TABABF
RESTRICTED
BBC QUESTIONS AND DRAFT REPLIES
Q1.
Broad purpose of visit?
Ai.
Took office in June as FCO Minister of State with special
responsibility for Hong Kong. Regard it as essential that I should
visit territory as early as I can to brief myself fully on current
Hong Kong issues and meet those involved in running the territory.
Q2.
Will you be meeting British and Hong Kong officials or
other personalities, including people like Xu Jiatun, the Head of The New China News Agency office and in fact Peking's representative in Hong Kong?
A2.
Will have a very full programme during my three day visit.
Shall meet wide range of Hong Kong people, including businessmen and
local community representatives as well as government officials. Expect I shall have chance to meet Mr Xu Jiatun socially during my
visit.
Q3.
Is your visit geared in any way to the planned visit to Peking by the Governor of Hong Kong a few days later?
A3.
No: though useful opportunity to discuss with Governor his
plans for his forthcoming visit.
Q4.
Is your visit a reflection of the need felt here to monitor
developments closely in the run-up to 1997, and would you expect to
go to Hong Kong regularly?
A4.
Hope to have many chances to revisit Hong Kong in the
future. Do of course follow Hong Kong developments closely from
London, but always helpful to see things at first hand.
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.