TNAG-0286-FCO40-322-Visits-of-HRH-Princess-Alexandra-to-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 11

Flag S

Flag B'16

Reference.

HK K 26/2 with (21)

Mr. A. L. Mayall

Royal Visit to Hong Kong

I propose to write to Hong Kong as in the attached draft and should be grateful for confi rmation that you have no objection. I would submit the draft to

Sir L. Monson before sending the letter in case he has

any views on the matter.

EMaria

E. 0. Laird

Hong Kong Department

20 October, 1970

No dzition

Azharde 21/10

19

Sir L. Monson

In your absence from the Office an approach was made to HRH Princess Alexandra about a visit to Hong Kong in the Spring of next year. Unfortunately HRH simply cannot manage a visit to Hong Kong on top of all her other engagements.

2.

I delayed passing on the bad news to Hong Kong in case there was any discussion about this during your recent visit to the Colony. Meanwhile we have obtained the details of Visits by members of the Royal Family over the last five years (Mrs. Drummond's minute to Mr. Marsh of 14 October). There has not apparently been an official Visit since 1966; and in all the circumstances I think we should now be thinking of a visit towards the end of 1972 or early 1973, when the new hospital and the cross-harbour tunnel should both be completed and ready for opening ceremonies.

13.