TNAG-0442-FCO40-507-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-UK-1974 — Page 106

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Mr Youde

Sir D Watson

VISIT BY THE GOVERNOR HONG KONG

1.

Sir Murray MacLehose has accepted an invitation to address the Hong Kong Association Annual Dinner on 24 June. He is proposing to combine this with a few days consultation in the Office from 17 - 20 June inclusive rather than come into the Office at the end of his annual leave in August, as he did last year.

I am sure we should agree. Last year's arrangement was not particularly effective. Sir Murray had to some extent lost touch by the end of his leave. Moreover the sooner we see him the better. We discussed the proposal briefly and I have written to the Governor accordingly agreeing to the visit as required under Dependent Territories Departmental Practice.

2.

I have spoken to the Prime Minister's Office. Lord Bridges's opinion is that the Prime Minister would wish to see the Governor and that this might clear the air. But he has asked to be consulted again later. The department have also put down a marker with the Secretary of State's and Mr Blaker's offices for talks with the Governor. In due course we shall be arranging a further programme for his visit on the lines arranged last year.

In the Governor's absence from Hong Kong, the Colonial Secretary, Mr Roberts, would act as Governor and Mr Haddon-Cave as Colonial Secretary. This is appropriate.

3.

31 January 1974

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Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

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