TNAG-0337-FCO40-373-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster--Sir-Geoff-1972 — Page 103

Mr Crowson

Mr Laird

Reference HKK 3/548/12

19

CONFIDENTIAL

le attoh lapors.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER'S ASIAN/AFRICAN TOUR

1 Now that the Prime Minister has cancelled his proposed visit to Hong Kong in September, I wonder if we should look again at the question of Mr Rippon's visit to Hong Kong.

2 You will remember that the purpose of his Asian/African tour is to discuss Britain's entry into the EEC. The Prime Minister did not wish Mr Rippon to discuss this in Hong Kong as he himself proposed to do so during his visit in September. Now that the Prime Minister is no longer going to Hong Kong, do you think we should initiate action to turn Mr Rippon's private visit into an official one so that he could have discussions in Hong Kong on our entry into the EEC?

18 July 1972

It would

P.M. Keeey

P M Kelly (Miss) Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department

ง

suffore make

seuse

for the visit now

official

to become in fast an

R.. hmm

19/7

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