1
CONFIDENTIAL
3 -
DSR 11C
reassert Britain's view of the importance of the Far East
in world affairs.
Bilaterally it will be an opportunity
to convey to the Japanese the importance of their playing
a fuller part in international political and economic
cooperation; to continue the development of our relationship
with China, and specifically to begin discussion of the
future of Hong Kong; and to identify HMG firmly with the
interests of Hong Kong.
6.
It is evident that the Japanese attach
considerable importance to the visit, especially in the
light of the uncertainty surrounding French economic
policy and the domestic political strength of the West
German Government. For the Chinese it will be an opportunity
to gauge British thinking on the future of Hong Kong.
People in Hong Kong will watch the outcome of the talks
in Peking carefully and will look for progress on the
problem.
I attach at Annex A a list of objectives for
the tour, and at Annex B a proposed list of briefs.
7.