TNAG-0438-FCO40-503-Visits-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament--to-Hong-Kong-including-v-1974 — Page 27

布政司署

香港下亞畢道

**** OUR REF.: CR 19/5701/69

* YOur Ref.:

HKK 3/548/2

BY BAG

R B Crowson Esq

CONFIDENTIAL

RAUDTRY N

12 AUG:974

FKK-3)/548/2

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department F CO

Dear Dick,

(23)

COLONIAL SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

9 August 1974

LAST REF

AX

REF.

PARLIAMENTARY VISIT TO THE SERVICES IN HONG KONG

Letter

(21)

(75)

8

Ikaw

M. Dywity to ace

Inkitty

PA

Thank you for your letter of 22 July(HKK3/548/2), about the annual visit to the Forces in Hong Kong by a parliamentary delegation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.

2.

I had some earlier warning that they would be coming from 11 to 16 September. Indeed, I have been booked, along with the Secretary for Security, to have a "Question and Answer Session" in the Mandarin Hotel on the morning of Thursday 12 September. I shall do my best to reinforce your briefing when I see them then.

3.

We are a little puzzled by your reference to an interest in matters outside the defence field. My contact in the Headquarters at Victoria Barracks has been somewhat perplexed as well at similar requests to see schools, housing schemes and prisons. You also mentioned that Sillars is concerned with labour affairs.

4.

พ

14/8

In the short time that the delegation are here, it may be very difficult to fit in these extra-curricular activities, since there is plenty to see, do and talk about on the purely defence side. Moreover, this would be breaking past precedent if they broaden the area of activity. From a purely practical point of view, the programme which has already been prepared leaves very little time for these extra events, although there is to be a discussion with the unofficial members of the Legislative Council on the last day. The only free spot that I have seen so far in the draft programme is on the afternoon of 14 September and I dare say that the MPs would be quite glad of the opportunity to do some shopping!

5.

I know how difficult it must be to give a steer to Members of Parliament and obviously those concerned here will do their best to fit in what they can. My main point in writing is to mention the problem facing the Headquarters of

C.S. 41A

CONFIDENTIAL

/British