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senior diplomats (Tony Galsworthy, William Ehrmann), and then should also take in those people dealing with the press in the Chief Secretary's office and in the British Trade Commission. As far as meeting political and/or media figures, we concluded that this might be handled best, in the first instance, by my attending Mr Patten's own introductory meetings, and then following up any contacts as appropriate from there.
11. Before I write to Richard Hoare, I should very much welcome your guidance on this approach. My impression is that some significance may be attached to who I see in my first few days, and the order in which I see them. I am keen to start off on the right foot.
12. Finally, it has occurred to me that Edward Llewelyn and I may well be arriving in Hong Kong at about the same time. The question arises as to whether we should make any introductory calls together or whether a different approach is planned for Edward. John Coles and I did not touch on this and I should welcome advice since I am likely to be asked when I contact Government House. My instinct is that it would be better for Edward and me to make our calls separately. I see one of the main purposes of the initials calls to put relationships with the Administration and others on a friendly and constructive footing. For that purpose, one outsider at a time may seem less intrusive than two. But you will be better placed to advise on his, and Mr Patten will have a view, so I am copying this letter to John Morris.
I look forward to hearing from you - and apologise again for adding to your Department's burden!
Jons
ever
Matri
M J Dinham
CC:
Sir J Coles, KCMG, DUSS, FCO
Mr J Morris, Hong Kong Department, FCO
P.S. Since you may not be familiar with communication links with Bangkok, I should mention that sending items by confidential bag can be slow. For restricted items and below, the BFPO service takes about 4 days (address is simply British Embassy, BFPO 5, with no mention of Bangkok or Thailand on the envelope). For more urgent confidential messages, a telegram in the personal services would be best. SEADD has its own non-confidential fax machine (66 2 253 7124) located in the room next to mine.
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