TNAG-1297-FCO40-1652-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 247

PS/Mr Luce

Private Secretary

SECRET

HKK 02712

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

(54)

De65

- 8 MAR 1984

57

DESK OFFICER

TV

PA

KER

SI

Mr Clift's submission of 5 March. I think there is logic in Mr Clift's recommendation and I generally support it. The Hong Kong talks are now moving into a critical phase and would be greatly assisted by the involvement of a senior Minister in April both to argue the key points with the Chinese and to begin the unveiling in Hong Kong. For the reasons given in the submission a separate visit to Peking and Hong Kong would probably make more sense than to try to follow the originally planned Far Eastern itinerary.

2.

a

The point in para 10 of the submission, ie that he visit in the week beginning 15 April would take place while the House was in recess, needs particular attention, though I am not qualified to advise on it.

3. In order to avoid the Secretary of State making two Far Eastern trips within a period of 2 - 3 weeks, it would seem better, and certainly less fatiguing, to join the two, ie spending Easter in the region. If we allow three days for the Peking leg, which is, I think, the minimum and another 2 3 days for Hong Kong, we are in any case at 21 April, only two days before the Japan/Korea visit starts.

5 March 1984

(copied to recipients of

submission under reference)

Merador

PERCY CRADOCK

SECRET