TNAG-1892-FCO40-2685-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 27

CONFIDENTIAL

04 DEC 1989

FROM:

HKB

026/20

DATE:

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

4 December 1989

CC:

Mr Weston

Mr McLaren or

138

PS/Mr Maudé

'maxi

Private Secretary

S of Sto see

Mr Burns, News Dept

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: INVITATION FROM THE

HONG KONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Problem

A 1.

A letter from the Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of

Commerce Dr Helmut Sohmen, inviting the Secretary of State to

address a luncheon organised by the Chamber during his forthcoming visit to Hong Kong.

Recommendation

B

2. I recommend that the Secretary of State accepts the invitation.

I submit a draft reply. The Governor of Hong Kong and the Senior British Trade Commissioner have been consulted and agree. News Department agree.

Background

3.

The Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce is a prestigious organisation

which would provide a good forum for the Secretary of State to make

a speech. Dr Sohmen's proposal is therefore a good one.

4. We have not yet given any detailed consideration to the

programme for the Secretary of State's visit, although the Governor

set out some preliminary recommendations in his telno 3751. It is

normal for a key note speech to be given at some point in a visit to

LOPABE

CONFIDENTIAL