TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 125

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COHACP

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RESTRICTED

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25 APR 1988

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FROM:

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Hong Kong Department

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DATE:

25 April 1988

CC:

Ps/Lord Glenarthur

Mr McLaren

Private Secretary Secretary

Mr Gillmore

Protocol Department

Mr Meyer, News Department

Tox Somaay State г

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

1. I submit the proposed programme for the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong between 29 and 31 May. It reflects consultation

with the Governor.

He

2.

Mr Galsworthy commented on our prelminary draft programme in his minute of 18 April. He noted that there were some unavoidable fixtures, and that there is also a limit to available options. said new ideas would be welcome. These comments are taken into

account in what follows.

3. My comments on the items in the proposed programme, arranged

seriatim, are as follows:

i) Arrive from Manila.

ii)

iii)

The Secretary of State will arrive at Government House by about 2130, if the aircraft is on time. Would he prefer to dine on the plane or after arrival? A late dinner at Government House could involve one or two senior officials: the alternative would be a nightcap with the

Governor only;

Briefing by senior officials. A necessary curtain raiser to

the programme;

Visit to Chi Ma Wan Refugee Camp. An unavoidable fixture, given the degree of public concern about Vietnamese refugees. Hong Kong Government policy on refugees is potentially in a

RESTREICTED

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