TNAG-1158-FCO40-1438-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 25

iv.

CONFIDENTIAL

After the meeting with the Secretary of State, Sir P Cradock asked me for more details about the timing and I explained that Lord Maclehose would be seeing the Prime Minister on 23 July. Sir P Cradock emphasised the importance of discussing with him beforehand the line he would take, and I explained that a meeting was scheduled for this purpose for 21 July. Sir P Cradock said that it was essential that he should be at that meeting. I took note, but explained that further thought would have to be given to this as the question of whether Sir E Youde should be brought back from Hong Kong was also relevant, and No. 10 were concerned not to arouse unnecessary publicity.

The Secretary of State has subsequently commented that he will wish to consider who if anyone from outside the Office should attend the meeting on the 21st in the light of his talk with the Prime Minister next week.

1 July 1982

Cc:

PS/PUS

Mr Giffard

CONFIDENTIAL

та

(B JP Fall)

Private Secretary