TNAG-0439-FCO40-504-Ministerial-Visits-Committee-monthly-returns-from-Hong-Kong--1974 — Page 132

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1.

CONFIDENTIAL

Sir D Watson

MINISTERIAL VISITS COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY

Since writing my minute of 28 December we have learned that Mr Christopher Chataway, Minister for Industrial Development, is considering the possibility of paying a two-day private visit to the Seychelles from 13-15 January on the way to Japan. Other alternatives he was considering were Bangkok and Hong Kong.

2.

I have however suggested to Mr Chataway's Private Secretary (after discussing this with Mr Youde and our Private Office), that if Mr Chataway went to Hong Kong, even on a private visit, he would at this particular time need to have briefing on almost the full range of subjects that would have been covered by the Prime Minister. Unless he was prepared to be questioned by the Press, I thought he would be wise to choose one of the other possibilities for his holiday rather than Hong Kong. Mr Chataway's Private Secretary therefore agreed that I should not contact Hong Kong unless Mr Chataway still wished me to do so after reflecting on my advice. I have heard no more, so assume that the Hong Kong part of the visit has been dropped.

3.

Protocol and Conference Dept. have been informed.

7 January 1974

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Mr Wilford

Mr Larmour Mr Youde FED

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A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

We have now consulted the frend

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10/1

CONFIDENTIAL