TNAG-0524-FCO40-619-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-Lo-1976 — Page 123

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to be away so long, she would be prepared to go to Paris if this was thought desirable.

4.

Subsequently I have discussed the situation with Sir Duncan Watson. Our instinct is that Princess Alexandra's

presence at the show in London might indeed be misunderstood. Hong Kong is, however unjustly, widely regarded as the greatest threat to the British textile industry in its own market. It would be undesirable for the Royal Family to be involved in controversy of this kind.

5.

On the other hand, attendance at the Paris show would seem less objectionable. It would probably be desirable for Princess Alexandra to travel by commercial aircraft at Hong Kong's expense, since the use of the Queen's Flight is currently a matter of

public comment. This would increase the strain on Princess Alexandra, but again Miss Mitchell thinks she might be prepared

for this.

6.

I would be glad of Lord Goronwy-Roberts's views.

If he

thinks that the London invitation should not be accepted, but that one for Paris should be, if offered, I will clear the protocol aspects with Protocol and Conference Dept. and with Paris and will inform Miss Mitchell accordingly. She could then sound out the Governor, again using previous arrangements to justify rejection

of London.

7 February 1975

сс

Sir D Watson

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

be

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attend

The London show.

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is the giveror

to reference tot Princess Alexander

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