CONFIDENTIAL
towards a preferential deal on the future British Consulate
General. This meeting is an opportunity to have a frank and in
depth discussion with the Governor's closest advisers. It is
important that it goes well and that the Secretary of State gives
the impression of listening and taking them into his confidence.
15. This will be followed by a visit to Vietnamese boat people camps at Pillar Point and Hei Ling Chau. The object of the
visits will be to underline HMG's concern about the continuing
problem and to publicise the financial contribution we are making to help tackle it (see Background Brief (b)).
16. The Chief Secretary will be hosting a lunch for a broad cross section of community representatives (bankers, businessmen
and professionals)
17.
After lunch there will be a call on the UK Joint Liaison
Group Office headed by Mr Tony Galsworthy. (See Background Brief
the work of the Joint Liaison Group). A list of members of staff is appended to the brief.
18.
The visit to the British Trade Commission is an important
part of the programme. Two hours have been allocated for this
purpose. The objectives will be to help to enhance Mr Heap's status in Hong Kong by demonstrating the Secretary of State's interest in his work; and to take the opportunity to have a lengthy private talk with Mr Heap (and his senior staff) about Britain's image in Hong Kong and how our commercial record can be improved. (See Brief No 2.)
This brief raises issues which
the Secretary of State may wish to take up privately with the
Governor.
19. The climax of the visit is the Press Conference and TV and Radio interviews. A detailed brief is attached (Brief No 10) but there will be an opportunity to go over this and update it at the pre-Press Conference meeting.
Hong Kong Department
10 January 1990
CONF IDENT IAL