CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 175/2
Mr Makepeace
Mr Free-gore
ENERGY DEPT
M&G D
Mr Orr
FED
Mr Fuller
DEFENCE DEPT
Mr Boardman DS16 MOD
(14)
VISIT OF "OTTO HAHN" TO HONG KONG
1.
18 Are 97
√ HKK 175/7
I would be glad of your views, if possible by the end of this week, on Mr Drace-Francis' letter (with its enclosure) of 15 March which has already been copied to you. I would be particularly grateful for Mr Boardman's comments on subparagraph 6(a) of the letter and on the Operations Order enclosed with it.
2. Hong Kong do not appear to be significantly enthusiastic about the "Otto Hahn" visit. They have no objections to it, rather than any welcome for it, and this despite the fact that if the visit came off it should help develop their own commercial relations with the West Germans. I am a little surprised therefore at the tone of the final paragraph which I interpret as: 'if London will do the work, Hong Kong are, on fairly fine balance, prepared to permit the visit'. Subject to your views, I should like to throw back to the Hong Kong Government something at least of the work they are now passing to us. They are, after all, responsible for the day to day, even year to year, management of their own government.
21 March 1977
copy:
Mr Rawlinson WED (+ copy letter)
M. Orr Fea-
Πο
MOA
will be
Comment. 22/3
late
with commenta, 23/3
T J David
Hong Kong Department Room K 245 233 4777
CONFIDENTIAL