I
CONFIDENTIAL
(DEPARTMENTS' PROPOSALS FOR VISITS OVERSEAS BY THE PRIME MINISTER
AND FCO MINISTERS
(for completion by geographical Department)
1.
Minister
Lord Glenarthur.
China
(Cleared with HKD)
2.
Country
3.
Objective
1.
To familiarise himself with China
4.
Arguments
5.
Timing
2.
To maintain momentum of high-level bilateral visits, following State Visit of October 1986 and Princess Margaret's visit in May 1987
3. To carry forward dialogue on Hong Kong if circumstances warrant
Lord Glenarthur has not visited China but is keen to familiarise himself. His visit would follow the Royal Visits of 1986 and 1987 at a suitable interval, and allow us to carry forward the momentum of high level bilateral visits.
It would also permit discussion with the Chinese on Hong Kong either ahead of or shortly after the publication of the White Paper on constitutional developments, if this was found to be necessary.
March 1988 (Combined with Japan and Korea)
CONFIDENTIAL
/(for