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The problem I see is that if he does persevere with his visit and we have not briefed him, we can say as much, if pressed. But if it should emerge that he has been briefed by the FCO, on what is an apparently unofficial visit, it starts to look very suspect. think it important that we keep a clear distance.
So I
I am sorry to go on about what may seem a relatively unimportant matter. But I do think that if it goes wrong, it may re-ignite in a bigger way than we have had to cope with so far all the tiresome speculation about FCO/Hong Kong rifts. It is precisely because these rifts do not exist that I do not want to give the media any gratuitous ammunition. Incidentally, I can well imagine Percy Cradock's reaction if something similar happened while he was responsible for negotiations!
Many thanks once again for your letter. It was good of you to write. I much look forward to seing you here next month.
J
Governor
Sir John Coles KCMG
DUSS
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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