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●.R.
DRAFT
With the Foreign Secretary's agreement, the Home Secretary
has given approval in principle for Mr Lloyd to accept the attached invitation from Sir David Wilson to visit Hong Kong, and I would be grateful if you could seek the Chief Whip's agreement to the proposed visit.
Mr Lloyd proposes to make the visit between 2/3 and 6 April. Its purpose is to enable Mr Lloyd to observe the situation in Hong
Kong and discuss the issues involved at first hand in preparation for the passage of the Hong Kong Bill.
It is appreciated that the visit could, on present plans, coincide with the publication of the Hong Kong Bill. The FCO, who were consulted on this point, have advised that they do not see
that as an objection. Indeed, there might be presentational
advantage in arranging for a Home Office Minister to be in Hong
Kong on publication.
I am copying the letter to Stephen Wall at the FCO and to
Charles Powell at No. 10.
Murdo McLean
PS to the Chief Whip