Cypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
352
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telegram No. 187
CONFIDENTIAL
11 March, 1968
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 187 of
11 March,
Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
(349)
My telegram No. 179: Sino-British Relations.
As we have reached a stage where important decisions may have to be taken I wonder whether I should not make serious attempt to go to London and Hong Kong. I should certainly welcome opportunity to sit down and discuss situation, on the understanding of course that I should return here afterwards,
2.
If you agree this would be useful. I would approach Chinese and say we have taken note of their latest statement, that Hong Kong is crux of our relations and that you wish me
I. to go to Hong Kong and then to London for consultations. would say that this would be on the understanding that I should return here afterwards and I was therefore applying for exit and re-entry visas and would expect to be away about two weeks. I think that it would help if I were able to add that we would of course afford similar facilities for Chinese Chargé d'Affaires to return from London to China for consultations should he wish to do so and in his case' exit visa requirement would be lifted. It is possible Chinese · would agree. If they did I would propose to come at beginning of April and return after Easter.
I should be
grateful for your views and those of Governor of Hong Kong.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong No. 125.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
D.D. & P.U.S.D.
C.O. H.K.D.
F. E. & P.D.
Personnel Dept
PRECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63 12 MARISUS
HWB3/2
S8388 LAS*
349 356, 404
CONFIDENTIAL