CONFIDENTIAL
(But we
Canni
X
very much
more Mas
The Acle
withink going.
2
his
the Portuguese press, during their recent visit to the US,
Dr Soares told Dr Waldheim that preparatory arrangements to
establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of
China (PRC) were well under way. Dr Ferreira met the PRC Permanent
Representatives to the UN in this connection). In the circum-
stances, it would seem neither appropriate nor advantageous
for the British Government to offer to obtain Chinese views
on behalf of the Portuguese.
4.
I suggest that, unless you wish to reply personally to
the Ambassador, Sr Barata, the Counsellor at the Portuguese
Embassy, should be advised informally (by Mr Stewart of
Hong Kong and General Department or myself), with reference
to your conversation with his Ambassador, that we look to the
Portuguese authorities to establish where the Chinese stand
with regard to the proposal.
HK&GD concur.
17 May 1977
cc.
Mr Sutherland (with enc)
Mr Cortazzi
Mr Murray
Mr Stewart
HKGD FED
} (with enc)
I S Winchester
Southern European Department
CONFIDENTIAL
!