RESTRICTED
-2-
I know that there is concern that the influx of people from China,
and the swelling number of Vietnamese refugees may put all that
at risk. I share that concern.
But I am hopeful that the Chinese
Government will take effective measures to control the situation
on the border, and that the security forces here will be able to stem
the flow of illegal immigrants in the meantime. We are also pressing
vigorously for international action to deal with the problem of
Vietnamese refugees. As you know, the Prime Minister has taken the
lead in calling for an international conference, and there is a
good prospect that this will take place within the next few weeks.
Britain's relations with China are now in a very healthy state and
I look forward to giving them even more content. Chairman Hua
Guofeng will be coming to Britain at the end of October and that
will be a major event. I doubt whether I shall have an opportunity
to visit China before then, but I look forward to doing so later.
The very good state of Sino-British relations is due in no small
part to the mutually beneficial relationship which you in Hong Kong
have built up with your Chinese neighbours. The Governor has told
me about his visit to China in the spring. The way in which he
was received by Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and other Chinese
leaders speaks for itself.
A word about trade. I need hardly say that we do not expect to
make a profit out of Hong Kong. But it would help a great deal
/if
RESTRICTED
Page 60Page 61