TNAG-2277-FCO40-3276-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-1991 — Page 18

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Mr Ricketts, HKD

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Reference..

From: D Crystal

News Department

Date: 25 November 1991

cc: PS/Lord Caithness

Sir J Coles

Mr Davis, FED Mr Marshall

LORD CAITHNESS: INTERVIEW WITH DAVID WALLEN

1.

We spoke. The Minister has agreed to give an interview to Mr Wallen of the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The interview is due to take place at 9.30 am tomorrow in the Minister's office.

2.

Although the SCMP will inevitably wish to concentrate on Hong Kong I think it is important for Lord Caithness to emphasise the broader nature of the visit. I suggest the following outline approach for the Minister to take at the interview:

Not primarily a visit about Hong Kong although Hong Kong issues will naturally be part of the discussions. Main purpose of the visit is to continue the improvement in relations following the visits to China of the PM and sos and the visit to UK of the Vice-Premier. It is also an opportunity for me to get a personal view of China as well as to meet Chinese officials on their own ground.

Discussions will focus on four main areas:

i)

Bilateral relations rights.

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political, commercial, human

ii)

International issues

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arms control, disarmament,

working together in the UN.

iii)

iv) Hong Kong - Likely to focus on the broad issues

Regional matters - Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea.

If asked

Lu Ping?

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the work of trying to ensure a smooth transition in 1997. Likely to cover plans for work in the Joint Liaison Group - next meeting due in Hong Kong during my visit to China. Vietnamese migrants also likely to be on the agenda - recent repatriation& Need for continued Chinese support in stopping clandestine emigration.

Details not yet finally settled but understand from the Chinese that a meeting with Lu Ping is included in the programme.

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