95
Ref: A05805
CONFIDENTIAL
CO DECIS
HKK 3/548/7.
My dear Mark,
CABINET OFFICE
LONDON SWIA 2AS
11th December, 1973
HKI-Geraction pl.
pus M. 14/xi 1, Crowson note Sinal deadline
Cory to {PS.
Prime Minister's Visit to Hong Kong
12th-14th January, 1974
A
I am circulating separately in the PS series a bidding letter calling for briefs for the Prime Minister's visit to Hong Kong.
This letter makes no reference either to the objectives for the visit or to the substance of the discussion chaired by Sir John Hunt on 7th December about the drafts circulated under cover of Sir John Rennie's letter of 3rd December. The purpose of this letter is to confirm the conclusion of that meeting that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office should, in preparing the steering brief for the visit, be guided by that discussion. I assume that the steering brief will repeat the suggested objectives. In doing so ity will no doubt take account of the need which was expressed to improve the image of Britain in Hong Kong by mounting an effective public relations exercise.
The body of the steering brief will presumably reflect the points made on bilateral issues in connection with which you will be aware that
(a) Urgent Ministerial consultation will be necessary to resolve the question of action on the Fugitive Offenders Act.
(b)
Particular attention should be paid to the Mass Transit Scheme on which I understand urgent proposals are being submitted to the Prime Minister.
I am copying this letter to Martin Easteal (Treasury), Michael Bell (MOD), David Belfall (Home Office); and Mrs.Hamiltons (DTI); and to Tom Bridges at No. 10.
M. Elliott, Esq.
Yours ever Brain
(B. M. Webster)