DSR 11C
CHINA DAILY SUPPLEMENT:
DRAFT MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTE
I am delighted to have this opportunity to send greetings
to the readers of the China Daily as I begin my visit to
China. My visit is the first by a British Prime Minister
in office to China. It is an appropriate symbol of the
steady growth in contacts between our two countries:
exchanges have been developing particularly rapidly in recent
years, We have expanded co-operation in academic,
scientific and educational work: never before have there
been so many student exchanges between Britain and China.
We have a useful commercial relationship on which we must
build. We have much to offer each other, and much to learn,
from our long artistic and literary traditions.
These links in turn reflect the very similar positions
that Britain and China have on many international issues.
We both see the dangers to the world from aggression and
ism,
expansion and I am confident that by working together we
can make an important contribution to world peace.
I have been told that I shall see many changes in China since
my previous visit here in 1977, when I was leader of the
British Opposition. I am particularly struck by the very
large increase in the number of Chinese, both young and old,
studying English. The study of foreign languages is very
important to international understanding, and we in Britain
are glad to be able to contribute to China's efforts in this
The advice and expertise which the Thomson Foundation
is glad to be able to give China Daily is a good example
field.
of this new close working relationship.
progress.
But this is only a beginning.
We have made great
Our
/friendship