11
RESTRICTED
FM PEKING 3996227 JUL 32
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
RESTRICTED
TELEGRAM BUMBER 411 OF 30 JULY
INFO IMMEDIATE BOT, HONG KONG (APA AND DCA)
UK/PRC AIR SERVICES
eeth Bonald Enter $75
28872
1. WE HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER DATED 27 JULY FROM CAAC IN REPLY TO NINE OF 39 JUNE WITH A MESSAGE FROM LU RUILING FOR STEVENS. MESSAGE BEGINS:
ATSSYOUR MESSAGE CONVEYED TO ME THROUGH MR ATKINSON, COUNSELLOR
OF BRITISH EMBASSY, HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
1. WITH REGARD TO THE MATTER OF GAAC SCHEDULED SERVICES BETWEEN SOME INLAND POINTS AND HONG KONG THE POSITION OF THE CHINESE SIDE WAS CLEARLY MADE KNOWN TO YOUR SIDE ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THROUGH BOTH CONVERSATION AND CORRESPONDENCE, AND THE POSITION OF THE CHINESE SIDE STILL REMAINS.
2. Ï WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, AND WOULD BE PLEASED TO GO TO LONDON TO DISCUSS WITH YOU MATTERS OF MUTUM. CONCERN. AS FAR AS THE TIMING IS CONCERNED, WE WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE THAT THE MEETING BE HELD AT THE END OF AUGUST OR IN EARLY OØPTEMBER, WHICH, WE BELIEVE, WILL BE IN THE *INTEREST OF THE WORK OF BOTH SIDES. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHETHER THIS IS CONVENIENT TO YOU.'' ENDS.
2. WE REALISE THAT DOT MAY BE UNABLE TO ARRANGE AN AUGUST FIXTURE AT SUCH SMORT NOTICE. BUT IF IT WERE POSSIBLE TO FIND A SLOT, SAY IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 30 AUGUST WE WOULD SEE SOME MERIT IN HAVING THE TALKS BEFORE MRS THATCHER'S VISIT. THE CHINESE MIGHT BE UNWILLING TO RISK A ROW, AND, WHETHER OR NOT THE TALKS ARE SUCCESSFUL, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TO AVOID DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE MATTER.
ATKINSON
MINIMAL
MAED
FED
ARED
дот (Car)
COPIES SENT 10
CAIR/DOT
RESTRICTED