TNAG-0437-FCO40-502-Visits-of-UK-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 20

Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1

W L Bell Esq CMG MBE TETOC

Grosvenor Gardens House 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens London

SW1

Telephone 01- 930 8440

Your reference

Our reference

Date

40

REOPUD IN RECKER

Fo. 51.

- 4 SEP 1974

HKK 3/548/1

3 September 1974

LAST

REF.

40

REF.

42

Year Bill,

You wrote to Dick Crowson on 30 August about the possibility of a visit to Hong Kong by somebody from TETOC.

1.

.

2. This is just to say that we think it would be a very good idea. The more liaison between the UK and Hong Kong and the more help we

If an can give them, the better from the political point of view. invitation comes from Hong Kong and if it is clear that they are prepared to meet the full cost, then I think you should accept on that basis. The philosophy of Technical Assistance for Hong Kong is a bit clouded. As you know, they are not considered to be normally aidworthy. If Hong Kong are prepared to pay, this would avoid any possibility of queries at this end.

3. However if the invitation is ambiguous, or if it is plain that Hong Kong are only prepared to pay local costs, I do not think this need necessarily rule out a visit. I am not sure who controls TETOC's travel votes, but both the Foreign Office and the ODM have sent officers in recent months for liaison visits in Hong Kong at HMG's expense.

I see no reason in principle why TETOC should not

do the same.

4.

If you would like our further comments when Hong Kong's invitation is received, we will of course be happy to oblige.

Yours ever,

Andrew Sha

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

PA

孔

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