CONFIDENTIAL
5.
Our objective is to build on this change to achieve a return
to legality in conditions which secure wide international
recognition. This will not be easy to achieve. We are very
conscious of the international implications of the Rhodesia
problem and are now engaged in close consultations with other
At the same time we are determined to take fair
account of the progress made inside Rhodesia. We have already
opened contact with Bishop Muzorewa and a senior FCO official
has had discussions with him in the past week.
Governments.
6.
We hope that at the United Nations and in contacts with
other Governments Japan will support our efforts to return
·
Rhodesia to legality as a member of the international community.
Sino-British Relations
If
7. Like the Japanese Government, we welcome the political and
commercial opportunities offered by the relatively pragmatic
and outward looking policies of the present leadership. But
China still faces huge economic and social problems.
current policies fail, China could revert to isolationism and
xenophobia. We have no illusions about the Chinese but will
develop our dialogue with them and pursue a mutually
advantageous relationship. The recent trimming of China's
modernisation and import programmes has somewhat reduced the
opportunities for exports, but represents a realistic recognition
of China's limited foreign exchange rescurces.
Defence Sales to China
8. We see some sales of military equipment as a natural and
constructive part of our developing relationship. We are
prepared to supply Harriers. But We have not yet considered
exactly what categories of equipment would be involved. We
shall of
take the views of our allies and the likely
reaction of the Soviet Union fully into account, and we shall
not rush ahead.
CONFIDENTIAL
19.