10XK 026/548/5
Sir Murray MacLehose GBE KCMG KCVO
Governor
HONG KONG
14 September 1976
1. I have been thinking about my programme for Hong Kong and in particular how best to fill the two days at the end of it. It is likely, of course, that I shall want to go back to see one or more of those whom I have seen earlier, having thought up more questions. On the other hand, subject to your advice, I think it worthwhile extending the programme outside officials and members of UMELCO and meeting perhaps one or two local financial/commercial bodies, say, someone in the Hong Kong Bank and local representatives of, say, John Swires, and perhaps a journalist, e.g. Derek Davies. I mention Davies because he is not only Editor of the "Far Eastern Economic Review", which I read assiduously, but also a predecessor of mine at Hanoi, which gives me a certain entrée with him.
2. I am writing to you on this, rather than to John Curle, because you may well feel that it would be a mistake for me, an official coming on what is clearly an official visit, to go outside the normal series of calls. You might think that if my suggestions are followed this might be seen locally as giving unusual and suspicious importance to my visit.
If I may, I shall leave it to you.
3. Because of the fuss that the Wheelock Marden affair has caused here in London and because it is likely that Stanley Newens will continue with his questions, it might be useful for me to call on the Commissioner of Securities or a member of his staff. Again, it is for you to judge whether this is desirable.
J A B Stewart