Wednesday 12th September
Monday 17th September
ETA Kai Tak 1950
ETD Kai Tak 1800
4. US of S (RAF) has given approval for members of the party to be given "Confidential" information and shown "Confidential" equipment, provided that their attention is drawn to the security classification and they are asked to treat the matter accordingly.
5.
The Department's policy is not to seek advance publicity for visits of this sort. However, this does not extend to trying to stop members speaking to the Press: they are free agents, and such a matter is within their discretion; they know of course, that classified information must not be divulged. You should
therefore make an announcement to the Press on the following lines:-
"Seven Members of Parliament (one Peer, three
Conservative and three Labour Members) led by Miss B. Harvie Anderson will be visiting British Forces in Hong Kong from 13th to 17th September in order to inform themselves of the activities and welfare of the Services in the area. They will be travelling in a personal capacity as Members of Parliament under arrangements made by the Ministry of Defence and not as a Parliamentary delegation."
If the Press and the visitors decide to meet each other, facilities for a Press conference should be arranged by your Public Relations Officer, but it will not be necessary for him to give further assistance in this matter.
6.
The party have been told that they will not need to take dinner jackets and they should settle bills for personal expenses such as laundry, dry cleaning and drinks before they leave. In this connection it is suggested that you ask the hotel to present separate hills for these items to members before they leave.
!
7.
Official photographs should be taken during the visit, including one of the group, and should if possible be presented to members before the end of the visit.
8.
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The reason for the visit is to be published in unit orders and all other means available as in previous years.
9.
Please forward 10 copies of the final programme and briefing material, including career details of the principal Service and civilian officers the party will meet, by 31st August 1973.
M. ASHLEY
M.M. ASHLEY
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