The
4. Mr Lee has given very short warning of his trip to London.
Secretary of State is in Washington and only returns on the evening
of 13 September. Mr Maude likewise is out of the country until the
evening of the 13 and will be in his constituency on the 14 and 15
September. Fitting in any meetings in this rather problematic.
5. I consider that, inspite of the difficulties involved, it would
be worthwhile for a meeting to be arranged. Mr Lee is a very influential person in Hong Kong and I believe tht not only would ministers find his views interesting and stimulating but that it would be beneficial for our image in Hong Kong to be seen
met Mr Lee.
6. I do not think it would be appropriate for Mr Lee to call on both the Secretary of State and Mr Maude. It would go against established practice for a LegCo member to do so. I also suggest
that, since the Secretary of State will be away on the actual days initially requested (11 and 12 September), that there would be no difficulty in explaining why a meeting with him is not possible.
I would however recommend that we do offer Mr Lee a meeting with
Mr Maude. This would have to be in his constituency but I think
this is an acceptable proposal (for Mr Lee) in view of the short notice given of his trip.
If Mr Maude agrees, I would propose to telegram to Hong Kong
offering a date convenient to Mr Maude, in his constituency.
8.
R M Marsden