809
CONFIDENTIAL
No. Gammare
1788
$ have not yet been
able to read this memo, by
Sur D. Hopson,
on
which
S
Ind
Mr. Nuray that we might with
Питан
to comment. Would you peu look
at it with this end in view?
}
bon 5/8
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS: THE PROSPECTS.
SURY OF ORDUM
Tre he se itsmaile
This nemorandum cxamines the prospects of Sino British
relations in the light of H.M.G.'s statement of 13th
April that we seek an early improvement in our relations
with China and recognise the importance of Hong Kong in this
context. (Paragraph 1).
2,
Sino-British rolations are now worse than at any time
since the Communists took over. We suffer political and
commercial loss as a result; British subjoets are detained or
arrested; and staff of this Mission are prevented from leaving
China (Paragraph 2)
3. Cause of trouble is continuance of confrontation in Hong
Kong: this is not a temporary aberration which will correct
itself in time. Unless we take stops it will persist and
situation may even deteriorate further. (Paragraphs 3, 4, 5
and 6).
4. Turmoil of Cultural Revolution does not mean that reasonable
converse with the Chinese authorities is impossible.
already exerted restraint on followers in Hong Kong and retain
a clear appreciation of their economic interests there.
(Paragraph 7).
They have
5. The Chinese will need a face-saving gesture for ending
confrontation but are not seeking another Macao. A settlement
on tolerable terms is not impossible.
(Paragraph 8).
/6
CONFIDENTIAL