CONFIDENTIAL
Ministerial Involvement
4.
News Department already have in hand a weekly series of one to one lunches between Lord Caithness and journalists.
The first three will be with Ray Whittaker (Independent), David Wallen (The Scotsman) and Michael Binyon (The Times).
These will provide an opportunity to get our policy across
in an intensive way with writers in the serious press.
5. Lord Caithness is also planning some "brainstorming" dinners/lunches with academics and writers. One or two
serious journalists will be invited to each of these to
expose them to a wide range of views.
Official Involvement
6.
News Department could offer to their diplomatic correspondents an unattributable group briefing by an FCO official either yourself or a member of HKD. In view of his designation as HMA Peking, Mr McLaren might be a suitable first candidate who would attract interest from the press.
7.
To follow up, News Department would like to have a background policy paper which they could pass on selectively
to interested contacts. This should be stimulating and
cover the very latest developments. Mr Crystal is examining
our departmental background brief to see whether this might
serve as a basis. News Department would also use our
regularly updated bull points.
Hong Kong Involvement
8.
It would help to dispel the myth that the FCO is pursuing its own interests to the detriment of Hong Kong if the UK press could meet Hong Kong visitors. These would, of course, need to be carefully selected but comments which Lydia Dunn, Maria Tam, Peter Wong and Helmut Sohmen have been making recently to officials about consultation with China could be well made to the press.
NESAKN/2
CONFIDENTIAL