TNAG-1230-FCO40-1543-Visit-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 219

Mr Roberts, News Dept

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HKK 027/20

RECEIVED IN REGISTEY NO. 51

1 SEP 1983

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTA.

PA

Action 1.

FROM:

H B Warren-Gash

DATE:

31 August 1983

cc:

Mr Donald

Mr Clift, HKD

Mr Hartland-Swann, SEAD Mr Hall, Protocol Dept

VISIT BY MR LUCE TO THE FAR EAST: NEWS DEPARTMENT INVOLVEMENT

1. Mr Luce has agreed that you should accompany him for the period of his forthcoming visit to Hong Kong (25-28 September) to deal with press matters.

2.

As far as the visit to Brunei is concerned, Mr Luce has noted Mr Donald's recommendation that your presence there as well would be helpful. He personally does not have any strong views, given that the additional cost is unlikely to be very great, but is anxious to avoid stretching the thin resources of the High Commissioner without any clear indication of need. Much will depend on whether there will in fact be great press interest in his visit, and whether it would be physically possible to accommodate another member of the party without undue strain. He would be grateful if Mr Hartland-Swann (to whom this minute is copied) would consult Mr Cornish in Brunei and advise.

3. The above is based on the understanding that the cost of your visit should be found from News Department funds rather than from the Ministerial Visits sub-head.

H. Warren Goh.

H B Warren-Gash PS/Mr Luce

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4.