Mr Giffard
Fl. I
1.
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 026 15
cc:
Mr. Mc Quade
PA-TRA-19
Mr. Hoare PA- A19
Mr Clift, HKGD
Mr Macrae, CRD
Afa
Attached
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA:
·
RILATERAL ASPECTS
In Peking telno 443 of 13 August, Mr Atkinson recommends
that we should try harder to build up the potential bilateral
content of the Prime Minister's visit, partly to offset the likely
public obsession with the future of Hong Kong.
2.
As Mr Atkinson frankly recognises, such a ploy is not likely to make much impact. But for the sake of the marginal
advantages to be gained, it seems worth keeping under review the
areas where progress is possible in the next few weeks. These
are summarised in the telegram.
(a) Visit to Britain by Chinese Premier: the Prime Minister
has already agreed to extend such an invitation.
(b) Announcement of modest aid programme:
already under
separate consideration but the Prime Minister is not
enthusiastic.
(c) Progress on Guangdong nuclear project: being pursued as
fast as possible despite US complications.
(d) Exchange of Consulates: in hand, but see (i) below.
(e) Publicity for cultural cooperation: in hand.
(f) Commercial deals: on the Luda 051 defence sales we await
Mr Atkinson's letter of 9 August. The Pilkington contract
is out of our hands.
(g) ATP (mixed credits): DOT already have under consideration,
but to be linked to particular projects.
(h) Joint Economic Commission meetings/visit by Chinese Foreign
Trade Minister: I have sought DOT's urgent comments.
CONFIDENTIAL
/(i)