TNAG-0278-FCO40-314-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 82

SPEAKING NOTE

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Visit of the Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs to Hong Kong and Japan

Visit to Japan

The primary purpose of är. Stewart's journey is to

represent The Queen on the British Day (22 April) at

SIDO. '70 at Osaka. (The Prince of Wales paid an

unofficial visit to Japan from 9 to 14 April but was

unable to remain for the British Day).

2. Secondly, Mr. Stewart will hold talks with the

Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Aichi, within the framework

of the regular Anglo-Japanese consultations. The previous

round of these talks took place in London in May last year.

In addition to discussing bilateral matters, particularly

trade, the two Ministers will exchange views on important

world problems. Now that Japan is the world's third

economic power, we think it more than ever important to

demonstrate to the Japanese that Britain is still a power

to be reckoned with, and to encourage them to maintain their

present basic alignment with the West.

Visit to Hong Kong

3. Mr. Stewart will spend two days in Hong Kong, mainly

to rest before starting his heavy programme in Japan. Не

will be talking informally to the Governor and members of

the Executive and Legislative Councils.

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