TNAG-1229-FCO40-1542-Possible-visit-by-the-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 32

ANYAANI 10. wit B data

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BACKGROUND

1. The Governor of Hong Kong wrote earlier this year

asking if consideration could be given to a visit by the

Secretary of State in autumn 1983.

2. The Ambassador in Peking has commented that a visit

to Hong Kong should if possible form part of a tour, to

avoid giving the Chinese the impression that the visit had

any special significance, such as an attempt to gain

support in Hong Kong for the British position.

3. On this basis, it has been tentatively suggested

that the Secretary of State might visit Japan, Korea and

Hong Kong in spring 1984. No decision has yet been

taken.

Hong Kong Department

26 July 1983

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