TNAG-2260-FCO40-3256-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-pres-1991 — Page 20

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From: David Crystal

News Department

Date: 3 July 1991

cc: PS/Lord Caithness PS/Mr Lennox-Boyd Mr Burns

Mr Davies, FED

Mr Cox, HKD

HONG KONG: PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT

1.

We spoke. I think the media are likely to press hard on the Prime Minister's visit to China and you may find it useful to incorporate some or all of the following suggested additional material:

Prime Minister's visit a condition for airport deal?

Prime Minister's visit not in MOU (which has all the conditions)

But invitation issued during Sir Percy's visit and clearly important to the Chinese

We believe acceptance naturally influenced their thinking

(If pressed) As the invitation was accepted, impossible to know Chinese reaction to refusal.

Side letter (if asked)

To avoid any possibility of misunderstanding

At Chinese request. This is the way they like to do things and no problem for us.

David Crystal

David Crystal

News Department

SECRET