CONFIDENTIAL
Secretary of State
FROM:
DATE:
HB Warren-Gash 3 August 1983
cc: Mr Giffard ·
Mr Donald
SEAD
HKD
PCD
Private Secretary
Leae to ISSUE PSE.
tyw 3/8
News Dept Defence Dept
PROPOSED VISIT BY MR LUCE TO THE FAR EAST
1. Mr Luce would be grateful for the Secretary of State's agreement that he should visit Brunei, Singapore and Hong Kong between 19-29 September. He would be accompanied by Mr Donald and a Private Secretary.
2.
Mr Luce's purpose in visiting Brunei will be to conclude the defence negotiations, and to have bilateral talks with the Sultan about our wider bilateral relations in the run up to Brunei independence at the end of this year. How long Mr Luce will need to stay in Brunei will depend on whether the negotiations on the future of the Gurkhas have been
satisfactorily completed. He has, however, thought it prudent to allow at least 3 days.
3. Mr Luce will have to pass through Singapore on his way to Brunei. He would therefore propose to take advantage of this to spend a day meeting Singapore leaders. One of the main items under discussion will inevitably be Brunei: have been following developments closely and have been consistently helpful to us.
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4. Mr Luce's purpose in visiting Hong Kong will be to refamiliarise himself with the situation on the ground, and to have talks with the Governor and other leading officials. Our Ambassador in Peking may also be present for part of the time. The Hong Kong authorities have pressed for an early visit by the Minister of State, as a visible sign of our continuing commitment to them at a time when the talks with China about Hong Kong's future are continuing.
CONFIDENTIAL
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