TNAG-1030-FCO40-1280-Proposed-visit-by-Humphrey-Atkins--Lord-Privy-Seal--to-Hong--1981 — Page 210

DSR 11C

CONFIDENTIAL

The Lord Privy Seal would be accompanied by Mr Donald (Under-Secretary) and his Private Secretary.

Lord Carrington proposes that Mrs Atkins should also accompany him given that the Chinese Government had

earlier extended an invitation to Mrs Ridley; and

that Mrs Atkins was closely involved with Princess Chichibu

during her recent visit to London. Mr Tom Arnold (PPS)

will, independently, be in the Far East over the Christmas

recess, and the Lord Privy Seal proposes that he should

join the party for the visit, at his own expense.

I should be grateful for the Prime Minister's agreement to these arrangements and for permission for the Lord Privy Seal to be absent from Cabinet on 7 and 14

January.

I am sending a copy of this letter to William Austin

(Government Whip's Office) and to Barry Hilton (Cabinet

Office).

CONFIDENTIAL

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