CODE 18 - 77
Mr Quantrill
Reference
24
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG:
11/12 APRIL
1. I spoke to Mr Ford (Secretary for Information) about briefing for the visit, explaining what we had in mind.
2. I listed the briefs which we were intending to provide for the Secretary of State's discussions with the Governor and asked Mr Ford to ensure that we were informed if the Governor proposed to raise any other topics on which Dr Owen would need to be briefed.
3. I also mentioned the topics on which we were proposing to provide talking points (mostly defensive) for discussion with UMELCO. It would be helpful to know whether there were any other subjects which were likely to be raised. Mr Ford said that unofficials would be most interested in the Secretary of State's visit to China and whether the future of Hong Kong was likely to be discussed. I said we were intending to provide a line on this, but it would be helpful to have a recommendation from Hong Kong on how it should be played.
4.
The Governor has already promised to send suggestions for the televised speech, which he thinks should last no more than eight minutes.
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RJT McLaren
ડ
HCK OF S
RECEIVED IN ALGARY NO. 51
3 APR 1979
DASK OFF INDEX
TA
No 1 13.4
REGISTRY
Grio Taken