CONFIDENTIAL
1
9. I agree with the anlaysis in paragraphs 15 and 16 of your despatch. I also agree, on balance, with
your conclusion that the general message coming out
of China is hopeful and provides us with encouraging
opportunities. But we need to guard against the
in fact
possibility that the pot might/boil over at some
point and that modernisation might again be abandoned
in favour of more inward looking policies and a reduced
involvement with the outside world. It makes sense
in terms of our world wide interests to do what we
can to prevent this happening and I shall continue
to look to you to monitor developments carefully.
We must keep our eyes open and remain broadly in
step with like-minded countries. There are risks
to be taken but I agree with you that we should
respond positively and work for a relationship with
China which was not a practical possibility for
previous generations.
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