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treatment of him was more that given to a patient than the deference due to somebody hierarchically senior.
4.
Despite the above, I also got the impression that Wang had been well briefed on the main essentials of his new post. He said that he had recently talked to people in Peking and had clearly absorbed some of the detail about such matters as water supplies and immigration problems, even though, in both cases, the detail of what he was saying was taken up and expanded by Li.
5.
across quite clearly.
This
had "a common aim in assuring
Naturally I echoed those
One thing did come was Wang's assertion that we the stability of Hong Kong". sentiments and we drank more than one toast to the fulfilment of this objective. It was typical of the whole occasion that, while we and the other members of the NCNA had to kan-pei in Mao t'ai, Wang drank water.
6.
We may
Wang is to hold a reception this evening at which the two new Deputy Directors will also be present. manage to build up a better picture of his character over the next few weeks. At the moment he must remain something of a grey figure. I get the impression that the main reason for posting him here is his seniority in Party and State terms. Since Wang ranked as a Vice-Minister in his previous post, his appointment is an upgrading of their representation here and a mark of the increased importance they now attach to Hong Kong. However, I expect that the outward-going face of the NCNA will continue to be represented by Li Chu-sheng rather than the new No. 1 Director. After a lifetime in China and many years in disgrace, Wang probably finds it difficult to adjust to life in Hong Kong and the role of China's unofficial representative. He will probably take on more colour as he becomes accustomed to his new job.
CC RC Samuel Esq (FED)
(D C Wilson)
eve
fand
KC Walker Esq (Assessments Staff) Research Department (Far Eastern Section) ET Davies Esq (Peking)
C W Squire Esq (Washington)
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