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from his provisional view that the delegation should not
visit Tibet this time around, but should give clear and
proper notice of our intention to do so on a subsequent
visit.
Press
The delegation is bound to attract medi a
attention, which will need careful handling. We do not recommend that we should agree to an accompanying press party since this would change the nature of the exercise.
Press interest at present is muted but we and Lord Howe
are dealing with enquiries as they arise. His view,
which we share, is that it will be essential to have a
clear prior plan for handling this visit so that we can
try to make the press dance to our tune rather than vice
versa.
Next Steps
I f the Prime Minister agrees to the general
propositions above, we and Lord Howe will now begin
canvassing potential participants and put dates to the Chinese. Details of the itinerary and programme will
require extensive discussion with the Chinese over the
intervening months. We will aim to offer a further
progress report a few weeks before the visit. Lord Howe
would, I believe find it helpful to have a word with the
Prime Minister at some stage. He will contact you
direct.
CONFIDENTIAL
FEZABD