TNAG-2276-FCO40-3275-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-1991 — Page 24

Mr Coxx Ms Saunder $11

at the

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(me in question)

PS/Lord Caithness

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17/7

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From: David Crystal

News Department

Date: 17 July 1991

cc: Mr Burns

Mr Paul, HKD

Mr Colvin, SEAD

Mr Davies, FED

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: INTERVIEW WITH LORD CAITHNESS

As agreed at the meeting on Monday afternoon, I have arranged for an on-the-record interview as a scene-setter for the Minister's

visit to Hong Kong.

1.

2. The interview has been arranged for 3.30 pm on Thursday 17 July. The interviewer will be David Wallen (Lord Caithness will remember striking up a good rapport over lunch in March) In my absence Bernard Whiteside will escort Mr Wallen and will be ready to deal with any presentational aspects.

Given the sensitivity of many

Hong Kong topics it might be wise for Mr Paul or Mr Cox to be present also in case expert advice is needed.

3

Hong Kong and South East Asia Departments are preparing briefing

in the form of bull points. Apart from the usual topics the briefing will also include briefing on the independence of the judiciary etc which Mr Wallen will be asked specifically to raise during the interview. With the huge interest in Vietnamese migrants I think Lord Caithness will come under pressure to say something about prospects for a solution following the meeting in Geneva and SEAD are trying to find a formula to convey the sense of 'cautious optimism' without raising expectations.

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David Crystal Стулья

David Crystal

News Department