TNAG-1301-FCO40-1657-Visits-by-Richard-Luce--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1984 — Page 159

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22741

GISTRY

1 & MAY 1984

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

8 February 1984

INDI

Dear David,

Visit by Mr Luce to the Far East

The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary has agreed that Mr Luce, as Minister of State with geographical responsibility for the area, should be absent from Britain between 21 February and 1 March visiting Brunei, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The purpose of Mr Luce's visit to Brunei will be to represent the Government at the First National Day celebrations (in effect the delayed celebrations to mark Brunei's full independence at the turn of the year). He will travel out with HRH The Prince of Wales, who will be representing The Queen.

In Hong Kong, Mr Luce will have discussions with the Governor and with EXCO on the progress in the talks. He will also, as on his last visit, use the opportunity to meet with, and make himself available to, as wide a spectrum as possible of Hong Kong opinion.

Mr Luce only plans to spend 24 hours in Malaysia. It will be partly a familiarisation visit. But Mr Luce will also take the opportunity to have talks with his Malaysian counterparts and to lay the groundwork for the Prime Minister's projected visit there in the autumn.

I am copying this letter to Lindsay Wilkinson (Cabinet Office) and to Murdo Maclean (Chief Whip's office).

David Barclay Esq 10 Downing Street

SJEV,

Alison

(Alison Walters)

Assistant Private Secretary