TNAG-1030-FCO40-1280-Proposed-visit-by-Humphrey-Atkins--Lord-Privy-Seal--to-Hong--1981 — Page 190

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Reference

CONFIDENTIAL

....

SEPARATE COPIES TO ASSISTANTS IN:

EESD

SEAD

SAD

ERD

Defence Dept

UND

ACDD

-HIGD

NAD

TRED

Planning Staff

CRD

NENAD

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MED

SAfD

Mr. Williamsen

To note deadlines t liaise with FED

over items @ II (G)

25/11/81

Claims Dept

Research Dept (FE)

ECD(E)

Hick

026/12

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 1 2 6 NOV 1981

AND TO:

Mr Allen, CRE 4, DOT

Mr Benjamin, PEP Div, DOT

Mr Havelock, MEE Div, DOI Mr Sanders, DS 13, MOD

APERILLANICIS. Tukta

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REG SV

Action

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VISIT OF THE LORD PRIVY SEAL TO THE FAR EAST

1.

The Lord Privy Seal is to visit the Far East immediately after the New Year [China (4-8 January), Hong Kong (8-10 January) Korea (11-13 January) and Japan (13-17 January)]. Briefs are to be finalised by 18 December, hence this apparently premature notice.

2.

The LPS's principal purpose is familiarisation with the area following his assumption of responsibility within the FCO for relations with these countries (both Mr Blaker and Mr Ridley had previously intended to carry out such a visit before their transfer from the FCO). He will however expect to hold talks on international and bilateral issues with appropriate Ministers in Peking, Seoul and Tokyo - though programmes have yet to be settled. PS/LPS has agreed that the international issues should be covered in one set of briefs to be drawn on in the three capitals. For each capital there will also be a short steering brief accompanied by briefs on bilateral issues (principally commercial) and background notes on the country concerned and personality notes. A further set of the background briefs will be required for Mrs Atkins. HKGD are separately arranging appropriate briefing for the Hong Kong visit.

3.

I should be grateful if the departments designated as lead departments on the attached subject list could:

(a)

(b)

consider whether the subjects indicated are likely to be the right ones for discussion in January in the capitals in question; I will take silence as acquiescence;

assuming agreement on (a), provide briefs in draft to reach this department by close of play on 14 December, and if possible by 11 December."

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CONFIDENTIAL

/4.