TNAG-1472-FCO40-2003-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 63

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16222 (192)

Thorold Masefield

Far Eastern Department

29 September 1986

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CONFIDENTIAL

Hkk 027/5 HKK 02715

RECEIVED IN REGATRY

16 OCT 1986

Dr Wilson

Mr Hervey

DECY

CICER

INDEX.

AKSISTRY Action Taken

MINISTERIAL VISITS OVERSEAS

1.

Сс

: APS/Mr Renton

Mr Hum

181

Mr Jasper, Protocol D

Mr Jasper's minute of 16 September asked for bids for Ministerial visits during 1987. I am sorry that a spell of illness has delayed our reply. It reflects conversations with APS/Mr Renton, Mr Hum and yourself.

2. After the very high level visits to China, Japan and Korea in 1986 we see no need to recommend a Prime Ministerial visit to the Far East in 1987.

189

3. Mr Hum's minute of 22 September has already referred to the particular need for the Secretary of State to meet his Chinese opposite number in the course of 1987 to discuss Hong Kong constitutional questions. There are no compelling bilateral topics that would necessitate a visit to Peking by the Secretary of State in 1987. The Secretary of State will have been the Minister in attendance on the Queen during the State Visit next month.' In 1987 meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister either in New York or somewhere in Europe would suffice.

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4. By mutual agreement with the Japanese we try to hold Foreign Ministers' talks annually. Mr Abe visited London in January this year and it will therefore be Sir G Howe's turn to go to Japan in 1987. I attach a proforma proposing such a visit.

5. We also hope that it may prove possible for Mr Renton to pick up the idea of a visit to Japan and Korea which was under discussion about a year ago. This might perhaps be conveniently attached to the visit to Hong Kong in March 1987 which Mr Hum has proposed. I appreciate however that if Hong Kong matters should make it necessary for Mr Renton also to visit China, he might be obliged to drop Korea.

J. T. Ima defield

Thorold Masefield

CONFIDENTIAL