TNAG-0278-FCO40-314-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 183

LAS'

Reference......

MR. N. BARRINGTON (Private Office)

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3

We spoke about the attached telegram about the Hong Kong foreign correspondents club. I consulted Hong Kong Department about this and their view was that it would not be feasible for the Secretary of State to accept the invitation.

2.

Assuming that the Secretary of State's lunch on Sunday 19 April is a necessary part of his programme, I concur in the Hong Kong Department's view. Never-the-less since the. Secretary of State's first visit to Hong Kong will be of importance locally I hope that adequate time will be found for him to talk to the press before his departure.

3.

I attach a draft reply to the Hong Kong telegram.

NIXI

REF.

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F

E.M. Booker

(Miss E. M. Booker)

News Department

23 February, 1970