CONFIDENTIAL
I
3
I
DSR 11C
line that she was looking forward to discussing the
question, which is obviously complicated; and that she
hoped to make progress towards an eventual solution which
would take account of both Governments' interests and
the continuing prosperity of Hong Kong. There would of
course be no harm in commenting on the existing helpful
cooperation between China and Hong Kong and the excellent
state of Sino-British relations.
5. At the dinner, the Chinese Ambassador is likely to
make a short and general speech after the first or second
course, in which he will call for a toast to the success
of the Prime Minister's visit (or, just conceivably, to
The Queen). The Prime Minister will be expected to say
a few words in reply, although as this is a formal
exercise in goodwill the Chinese will not expect anything
I enclose a note giving some points on
of substance.
which Mrs Thatcher may like to draw.