TNAG-0747-FCO40-951-Visits-of-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 219

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Ar JH Smith (PSD)

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HKK 026 RECEIV

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QISK OF

INDEX

No....

OVERSEAS LABOUR ADVISER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

$ 'A3973

1. Would you please refer to the copy sent you of Mr Hurst's minute of 4 January 1978 about the proposed visit by him to Hong Kong between 16 February and 1March.

2. Labour and allied matters take up a great majority of the relationships between HUG and the Hong Kong Government, particularly since a decision by the then Secretary of State in 1976 that we should pursue a "more interventionist policy" with regard to Hong Kong. In my dealings with Hong Kong I am, to a very large extent, guided by the advice of the Overseas Labour Adviser and for this reason it is essential that he should be well briefed on Hong Kong affairs. Mr Hurst's proposed visit was approved by the Standing Committee set up by Lord Goronwy-Roberts to monitor (largely labour and social) affairs in Hong Kong and I recommend strongly that you should give authority for the visit.

3. I have discussed this question with Er Cortazzi who also supports my recommendation.

5 January 1978

JA B Stewart

Hong Kong & General Dept

CC:

Dr Hurst