CONFIDENTIAL
4.
a Soviet reaction. If and when the Russians
voice objections or concern, we should be ready
to explain to them that we see nothing incompatible
between developing our relations with China and
the continued pursuit of a constructive relationship
with the Soviet Union. Only in the case of UK
sales of certain military equipment would I see
a serious danger of possible Soviet retaliation
against specific British interests; we should
weigh the risk in each case against the
corresponding political and commercial benefits.
We have already agreed guidelines on this
question in DOP.
5.
The recent successful visits to China by
David Ennals, Shirley Williams and Edmund Dell have
already put more impetus into the relationship.
I believe we should build on this.
features would be:
The main
(a)
Further high level political contacts.
I myself hope to go there towards the end
of the year and have invited the Chinese
Foreign Minister here. As I suggested
in my minute of 18 November, you may also wish
to take up your outstanding invitation to
China.
Before long we should invite
Chairman Hua or Vice-Chairman Teng Hsiao-
p'ing.
This would bring the level of our
exchanges more into line wit' those of France
and Western Germany.
/(b)
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
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