TNAG-0335-FCO40-371-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 27

CONFIDENTIAL

SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

2-3 NOVEMBER 1972

STEERING BRIEF

Brief No 1

PURPOSE OF THE VISIT

1. The Secretary of State will spend only 24 hours in Hong Kong on

his return to London from China. His purpose in visiting the Colony

will be:

In public)

(a)

To demonstrate to the people of Hong Kong that HMG's

new and developing relationship with China does not

mean any lessening of our concern for the interests

and affairs of Hong Kong.

(In confidential discussions)

(b) To discuss with the Governor his talks in Peking and

their outcome, and the implications for Hong Kong of

this new relationship with China.

(c)

To reassure Unofficial Members of the Executive and

Legislative Councils that nothing to the detriment of

Hong Kong was being done over their heads.

TOPICS TO BE RAISED

2. The programme (Annex A) provides for a short meeting with the

Governor and his officials. (There will be an opportunity for more

informal discussion with the Governor on the evening of the Secretary

of State's arrival). The Meeting will be joined by the Unofficial

Members of the Executive Council and the Secretary of State will be

asked to make an opening statement about his visit to Peking.

will be followed by a Question and Answer Session.

This

CONFIDENTIAL

13.