LORD CAITHNESS' LUNCH WITH MR YAXLEY, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT
OFFICE: 14 NOVEMBER
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION
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Presentation of Hong Kong issues in the UK press.
Problem needs tackling at both ends:
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In London know that Peter Randall already distributes copies of relevant Hong Kong media articles. When major Hong Kong stories are running here, worth making higher
level effort to bring to the attention of editors/leader writers the trend of media comment in Hong Kong. May be a
case for letters from you to senior people in the UK press.
Also useful to ensure that policy secretaries from Hong Kong
should give background briefings to the press when they are
in London.
In Hong Kong need for more cultivation of British
correspondents, putting them in touch with wider range of
contacts and with local Hong Kong journalists. As discussed
during the Governor's visit, also need arrangements to ensure that his view on key issues reaches the press by
means of background briefings. One way would be by appointing a press secretary at Government House. Views on
how this would work? If Mike Hansen could be spared to come to London for a few days, we could arrange a sponsored
visitor programme for him, including time with News
Department and possibly No 10 Press Office.
Liaison with Parliament.
Can arrangements be improved?
Can we make any more use of the Hong Kong Group?
What is
your reading of opinion in Parliament on the democracy/constitutional development issue? Impact of
Martin Lee's visit.
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