He was glad to say that the FCO could finance such a visit
provided the Chinese paid their fares to Britain. Ferhaps a
joint invitation from the FCO and Chairman of the Anglo-Chinese
Parliamentary Group would be the way to proceed. We could discuss
this with the Chinese and perhaps propose a date for Spring or
early Summer 1974. The members of the Group agreed with this
proposal and expressed appreciation for it.
8.
In answer to a question, Mr Royle explained some of the
problems we faced at present over the signature of the Air
Services Agreement. He also explained our problems over the
Kowloon Walled City. He had discussed this matter with Lord
Kennet on 26 November.
9. The discussion closed with further expressions of gratitude
by the members for the service they had received from the Embassy.
They felt that it was exceptional that 70% of the senior staff of
the Embassy were Chinese speakers. The Ambassador was also highly
thought of by the Chinese. He rode a bicycle around Peking and
he had been the first European for 30 years to be allowed to visit
a certain kiln site near Nanking. Mr Royle said that he had
already passed on similar expressions of gratitude to the Chief
Clerk and the Personnel Departments and had seen that the Embassy
in Peking were duly thanked. He was most grateful to the Group
for having undertaken the visit and for having made it such a
success.
Far Eastern Department
7 December 1973
cc.
FED
HKIOD
Energy Dept (for para 6) IAD (for para 7)
Mr Youde
POD RE(FE)
Mr Wilford
PS Mr Royle
Chancery Peking
Political adviser, Hong Kong
CONFIDENTIAL..
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A