SECRET
024371)
09
MDHOAN
speculation. This makes it all the more important to receive a response from the Chinese side in order for an announcement to be made on 2 July.
3.
As a guide to discussing details with the Chinese side our present thinking on the itinerary is as follows:
THURSDAY 8 JULY
1815 Evening
FRIDAY 9 JULY
ETA Peking on CA926 from Tokyo.
Briefing meeting with Sir R McLaren, followed by dinner with Qian Qichen (if the Chinese offer).
Talks with Qian Qichen
Press Conference
Visit to the Forbidden City
Depart for Airport
0900
1130
1215
1330
1500
ETD Peking CA107
1755
ETA Hong Kong
1900
1930
2030
2310
Meeting with the Governor
Meeting with ExCo
Informal Supper
Depart CX251 to London
The flight bookings at this stage are only provisional and could change.
4. As regards accompanying officials, Hum will arrive with the party from Tokyo. Sze will arrive separately in Peking on 8 July in advance of the party's arrival. Both will travel down to Hong Kong with the party on 9 July.
5. Announcement. Given the Leak to the Sing Tao Daily (Hong Kong telno 1067: although the report is datelined London, the journalist concerned tells us that the information came from the Chinese Embassy) there is already a great deal of press speculation. Ministers have discussed timing of the announcement with the Governor and Sir R McLaren. Both agree that, in the new circumstances, it is not feasible to hold back an announcement until after the Seventh Round of talks. Ministers would therefore like to make the announcement here on 2 July if at all possible. We would release a minimal statement from FCO News Department on standard
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Private notes are available after approval.