TNAG-0524-FCO40-619-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-Lo-1976 — Page 87

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CONFIDENTIAL

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THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG'S VISIT TO LONDON 10-12 APRIL

1.

I have discussed with Mr McCaffrey and Mr Galsworthy the substance of the Governor's personal telegram No 171 (which was not copied to Lord Goronwy Roberts's Office) and have also spoken to Mr Herries and Mr Kidd.

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2. The Governor has backed away from the idea of a large scale dinner to promote Hong Kong fashions. This is all to the good. also thinks it would be better to hold back until after the Queen's visit on the idea of a smaller very high level dinner to promote the theme of the interdependence of Britain and Hong Kong. Again I see no reason to dissent. We only put forward the idea as a better alternative to his original proposal, which has now been dropped.

3.

Mr McCaffrey has expressed some reservations about the third suggestion, of a press lunch. There are two possible objections; the first that it might be inappropriate for the Governor of Hong Kong as a civil servant, to address the press in the UK; and the

Luncheon second that it is risky to plan for such a dimmer six weeks ahead, when much may happen to affect UK/Hong Kong relations in the mean- time. The second objection is valid. On the first I have put it to Mr McCaffrey that Hong Kong, and the Governor, as Hong Kong's servant, are in a unique position. He has responsibilities that go beyond those of an ordinary Ambassador. In the past Lord Goronwy Roberts and other ministers have welcomed his help in putting the record on Hong Kong straight. Any appearance of impropriety could perhaps be overcome by having the Hong Kong Association act as hosts. 4. Finally Mr Galsworthy, remembering the failure of MPs to accept Lord Goronwy Roberts's invitation to meet the Governor during his last visit, because of a clash in the parliamentary timetable, has suggested that we should also postpone setting up another such meeting until nearer the time.

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CONFIDENTIAL