SECRET
LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 6 TO 10 DECEMBER 1982
BRIEF NO. 1 : STEERING BRIEF
OBJECTIVES
1.
a)
b)
To reassure the people of Hong Kong of HMG's
continuing commitment to the territory and to
maintain confidence in business circles, by '
maintaining the momentum of Ministerial attention
to Hong Kong; to bolster morale in the current
state of talks on the future;
to enable Lord Belstead to get a first hand
impression of Hong Kong and to meet leading personalities in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND TO VISIT
2.
The Prime Minister visited Hong Kong from 26 to 28
September this year, after her visit to China from 22 to 26
September. During her visit to China, Mrs Thatcher agreed with
Chinese leaders to enter talks through diplomatic channels on
the future of Hong Kong. These talks have now begun: their
content must remain confidential. However, we are keen to
reassure the people of Hong Kong of HMG's continuing commitment
to them.
3.
Lord Belstead was appointed Minister of State in the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office in April 1982. This will be his
first visit to Hong Kong, although he has met the Governor, Sir
SY Chung and other members of UMELCO and the Government when
they have visited London.
SECRET
'PROGRAMME
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