERING BRIEF
Brief No 1
PURPOSE OF THE VISIT
1. The Secretary of State will spend only 24 hours in Hong Kong on
his return to London from China. His purpose in visiting the Colony
will be:
In public)
(a)
To demonstrate to the people of Hong Kong that HMG's
new and developing relationship with China does not
mean any lessening of our concern for the interests
and affairs of Hong Kong.
(In confidential discussions)
(b) To discuss with the Governor his talks in Peking and
their outcome, and the implications for Hong Kong of
this new relationship with China.
(c)
To reassure Unofficial Members of the Executive and
Legislative Councils that nothing to the detriment of
Hong Kong was being done over their heads.
TOPICS TO BE RAISED
2. The programme (Annex A) provides for a short meeting with the
Governor and his officials. (There will be an opportunity for more
informal discussion with the Governor on the evening of the Secretary
of State's arrival). The Meeting will be joined by the Unofficial
Members of the Executive Council and the Secretary of State will be
asked to make an opening statement about his visit to Peking.
will be followed by a Question and Answer Session.
This
CONFIDENTIAL
13.