2
composition of her party.
(If pressed)
I do not at present expect to accompany the
Prime Minister. I made an official visit to China in 1980
as Secretary of State for Defence and my predecessor as
Foreign Secretary (Lord Carrington) visited China in April
1981.
(If pressed) No doubt my Right Honourable and Noble Friend
the Secretary of State for Trade will advise the Prime
Minister on whether he considers that it would be useful
for a team of businessmen to accompany her. This has been
a very successful feature of some Ministerial visits but is
not appropriate or useful in all cases.
AGENDA OF TALKS
6.
The Prime Minister will wish to discuss with the
Chinese leaders international questions of common concern
and bilateral relations.
HONG KONG
7.
It would be natural for the question of Hong
We have a common
Kong to come up in the discussions.
interest in the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and
prosperity. Our practical cooperation is very extensive
and cordial.
(If pressed) The question of Hong Kong came up in the
discussions my Right Honourable Friend (Mr Atkins) had
during his visit to China in January. The Chinese Government
made it clear that they were considering this question and
would take into account Hong Kong's importance as a free
port and a financial and commercial centre. I expect the
/matter