TNAG-1241-FCO40-1554-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 70

CONFIDENTIAL

This

in Geneva, have arrived. It would seem more appropriate

for the visit to take place the following week, as this

will be UN Disarmament week and would probably mean

additional publicity for the Minister's visit. Although

the Norwegians (this year's chairman of the First Committee)

have announced their intention of curtailing the general

debate, they have given UKDis Geneva an assurance that

'Ministers and other distinguished visitors from capitals.

would be welcome to speak whenever they wished'.

D.

5. Both UKMis New York and Washington have drawn attention to

the advantages to be gained by discussing other subjects

wtihin the Minister's portfolio. This would be achieved

through bilateral meetings with other Ministers in New

York and with US officials in Washington. UKMis New York

are confident of being able to organise a worthwhile

programme, although this will depend to a certain extent on

the level of ministerial representation in the First

Committee. They point out that the Middle East will be a

live subject at the time of the proposed visit since the

UNIFIL Mandate is due to be reviewed or allowed to lapse on

19 October.

6.

Washington have said that there should be no difficulty

in arranging a series of useful meetings for the Minister

suggesting that this may be a useful opportunity to bring

the Americans up-to-date on thinking regarding Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL