CONFIDENTIAL
Needham's visit the idea of major British companies in Hong Kong
becoming involved in a science park was floated. A lot more
work will have to be done on this before we know whether it
would be viable, but again it would make a science and technology focus for Mr Goodlad's visit a topical one.
3.
We have also been thinking about whether there are any public announcements which the Minister could make during his visit, in order to prevent the press pursuing their criticism (audible during the Secretary of State's visit) about Ministers coming to Hong Kong with nothing to say. We have not come up with anything very dramatic. But we are hoping to arrange for a presentation of computer equipment to a new, free English language teaching laboratory, which is being sponsored by a number of British businesses. This plays to a concern among the business community about declining levels of English in Hong Kong and would provide a useful local story for the press.
4.
My draft telegram does not refer to the possibility of a change in dates for the Minister's visit to Hong Kong. As I understand it, this is still under discussion with Private office. If, by next week, a decision has been taken on this, you will want to make this clear at the start of the telegram. I have established informally with Government House that a delay of a week would not cause them insuperable difficulties, but obviously they would like to know as soon as possible.
5.
It has been agreed that I should accompany the Minister on his visit. At the Minister's suggestion, I have checked with Government House about whether accompanying officials should be present for the weekend as well as the working part of the
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CONFIDENTIAL