PS/Mr Luce
MICK026120
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15 JUL 1983
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From:
Dated:
R Burges Watson
12 July 1983
PA
o Tkei
cc:
7818/1 CH20/1
Mr Giffard
Mr Donald
Planning Staff
Hong Kong Department
MR LUCE'S TRAVEL PLANS
You asked for advice about where Mr Luce might usefully go in South East Asia. We have two proposals;
1.
(a) a visit to Brunei (this will probably be required at some stage to talk about defence arrangements, see my separate minute of today's date), to Singapore (who have been very helpful over Brunei and are keenly interested in the defence talks) and Malaysia. Mr Luce would be the first British Minister to visit Malaysia since the reconciliation in March. If the Malaysian Government have not by then followed up earlier hints by inviting Mrs Thatcher to visit Kuala Lumpur, it would smooth his path if Mr Luce were able to tell the Malaysians that the Prime Minister would welcome an invitation to come in 1984. The Malaysians are also interested in our dis- cussions with the Government of Brunei and would no doubt welcome an account of progress from Mr Luce. Given the time constraint of the defence negotiations, it would be preferable if the visit to Brunei could prede that to Hong Kong which is under consideration for late September.
(b) a visit to Brunei to attend the independence celebrations which are to be held early next year, possibly in March or April, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. We hope that a member of the Royal Family (ideally, Prince Charles) will attend the celebrations in Brunei. It would be very appropriate for Mr Luce to accompany him.
2.
These two visits would provide a good introduction to South East Asia. The only other country in the area worth a Ministerial visit is Burma. Burma has not had such a visit for some considerable time. The Burmese Government would very much welcome one. If time allows
Mr Luce might be able to fit this in on either the first or the second of the trips proposed.
12 July 1983
lounges Watson
R Burges Watson
South East Asian Department