TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 47

FULL

CODE 18-77

ARPAIN

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.....

Registry (75)

HKB 007/3

Desk Officers in Hong Kong Department

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988

1.

I attach a list of the briefs which will be required for this visit. Each brief has a serial number and I have indicated on the list the name of the person/persons who will be responsible for producing the first draft.

Format

Each brief should be headed in exactly the same way as this minute. Each brief should consist of the following:

2.

checklist of points to make on a separate sheet of paper; objectives and points to make;

background.

The points to make should indicate clearly to whom it is intended that they should be made (for example Governor only, Governor and senior officials, ExCo members, OMELCO).

3.

For the sake of uniformity, and to avoid unnecessary amendments at a later stage, all briefs should follow the typing conventions set out in the illustrative piece of paper attached to this minute.

Timing

As I

4. Private Office have asked that the briefs should reach them in final form by Friday 20 May at the latest. If we are to manage this deadline comfortably, it is essential that, where possible, all briefs should reach Mr Hum by close of play on Friday 13 May. would like an opportunity to go through them first, it would, be appreciated if the drafts could reach me before that date, ideally by Thursday 12 May or earlier.

Helpful hints

5.

Private Office have given us the following guidance which we

Points to make should follow closely in the drafting of briefs. should be punchy and in note form. Short sentences and prolific use of tirets are welcome. The person/persons to whom the points are to be directed should be clearly indicated. The background should be written in prose. But the layout is important. The paragraphs should be short, the sentences should also be short and the use of subheadings and underlining where appropriate is to be encouraged.

CONFIDENTIAL