TNAG-1372-FCO40-1818-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 163

CODE 18-77

[HK2AGJ]

Mr Ashton, FED

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference...

198

MR RENTON'S VISIT TO THE FAR EAST

I recommend the

following

1.

submission:

(a)

Replace

(b)

" to

ensure

Hong Kong reasons".

amendments

to your draft

by

"for

Hong Kong" in para 4

Replace the last sentence

of para 4 by "A visit to China would give Mr Renton an opportunity to discuss Hong Kong issues first hand with Chinese leaders, and would help reassure Hong Kong opinion about HMG's commitment to looking after Hong Kong's interests. Journalists in Hong Kong have already asked why Mr Renton is not going on to China after his October visit to Hong Kong.".

(c) Text for para 6:

"Although Mr Renton will have visited Hong Kong in October, it will be important to make a further brief stop there after his visit to China. The Governor will wish to debrief Mr Renton оп his talks with Chinese leaders, and it will give Mr

For

Renton an opportunity to mak e a f ew reassuring comments to the Hong Kong press about this visit.

may be more Canton to Tokyo via Hong Kong

practical Mr Renton to continue from

rather than via Peking.".

too reasons

i t

convenient

for

17 October 1985

CONFIDENTIAL

Joration Permell

J N Powell

Hong Kong Department K221

233 3918

ный

02716

EIVED IN REGISTAY

INU! X

1 7 OCT 1985

OFFICER

ISTHY

in Laken