TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 161

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(viii) EXPO 1997

Aware of interest in Hong Kong in the idea of a World Exhibition straddling the transition over 1 July 1997.

Understand that the practicability of the idea is being

considered.

Premature to comment while consideration is at such a very

preliminary stage.

Understand that International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) in

Paris are already aware of the idea.

31 May BIE meeting is in no sense a deadline for

applications. They can be made up to six years before event. Possibility of Hong Kong hosting a World Exhibition is not on the

agenda.

Far too early to be discussing the matter with the Chinese

Government.

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