TNAG-0525-FCO40-620-Visit-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament-(Defence-and-External-Affa-1975 — Page 182

Mr Bentley, FED

Reference.........

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Dart, Economists Dept. separate copies

Mr Ward, DS6, MOD

126

29/x

去

VISIT OF DEFENCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE (DEASC) TO HONG KONG

1.

The DEASC is visiting Hong Kong from 18-22 November. In telegram no. 506 of 26 June to Hong Kong we told the Governor that the Sub-Committee would be briefed on the following subjects before it leaves London:

the use of Hong Kong by the US Navy and the support given by the US to the security of Hong Kong;

(a)

Mr. Romanti

(b)

Rachni

the internal administration of the Colony and the role of the Governor;

FREU Feeeflemed

(c)

the contribution of Hong Kong to the British economy;

Carr undd-Hosay

they areved

(a)

Key tydel

weed to

be milked lite (her pas _tusefix.

2.

a comparison of the position of Hong Kong and Macao.

The Ministry of Defence are not intending to brief the Sub-Committee independently before the visit, so this Department has agreed with the Parliamentary Commissioner and Committees Unit (POCU in the FCO to coordinate briefing on all the above four points. PCCU will contact the Clerk of the Sub-Committee after the recess and will suggest an informal off-the-record briefing to take place in the House probably during the week beginning I said r. 10 November. I will let you know what is arranged but at present

Mu

it looks as if FED, Economists Dept. and DS6 should be represented.

3.

I should be grateful if the addressees of this minute, in liaison with other Departments as necessary, would prepare to cover the various subjects described in para. 1 as follows:

(a) DS6, MOD

(c) Economists Dept.

(a) FED

HKIOD will deal with (b).

4.

If you prepare speaking notes (up to Confidential if necessary), I should like copies by close of play on Friday 7 November since we may wish to send copies to Hong Kong.

(For Economists Dept. only).

5.

The British Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong has asked if he could comment in draft on the speaking notes on subject (c). I should therefore be grateful if you could let Mr Milton have a

/suitable

CONFIDENTIAL