TNAG-0375-FCO40-421-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 14

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8.

Mrs Hedley-Miller wondered whether it would be helpful

if a senior member of the Treasury came to Hong Kong within

the next 2 or 3 months for a visit and for discussion of broader

future issues. She foresaw 3 stages: first the settlement of

the unilateral guarantee, second a visit to exchange views

about the future and demonstrate that we were hoping to work

closely with Hong Kong, and third (and separately) negotiations

on future arrangements.

9. Sir Murray MacLehose replied that the cosmetic benefits

of a visit would not be substantial. Treasury officials would

be welcome to come but their visit would only be useful if

they came with a specific objective. The difficulty was that

the press and public in Hong Kong would get to know of such a visit and would ask what topics had been discussed and what

results achieved. He suggested the idea should be discussed

with Mr Haddon-Cave.

10. Sir Murray MacLehose then left with Mrs Hedley-Miller

to call on Mr Mitchell.

Distribution:

Sir Murray MacLehose

Mr Holland

Mr Marshall

Mr Cambridge

Sir D Watson

Mr Youde PS Mr Royle HKIOD

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