CONFIDENTIAL
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
2 -
rapid change in climate over the last two years, I wonder
whether these could be relaxed in Patrick Williamson's case,
particular as the visit could be presented as that of an FCO
official rather than an official of the Hong Kong Government.
4. The visit need only last a few days and would involve
talking to the Embassy and, if they judged it appropriate,
meeting one or two officials in the Foreign Ministry.
Whether Patrick Williamson should travel via Guangzhou to
talk to Provincial officials could be left open until nearer
the time.
5. If you can agree in principle, we would need to consider
the question of payment. Would the Hong Kong Government be
prepared to meet the additional costs for Patrick to go to
Peking (and possibly Guangzhou)? Patrick says that he would
like to take Paula to China, of course paying her expenses
himself.
6.
Once I have your reactions, I shall write to Peking to
see if they can agree, at least in principle, to such a visit
in March next year.
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CONFIDENTIAL STAFF IN CONFIDENCE