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linked idea of inviting a Chinese leader's wife to launch
one of his ships in the UK. He placed a £25 million order
(the first for some time) for 4 general cargo ships with Austin and Pickersgill in January this year, due for delivery
next year.
There is no obvious reason why the Chinese would
wish to associate themselves with a launch of one of these
vessels; nor is there any current proposal for a high level Chinese visit here next year. Sir Y-K Pao's proposal is
not therefore likely to come to fruition.
4 November 1981
copied to: HKGD
H L Davies
Far Eastern Department
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