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HWB 22/13
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CONFIDENTIAL
8 November, 1967.
22
I am sorry to say that one of the papers which reached Hong Kong after our departure contained information about the latest position about a visit to Hong Kong by the Queen în 1968. We pursued the matter after your return to Hong Kong and put forward the suggestion that the Duke of Edinburgh might visit Hong Kong in September/October, 1968, for the purpose of opening the Plover Cove Scheme. I am afraid that this proposal was equally unsuccessful because it was not felt that His Royal Highness could conveniently fit in a visit to Hong Kong with his already existing commitments at the time; also some doubt was expressed on the score that he was too close to the throne.
However, some consideration has been given to a visit by some other member of the Royal Family, although at the moment it can only be noted as a possibility to be looked at again later. It will not be possible to reach any decision on this for some months. Much will depend on developments in China
It would, and our assessment of the position nearer the date.
in any event, and for obvious reasons, be best to defer until the last possible moment making any announcement in connection with any such visit that might be arranged; and for this reason it might help us at this end if you could let us have some idea of the minimum period that you would require for the overt planning of arrangements.
We have been working on the assumption that the visit should take place in October/November next year. I have the impression, however, that you thought the opening ceremony could be brought forward if this made it more convenient for the Royal visitor. Could you please also let me have your views on this?
LAST REF,
21
(H.P. Hall)
SIR DAVID TRENCH, K. C.M.G., M.C.
CONFIDENT IAL
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