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Note for File LA 393/9
HONG KONG : TURNER ENQUIRY
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Professor Turner telephoned me this morning from Hong Kong. He said he would only be able to come to London for the purpose of seeing the TUC and the CBI between 2 and 9 June. He proposes to arrive in London on 2 June and the most suitable dates for the meetings, from his point of view, would be Friday 3 June and Wednesday 8 June. (If possible, he would like to leave England on the evening of 8 June).
2. I pointed out that these dates coincided with the Public Holiday on Monday/Tuesday 6/7 June and the Civil Service holiday on Friday 3June. But he said he could see no alternative to coming at the time he proposed.
3.
He said there were still difficulties in obtaining flight reservations owing to backlogs resulting from the Australian air traffic controllers' strike. He must therefore confirm his reservation for 2 June not later than 10 am (Hong Kong time) on Friday, 27 May. Unless he heard from us before then, he would confirm his reservation.
4.
I subsequently spoke to Mr Hargreaves of the TUC and to Mr Morton's secretary at the CBI (Mr Morton is on leave this week) Mr Hargreaves will lay on a meeting on Friday, 3 June. This will present some difficulties as the TUC is entertaining a delegation from East Germany; nevertheless, "something will be done". Mr Hargreaves agreed that it was important that Mr Jack Jones should see Professor Turner, especially in view of the latter's assurance that he would travel anywhere at anytime to see Mr Jones during his time in England. I asked if the TUC would have any objection to my being present at the meeting and Mr Hargreaves said he would advise me later on this. (Mr Stewart of HKGD subsequently expressed a wish to be present also and I will take this up with Mr Hargreaves).
5. The appointment with Mr Morton has been fixed for 2.30 pm on Wednesday, 8 June, at the CBI, 21 Tothill Street.
6. Mr Alan Scott later telephoned from Hong Kong at Professor Turner's request to emphasise that the deadline for reserving his flight is 10 am Hong Kong time on 27 May and not GMT. I was able to tell Mr Scott of the arrangements already made with the TUC and CBI and he will pass this on to Professor Turner who is dining with him tonight.
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7. I have spoken to Mr Duffy who will send a telegram to Hong Kong asking that Professor Turner be advised of the arrangements made with the TUC and CBI and asking for notification of Turner's flight arrival time and where he will be staying.
26 May 1977
c. Mr Stewart
HR G Hurst Overseas Labour Adviser