-/+
Mr Giffard
Private Secretary
Secretary
Seulty
A Hatego
Dr Owen will call a
The
94
CONFIDENTIAL Secretary of Steve et llam.
on Thursday 19 Ang.
ce PS/Lord Belstead sich.
cc
Seawich.
ник 02612
VISIT BY THE RT HON DR DAVID OWEN MP TO HONG KONG: 31 AUGUST TO 2 SEPTEMBER 1982
Problem
1.
闭
f617
Dr David Owen is to speak in Hong Kong on 1 September, at a
meeting organised by the Hong Kong Economic Journal, on the 'on-going
relationship between Hong Kong, China and the United Kingdom, and
possible solutions to the 1997 Lease issue'. Should we brief him and,
if so, how?
Recommendation
2.
see 97
I recommend that an FCO Minister should speak to Dr Owen before
his departure from the UK on 24 August to explain to him the delicacy
possible
W:
of the situation: his speech in Hong Kong about /future arrangements
for the Territory might be taken in Peking and Hong Kong as reflecting
official British Government policy and would not be helpful before
the Prime Minister's visit to the Far East.
Background and Argument
3. Dr Owen returns from a visit to the United States on 19 August.
He departs for Australia on 24 August and is returning to the UK at
the end of the month via Hong Kong. He will arrive in Hong Kong on
31 August for about 36 hours until 2 September. He will be a guest
of the Governor and Government House.
4.
The only firm commitment in Hong Kong which Dr Owen has at
present is to address a lunchtime meeting on 1 September organised
by the Hong Kong Economic Journal. The guests will comprise leading
figures in the industrial, commercial and financial circles and some
government officials. He has been asked to speak on the on-going
CONFIDENTIAL
/relationship
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.