TNAG-2617-FCO40-3808-Visit-by-Lord-Caithness--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-C-1992 — Page 90

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Date: 27 January 1992

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Mr Bickham, Special Adviser

LORD CAITHNESS: VISIT TO HONG KONG

1. At the discussion this morning about media handling for the Minister's forthcoming visit to Hong Kong it was agreed that I would look into the possibilities of:

2.

i) Placing an article with Reuters.

ii)

Arranging an interview on World Service TV (WSTV).

I have been in touch with Reuters and WSTV who tell me that the suggestions are not possible in their present form because:

3.

i)

ii)

Reuters do not take articles.

Jack Thompson will be on leave from 3-17 February.

As an alternative but similar approach you may wish to consider the possibility of offering an exclusive article to the Oriental Daily News. This is the most popular Chinese language morning newspaper in Hong Kong (circulation about 450,000). I understand it is regarded as independent and respectable. On the day of the publication we would issue translations (ie originals) at this end and BTC would do the same in Hong Kong. This should ensure wide coverage.

4. If we manage to arrange the placing of an article I do not think we need to initiate any further contact with the press. Any bids from the media following the announcement of the visit can be judged on their merits at the time.

5. On handling of the press in Hong Kong I am inclined to think that as on previous visits decisions are best taken during the visit.

David Crystal

David Crystal News Department

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