TNAG-2351-FCO40-3421-Visits-by-Lord-Caithness--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and--1991 — Page 69

From: PS/Lord Caithness

To:

Mr Kevin Sinclair

& when he spoke

to the

of

press towards ite and his wafter the meeting +

divine wilt OMEZCO m

1 February, there was only

question from the aerother journalists.

The Minister, has asked me to reply to your faxed letter of

жит

8 February. I am sorry that you were disappointed about the

absence of an eve-of-departure press conference. The Minister thought about this very carefully. Having made

не

mself available to press questioning throughout his visit. Indeed, He decided to vary the format on this occasion, Her holding therefore held two separate briefing meetings with a number

of journalists, both British and local. We believe that all

concerned found these briefings useful and informative.

In deciding whom to invite to these briefings, we and the

Hong Kong Government tried to ensure that there was a

representative cross-section present. Contrary to your assertions, Local journalists were not overlooked

11 leading local newspapers were represented, including, of

course, the South China Morning Post, for which you write.

We have, however, noted your views.

PO2AAC