TNAG-0936-FCO40-1155-Visit-of-Norman-Fowler--Minister-of-Transport--to-Hong-Kong--1980 — Page 89

IN CONFIDENCE

NE

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE VINISTER OF TRANSPORT, RT. HON. NORMAN FOWLER MP,

APRIL 1980

BRIEF NO 7: GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

CLIMATE

1. The climate in Hong Kong in April will be pleasant; temperatures are similar to those experienced on the warmer days of this/summer in England,i.e.70-750F, and there may be some.

rain.

last

LANGUAGE

2. Although the non-Chinese percentage of the population is very small (less than 2%) the people whom the Minister and party are.

likely to meet will speak English.

STATUS OF HONG KONG

3. Hong Kong is referred to as "The Territory" in officiel talks, speeches and general correspondence. It is, however, referred to by the Press and informally as "The Colony".

ATMOSPHERE

4. Hong Kong is very Westernised.

Business is conducted

in a fairly informal manner, similar to methods in the United Kingdom.

VISITS TO PLACES OF INTEREST

5. Visits to places of professional and touristic interest will be included in the programme.

CHURCH SERVICES

6. The opportunity will exist for the Minister & party. attend Church on Sunday morning if they so wish.

to