TNAG-0747-FCO40-951-Visits-of-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 42

Mr Murray

ADMINISTRATION IN CONFIDENCE

HKK 026/1

RECEIVED IN RIOS./YIN. 5) 2 3 AUG 1978

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Mr Hunter, Personnel Services Department

OFFICIAL VISIT TO HONG KONG

1.

I understand that it was agreed in principle some time ago that the Head of Hong Kong and General Department should visit Hong Kong twice a year. My predecessor found it convenient to do so on a Spring/Autumn cycle.

2. I have not been in Hong Kong since November 1969 and it is clearly desirable that my first visit as Head of HKGD should take place sooner rather than later. I had originally thought in terms of a visit spanning the second two weeks of September but this timing would not be particularly convenient for those concerned in Hong Kong. I therefore propose to delay the visit until the first half of October.

3. The object of this first visit would be to bring my knowledge of the territory and its problems up to date, and to meet as many people as possible, inside and outside Government. The Governor thinks that a minimum of two working weeks will be needed for this purpose, and I am sure he is right. Subject to your views I would plan to fly to Hong Kong on 29 or 30 September and return over the weekend of 14/15 October.

4.

The Governor has invited me to stay at Government House so subsistence costs would be small.

5.

I should be grateful for authority for this visit.

RJT McLaren

23 August 1978

Hong Kong and General Department

ADMINISTRATION IN CONFIDENCE