TNAG-0841-FCO40-1050-Visit-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-Chi-1979 — Page 252

CODE 18-77

M. Williamzorg.

Mr Quantrill

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG:

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Reference

BANKO I

- 6 MAR 1979

VISIT TO CHINA BERRIERS

No Playte

حالك

RC.

REC

.37

1. When Dr Wilson telephoned this morning on another matter, I took the opportunity to ask for copies of the briefs which he and others would be preparing for the Governor's visit to be sent to the department. We would want to have an opportunity to comment on the line proposed in the briefs, particularly on such topics as air services where there was a UK interest. There was also an overlap with the briefing for the Secretary of State"s visit.

caused

2. Dr Wilson said there was a difficulty,

a difficulty, caused by the postponement of the announcement of the Governor's visit from 26 February (as originally proposed) to 6 March. The problem was because of the need for secrecy. The briefing process could not begin in earnest until the announcement was made. A call for briefs would go out to the various Hong Kong Government departments concerned immediately after the announcement, but it was unlikely that they would be ready for another two weeks or so after that. The present intention was to get the final versions of the briefs into bags leaving for Peking and London on 23 March. I said that that would give us no time to comment and urged Dr Wilson to send drafts for the more substantive briefs into an earlier bag. He took the point and said he would do his best.

5 March 1979

Copies to: Mr Murray Mr Williamson

RJT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department