TNAG-1741-FCO40-2457-Visits-by-Sir-David-Wilson--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-the-UK-1988 — Page 66

CONFIDENTIAL

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Press Handling

10.

Some days before the visit we asked the Shenzhen

authorities, through NCNA, to provide fixed position photo opportunities for the press, so that they did not follow the Governor throughout his trip. No such arrangements were made. Sixty or seventy press trailed the Governor, jostling his staff and forming a scrum around him for the entire visit. They were

removed for the lunch and the after-lunch talks, but only after

long, shambolic photo-calls at each. NCNA were clearly embarrassed about the lack of organization; Shenzhen officials

were at a loss to know what could be done. By contrast, the press waiting for the Governor at the heliport in Hong Kong could not have been better organized.

Political Adviser's Office

9th March, 1988

c.c.

CS

S for S

PA

SGD

STI

SES

S for T

SLW

DIS

APA (S)

PS/GH

Miss A. Bailes, Peking Mr R. Footman, HKD, FCO Ms P. Major, FED, FCO

CONFIDENTIAL