CONFIDENTIAL
2
whether there is any reasonable alternative to the toast which it would be correct in strict protocol terms for the Governor to propose to : "His Excellency Mr Yeh Chien-ying, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, of the People's Republic of China".
4.
As reported in our telegram No. 1115, there was no difficulty over the suggestion that in reply to questions we would say that the Governor's attendance did not mark any change in the status of NCNA or foreshadow a change in the position of an official Chinese representative in Hong Kong. Tan and Li listened carefully but simply nodded their agreement. I am not even sure whether they took a precise note of what I said (my words were carefully prepared and I was partly glancing at my notes at the time). However, on saying how delighted Wang would be with the reply, they made the point not only that it was "excellent news" but also added that it was "an honour for NCNA". We are, of course, perfectly content for them to see the developments in these terms.
5.
It was typical that the invitation was issued so late that NCNA were left with some problems over their invitation cards. When it became clear that they were thinking of attaching a duplicated tag to say that the Governor and Lady MacLehose would be arriving at 6 p.m., I gently suggested that it would be preferable if this could be printed on the cards to avoid giving any impression that arrangements for the Governor's attendance had been subject to last-minute negotiations. The point was well taken. For the record I enclose photocopies of the cards in English and Chinese.
6.
The story broke in the late edition of 'The Star' on 22 September and was subsequently reported briefly but boldly by the 'Hong Kong Standard' and the main Chinese newspapers. Rather surprisingly, the SCMP buried the news on page 8. We have not so far had much in the way of press enquiries but no doubt there will be more following the reception. It should be an enjoyable occasion and we shall, of course, let you know how it goes.
CC
Yours ever,
I am
(I C Orr)
RC Samuel Esq (Far Eastern Department) ET Davies Esq (Peking)
Research Department (Far Eastern Section)
CONFIDENTIAL