NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

W(B)L 51-7406

SECRET

C

UK sales of certain military equipment

would we have to calculate the possible

Soviet retaliation against specific

British interests; it would be a matter of

weighing this risk in each case against

the corresponding political and commercial

benefits.

We have already agreed guide-

lines on this question in discussion

with Cabinet colleagues.

1

*

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 that we should build on this.

The main features would be:

(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. You

may also wish to consider taking 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 in line

with those of France and FRG.

(b) An intensive and carefully planned

effort to exploit the considerable

commercial openings. Edmund Dell

has already inuted to you on this.

/(c)

1

Share This Page