TNAG-0337-FCO40-373-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster--Sir-Geoff-1972 — Page 97

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CONFIDENTIAL

NO DISTRIBUTION

TO ROUTINE GOVERNOR HONG KONG TELMO 619 OF 27 JULY.

MY TELEGRAM TO BANGKOK NO 491 OF 24 JUNE.

PERSONAL FOR GOVERNOR FROM LAIRD.

VISIT BY THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER.

1. NOW THAT THE PRIME MINISTER WILL NOT BE VISITING KONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO MR RIPPON INCLUDING SOME OFFICIAL DISCUSSIONS ON THE EEC DURING HIS PRIVATE VISIT TO HONG KONG FROM 16-15 SEPTEMBER.

2. WE REALISE YOU YOURSELF WILL ONLY ARRIVE BACK IN HONG KONG ON 15 SEPTEMBER. HOWEVER, IF YOU AGREE, MR RIPPON MIGHT SPEND THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF HIS VISIT WITH PERSONAL FRIENDS AND BEGIN HIS MINISTERIAL PROGRAMME ON THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER. IN THE COURSE OF THURSDAY HE WOULD HOPE TO HAVE TALKS WITH THOSE CONCERNED WITH OUR ENTRY TO THE COMMUNITY, CONTINUING INTO FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, IF NECESSARY.

3 QRATEFUL FOR YOUR VIEWS.

DOUGLAS-HOME

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MA770

[Copy sent to Mr Packenham (Office of of Duchy of Lancaster) on 1 August]

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