CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference...
VISIT OF CHINESE PREMIER HUA GUOFENG, 28 OCTOBER-3 NOVEMBER
1. During his forthcoming visit to this country, Premier Hua Guofeng is expected to have two sessions of official talks with the Prime Minister:- the first on international affairs and the second on bilateral issues.
2. We have not yet received Sir John Hunt's reply to the PUS's letter of 18 September on objectives and briefing for the visit (copied to all departments to whom this minute is addressed). However, time is getting fairly short, as Private Office want their copies of the briefs by 17 October. Departments may like to have advance notice of the briefing which will be required. I shall circulate Sir John Hunt's reply as appropriate, as soon as it is received.
3. I should be grateful if departments could provide briefing as set out in the annex to this minute. In view of the amount of typing up which will be involved, we shall need to have contributions to the two briefs on the international political situation, and bilateral issues in draft (but cleared as necessary with other departments, including FED) by lunch time on Thursday 11 October; and briefs in final form after reproduction from HKGD and EÏD(E) by noon on Tuesday 16 October. If it is impossible, or would not be sensible, to produce your brief by then (eg on Rhodesia, because of the swiftly moving situation), please let me know urgently so that we can negotiate separate arrangements with Private Office and Cabinet Office.
2 October 1979
CONFIDENTIAL
вел
R C Fursland
Far Eastern Department