CONFIDENTIAL
(b) Mr Goodsir agreed with PCD that a small detachment of Royal Military Police, say one NCO and 3 other ranks, should be included as support staff for safe-hand runs and other security duties (see paragraph on security).
(c) Mr Maynard said that the communications staff at all Posts could cope with the extra work caused by the visit and there would be no necessity for any additions.
2. TRAVEL
(a) An RAF VC10 was being used for the whole trip including China. The layout of the aircraft would have to be known as soon as possible and Miss Deeves suggested the following fit for the aircraft:-
2 VIP divans
Table with 4 chairs
1 sofa for Mrs Owen's use during the day As many sleeperette-type seats as possible Seats for support staff and press
(b) PCD, in conjunction with the RAF/Private Office working within the above outlines should calculate the maximum number of seats available for the press.
Mr Barrett would liaise with News Department on
press representation once the visit is officially announced.
3.
PROGRAMME
(a) The actual details of Posts to be visited as known at present are shown at Appendix I.
(b) A separate detailed programme will be issued later. An official announcement about this visit is expected to be made within the next 10 days.
4.
LIVING ACCOMMODATION
(a) Miss Turner said that as is the normal practice the Secretary of State and Mrs Owen, a Private Secretary and a Detective should stay with HM Ambassador/High Commissioner at all Posts being visited except for Peking.
(b) Mr Fursland thought that the Chinese would expect all members of the delegation to stay as guests of the Chinese Government and accept accommodation in an official Chinese Government guest house. PCD
will consult GHF on this subject ie bearing in mind reciprocity problems (c) Mr Whyte and Miss Wheeler would stay in a hotel in all places. being visited to enable them to look after and liaise with the press.
5. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION
All Posts would be asked by PCD to arrange the usual necessary office accommodated needed during one of these official visits.
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CONFIDENT I AL
/6.
COMMUNICATIONS
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