TNAG-2234-FCO40-3207-FCO-sponsored-visits-from-Hong-Kong-to-the-UK-1991 — Page 107

CODE 18-77

Any

ideas for good subjects? Perhaps weed. discuss of morning mig

in buefly

x then sent

Miss Saunders M. TAK

HKD

24/1

a

Reference

in Stone Mrs Major

in Moms

Ma Pani

Miss Marsden

COI PICTURES OF HONG KONG

1.

(voxerday)

I spoke to Miss Marsden this morning about the suggestion which COI have made that they should arrange for a collection of pictures to be taken in Hong Kong in February (good, weather-wise, for photographs in Hong Kong). These pictures would become part of their stock of photographs to be drawn on in response to requests from our posts overseas. (I should explain that Information Department pays COI to provide a service to Information Sections overseas, of written and photographic material for placing in local press. Among other things, they provide pictures (or articles) in response to specific requests from editors for material on a particular subject.) The COI/Overseas Press Service (OPS) last took a set of photographs in Hong Kong in 1984, concentrating particularly on building and contracting work there. Apparently they were very good, and have been widely used.

2. We do have enough money left in the budget for this financial year to meet the costs of such an operation (estimate £2,000). I understand the OPS people are seeing whether the Hong Kong Government might not be prepared to help with some of the costs since they too might use pictures from the set. What I need from you rather quickly (given that the photographer must travel next month) is any ideas you have for aspects of the colony which might usefully be covered at this stage in the run-up to the transfer of power.

We need to identify positive themes: prosperity, dynamism and entrepreneurial skills? What about legislatire and judiciary? And (SEAD), can you identify positive angles in the way the Hong Kong Government are handling the VBP problem?

23 January 1991

Waytmat

Mary E Hunt

Information Department OAB G/100

210 6130

CC:

Mr Charles Haswell, SEAD

son Ms Saunders

28/1

Els discussed

think this is a waste of

I

PL discuss with !D. √1811

money.