(3001) Dd.145244 400m 8/73 L.Ltd. Gp.839
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret. Secret.
DRAFT BRIEF
To:-
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DENTIAL
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified.
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In Confidence
THIJ DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
PMVIK (74) 1
DECEMBER 1973
Type 1 +
FROM
Telephone No. Ext.
Department
COPY NO
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
12 14 JANUARY 1974
1. This is likely to be a difficult visit.
STEERING BRIEF
Brief by Foreign and Commonwealth Office
1. The Prime Minister will visit Hong Kong after
his visit to China. It will be the first official
visit to the Colony by a British Prime Minister in
office.
2.
Hong Kong is doing well. The economy is still
expanding fast. Relations with China are on an even
keel. The underlying relationship with Britain is
sound. But public opinion in Hong Kong will want to
be re-assured that there has been no change in Britis)
policy on Hong Kong/China questions, particularly the
appointment of a Chinese Representative in Hong Kong.
Moreover, the visit takes place at a time when there
is friction, arising from apparent differences of
interests, between HG and the Colony on a number of
bilateral issues. The Unofficial Members of
Executive and Legislative Councils, Hong Kong
businessmen and the press, will be concerned about