:
RESTRICTED
2.
4. In her third sentence Miss Notcutt mentions that Mr Heseltine
plans to visit Hong Kong, and possibly Japan, on the return
journey. CRE/DTI tell us they were not consulted before Miss
Notcutt's letter was written. Neither we nor the Governor had
previously had any indication of Mr Heseltine's wish to go to
Hong Kong. HK & IOD consider that there might be some advantage
in a visit to Hong Kong by Mr Heseltine. The Governor could take
the opportunity of discussing with him the question of traffic
rights for SAS and the Hong Kong Register of Shipping, if these
matters are then still outstanding. The Governor Hong Kong would
in any case need to be consulted first.
J
5. As regards Japan, ISED recommended on 16 January (copy of
submission attached) that we should not press for Mr Heseltine
to go to Tokyo after his visit to Teking, for reasons set out in
paragraphs 2-4 of the submission. It thus scems best to postpone
a decision on this until the position is clearer.
6.
I therefore recommend:
a) that the Secretary of State should agree to Mr Heseltine's
proposal to vinit Chine;
b) that consideration of Mr Heseltine's proposed visit to
be deferred until the position is clearer;
c) that we consult the Govemor about a visit to Hong Kong.
I submit a draft letter for the Private Secretary's signature and
a draft telegram to long Kong.
7.
HK & IOD concur.
J
17 January 1973
CC
Mr CROWSON HK+IOD
MR Crompton
Far Eastern Department