TNAG-2038-FCO40-2902-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 166

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dti

the department for Enterprise

in the Hong Kong Department there, who have of course the most experience of the processes and personalities involved in Hong Kong. The firm consensus is that two visits by Cabinet Ministers on airport business only a few days apart, both

intended to convey the same essential message, would be bound to be counter-productive. The Foreign Secretary will also be in Hong Kong that month. Such a pattern, in such a short space of time, would look more than a little odd and would certainly undermine the effectiveness of the discreet lobbying on the airport project which is the purpose of our two visits.

5. I am afraid, therefore, that our advice, and that of the FCO, must now be against a visit by Mr Parkinson at that particular time. However, a visit later in the year could be very useful. We do need to keep up a sustained rhythm in our lobbying. The view here and in the FCO is that the most which the 'market' can bear is a ministerial visit on this subject every three or four months or so. If there are alternative windows in Mr Parkinson's diary which would suit this pattern, perhaps you would let me know so that we can ensure that an appropriate slot is reserved.

Yours

ener

Javie

DAVID LOVE

Overseas Trade Division 2/2 Room 347

c.c. Mr Meadway

OT2

Mr Lewis

OT2/2d

Miss Gray

OT2/2d

OT1

Mr Adams Mr Rogers Mr Burns

Mr Paul

Mr Heap

OT1/1 FCO

HKD FCO

BTC Hong Kong

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