CONFIDENTIAL
13.
The visit has a significant economic and commercial element. Background briefs (p)-(u) cover the ground. We and the DTI attach particular importance to the new airport project, for which a British led consortium are in the running (brief (s)).
THE PROGRAMME
14.
The programme of the visit is attached immediately below. It
reflects the Minister's comments on the earlier draft and takes
account of the advice of the Senior British Trade Commissioner as
well as the Governor of Hong Kong. The Department of Trade and
Industry have been consulted about the commercial aspects of the
visit and are content.
ANALYS IS OF THE PROGRAMME
15. Mr Maude will need to make some brief remarks to the press on
disembarkation on 17 September. A draft speaking note is attached
(Brief No 3). Previous practice has been to keep this encounter as
short as possible and not to take questions. Sir Geoffrey Howe was jeered by the press at this point when he declined to answer questions in July. Although the atmosphere is different now and Mr Maude is unlikely to be subject to the same treatment, it might be prudent if he were to be prepared to answer a couple of
questions.
18 September
16. The programme proper begins on 18 September with a meeting with senior officials. It will take the form of a systematic series
of short presentations on the economy, the general mood, morale in the Civil Service, constitutional developments, Vietnamese boat people etc. There will be an opportunity for Mr Maude to ask questions. A checklist of points to raise on this is attached
(Brief No 4).
17. This will be followed by a comprehensive tour of refugee camps. There will be one encounter with the press (Hei Ling Chau) at which Mr Maude will be expected to say a few words and answer
BEN ABM4
CONFIDENTIAL
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Private notes are available after approval.