CONFIDENT IAL
Suentas & State
24
FROM: A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
HKB 02613
DATE:
5 January 1990
RECEIVED N REGISTRY
15 JAN1990
DESK OFFICE
REGISTRY
INDEX
BA
Action Taken
cc: PS/Mr Maude
Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren
Mr Burns, News Dept
Special Advisers
Private Secretary
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: REQUESTS BY PRESSURE GROUPS
FOR MEET INGS
1. I attach Hong Kong telno 68 (just received) about requests which
have been reached in various pressure groups for meetings with the
Secretary of State during his visit.
2. The Governor's advice is that the Secretary of State should decline to see these groups in separate meetings. I agree, for the reasons given in para 3 of the Hong Kong telegram. A further point
is that the inclusion of such meetings would make an already busy programme almost impossibly tight. The alternatives (inclusion of representatives of the groups in social functions or meetings with
the Private Secretary) seem preferable.
3. In the time available, I have not had the opportunity to consult News Department. They may wish to comment on the obvious drawbacks
of the Secretary of State's not agreeing to see these groups and on the comparisons that might be made with Sir G Howe's visit to Hong
Kong.
4. It would be helpful if I could let Hong Kong know the position fairly early on 8 January, so that Hong Kong can make whatever arrangements are required.
ARPanc
A R Paul
PUGAAX
CONFIDENTIAL