TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 128

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I have only minor comments on the proposed programme, most of whose features are standard and largely unavoidable: these are (references to paragraphs in Mr Hum's submission): -

Paragraph 3(vii) It is important that the Secretary of State should spend some time at the British Trade Commission, not only to encourage the Diplomatic Service staff concerned, but because of the recent criticisms by the Hong Kong Association (and Mr Henry Keswick in particular) that our presence is low- profile and needs to be upgraded.

Paragraph 3 (x)

I strongly support the idea of a visit to the Hong Kong Polytechnic, an impressive place by any standards.

Paragraph 3(xiii) The Secretary of State will be travelling to

Manila by British Airways. I see no reason why he should not return by Cathay Pacific if it is more convenient. The arrival time of the Cathay Pacific flight leaving at 2300 is 0755 (at Gatwick).

2. I shall submit detailed ideas for the programme in Manila separately.

25 April 1988

R JT McLaren