TNAG-1475-FCO40-2006-Visits-by-MPs-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 60

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support also present.

I have also suggested that we should more or

less adhere to the proposal set out in my minute of 3 November, as follows:

AUS (DS

-

to open with a short introductory statement;

Head of HKD

DROW

Sec(0)(C)

short statement on the political context, with particular reference to the overall security situation, including the RHKP;

a complementary short statement on the military aspects of the security situation, with particular reference to the garrison;

a short statement on the DCA.

The Committee may also invite Head of RP(Army) to make a statement on the future of the Gurkhas, although there may be little he can add to the written brief.

3.

I suggest that these opening statements should be kept very short - no more than a couple of minutes each. The Clerk to the Committee has indicated that they will not expect the session to last more than 12 hours, and that much of that time will be occupied in questions designed to probe their particular areas of interest. I will draft an introductory speaking note for AUS(DS). I imagine that most team members will wish to speak to the written briefs, but if anyone plans to use substantially different speaking notes AUS(DS) would be grateful for an advance copy of them.

4.

I should be grateful if all team members could assemble at the South Door of Main Building by 1615 on Tuesday 18 November. APS/S of S will then escort us to the House en masse.

5. The session on 19 November will cover Oman and Diego Garcia. Apart from Ex Saif Sareea, we have had no indications of the subjects the Committee will wish to cover. I suggest, therefore, that the briefing should take the form set out in my earlier minute, viz:

AUS (DS)

FCO(MED)

D Ex

FCO(EAD)

short opening statement

political context (Oman)

Saif Sareea

- political context (Diego Garcia)

I have told APS/S of S that, in addition, DROW and Sec(0)(C) will be in the team; and that FCO(DD) and (possibly) ROW supporters will be in attendance. Once again, I should be grateful if AUS(DS) could be sent advance copies of speaking notes where these differ from the written brief. The arrangement for Wednesday is that team members should meet at the South Door at 1015; APS/S of S will conduct them to the House.

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