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BRIEF FOR THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR A MEETING
AT 10.30 a m. on 21 FEBRUARY, WITH A DELEGATION
FROM THE RURAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL (HEUNG YEE KUK)
OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, HONG KONG
An official four man delegation from the Rural Consulta-
tive Council (Heung Yee Kuk) of the New Territories, Hong Kong
is at present on a goodwill visit to this country. The #eung Yee Kuk is a statutory elected body whose functions
include the promotion of co-operation in understanding among
the people of the New Territories and between the Hong Kong
Government and the people of the New Territories. It also
advises the Government on social and economic developments in
the New Territories.
Biographical notes on the members of
the delegation are attached.
2. The main purpose of the delegation's visit is to make
contact with Hong Kong Chinese (particularly those from the
New Territories) who are working in Britain; to demonstrate
to them the concern of the Hong Kong Government for their
wellbeing and to assure the Hong Kong Chinese community in this
country that life in the Colony continues in the normal way.
The Hong Kong Government have felt that such a step is
necessary after the recent disturbances in the Colony;
sensational reporting of them and the blandishments of the
communist propaganda which is distributed amongst the Chinese
community in this country. The visit is scheduled to last
the
until 28 February when the delegation will return to Hong Kong.
They have recently returned to London from a tour of
they have also visited
provincial centres; including visite to Scotland and Wales.
3. The delegation will be seeing the Minister immediately
after paying a courtesy call on the Secretary of State.
The delegation had originally asked to be received in Audience
by The Queen or to meet the Prime Minister but they have been
persuaded that this is not possible.
It has accordingly
/ been
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