CONFIDENTIAL
4.
nothing in our relationship with China must divert us
from the need to pursue it, though in our own terms
and not in those perceived by the Soviet Union itself.
It will not be easy to convince the Soviet Union that
improving Sino/British relations is not specifically
directed against Soviet interests, but we must continue
to make the effort.
5. In the UN context, China's special position creates
both problems and opportunities. The longer term
issues of security, disarmament and non-proliferation
and world poverty cannot be solved without Chinese
involvement; and it is essential that the Chinese should
come to see that their own interests also require it.
The internationalisation of China's policies is an
interest which Britain shares with the West as a whole.
6. Our own narrower interests are also clear enough
in the two specific areas of Hong Kong and trade. I
have welcomed the growing practical cooperation between
Hong Kong and China and believe that it is in the interests
both of Hong Kong and of this country that we should
work with the Chinese as closely as possible to maintain
confidence and to provide for a growing level of
prosperity and well being in the Colony. Nor shall
we achieve a satisfactory solution to the longer term
problem of Hong Kong's status without close understanding
and cooperation with the Chinese authorities.
17.