TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 148

Mr Hagar M22/7

22/7

Mr Morrin

19/1

Mr Burns

PS

p.a.

My land

CONFIDENTIAL

1

HKD 026/13

RECEIVER IN

1 AUG 199!

DESK OFFICER

FROM:

H LIN Davies PA

Far Eastern Depart

tment

DATE:

19 July 1991

I have discured with to Buns & Kold Invate office that we shd mention the Govenor's participation from the outset.

Mor 19/1

CC:

PS/Lord Caithness

Sir J Coles

Mr cox, HKD

Miss Howley, Protocol Dept

Mr Crystal, News Dept

PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT: MESSAGE TO LI PENG

A

1.

When No 10 authorises us to approach the Chinese about the

Prime Minister's visit I recommend that we should also instruct the

Embassy to deliver a message of sympathy about the recent serious

floods. Peking telno 1137 summarises the position. At least 1700 people have lost their lives and substantial damage has been done. We have contributed US $100,000 to the Chinese appeal and the Hong Kong Government HK $50 million.

2. A message of sympathy would be well-received and help to launch

the Prime Minister's visit on a basis of goodwill. Delivering the

message at the same time as proposing dates could also help offset

any Chinese grumpiness about our wish to avoid a guard of honour and our proposal to put Qian Qichen's visit back to next Spring.

3. I submit two telegrams to Peking. The substantive one will no

doubt require amendment depending on decisions from No 10.

H LI Davies

CONFIDENTIAL