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(vi) The Sun. The leader writer, Ronald Spark, has
just been in Hong Kong. Unless the Secretary of State wanted to talk to him personally, I could pick up old acquaintance and take the temperature of his mood.
(vii)
The Economist.
(viii)
Emily Lan?
The Guardian. John Gittings, one of the leader writers, is the China expert, although the Diplomatic Correspondent, Hella Pick (see below), will have influence.
(ix) The Mail on Sunday.
Stewart Steven.
7. Nearer the visit, I recommend that the Secretary of State should talk about his plans in interviews with the BBC (World at One) and the BBC World Service.
Politicians
8.
Subject to the views of the Special Advisers, I believe that a briefing for Mr Kaufman (Labour Party), Mr Ashdown
(Liberal Democrats) and perhaps key members of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee would help keep public opinion on track.
We are checking with Hong Kong to see what use could be made of sensible comments by people like Lydia Dunn, Maria Tam, Peter Wong and Helmut Sohmen.
9.
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R A Burns
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