Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Cabinet Office
70 Whitehall London SW1 Telephone or-930 5422
No.31
2 0 JUN 1972
14 June 1972
(10)
Dear Christopher,
AKK 9/508/12
Hong Kong Dept fu adnice poe
Thank you for your letter of 26 May about the Chancellor of the Duchy's plans to visit Commonwealth countries in Asia and Africa between 7 September and 8 October. Mr. Rippon fully understands the Prime Minister's point about a Ministerial visit to Hong Kong shortly before the Prime Minister himself goes there. He would like however to visit Hong Kong on a private basis since he has many friends there who he is anxious to see. We have consulted the Governor of Hong Kong on whether a private visit of this nature would cause offence or difficultie He is satisfied that it would not.
SAST
R
MEAT
REF.
The Governor has however suggested that since Mr. Haddon-Cave, Financial Secretary in the Hong Kong Government will not be in Hong Kong at the time of the Prime Minister's visit, it would be useful if Mr. Rippon could meet him privately for a drink or lunch. The Governor has also made the point that it would help to allay any possible press speculation about a visit to Hong Kong by Mr. Rippon, if on arrival there, Mr. Rippon could give a very short statement to the press explaining the nature of his visit.
Christopher Roberts Esq.,
In Me Cylmink..
/Mr. Rippon
We han ben in hand will
für N. Noclehon abmi this.
CONFIDENTIAL CONF
Finn.
252
196 Simal letterpol 19/6.
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