TNAG-1891-FCO40-2684-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 20

Private Secretary

CONFIDENTIAL

From: R A Burns

News Department

Date: 19 June 1989

cc: PS/Lord Glenarthur

Mr Gillmore

Mr McLaren

Mr Paul, HKD

Miss Agnew, Protocol Dept

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 2-4 JULY

1. I have now seen Mr Paul's submission of 16 June commenting upon

the ideas from the Governor of Hong Kong for the Secretary of

State's programme in the colony in July.

2.

I have two immediate reactions:

(a) I cannot think that it is wise to leave the main speech

until lunchtime on the third afternoon. Everyone will be very

keen to know what message the Secretary of State is bringing to the colony. I suggest that the speech is made at lunchtime on

3 July.

(b) It does not look as if the Governor is proposing to leave

much time at the end of the visit for the press conference and

inevitable media interviews. The press conference will be a

major event and needs to be followed by an extensive series of

radio and tv interviews (including no doubt on this occasion

some with the Hong Kong media). We shall need at least half an

hour for the press conference and another hour for the

interviews.

3. It will also be necessary to have a clearer idea of the likely media presence on arrival (2 July). The "brief" remarks are likely

to set the tone of the visit.

Andrews Run

R A Burns

CONFIDENTIAL