TNAG-1230-FCO40-1543-Visit-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1983 — Page 83

MR LUCE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

MEETING WITH UMELCO

Introductory Remarks

Sir S Y Chung, Members of UMELCO,

As you know, this is my first visit to Hong Kong since assuming

responsibility for Hong Kong affairs in the Foreign and Commonwealth

Office in June this year. I am delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong again and to meet so many people who take such an active part in Hong Kong affairs. I am particularly pleased to see

you, the Members of UMELCO, so early on in my visit. Much of the work of UMELCO is carried out behind the scenes and not everyone

realises the full extent of your obligations and duties. I know

that the Governor is very conscious of this. I should like to

assure you that all of us in London are most appreciative of the

important and wide-ranging work that you do on behalf of the people

of Hong Kong.

One of the main purposes of my visit is to re-familiarise myself with Hong Kong and to get to know you, particularly those of you

whom I have not met before. A close working relationship between

UMELCO and Ministers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is

absolutely essential.