CONFIDENTIAL
politically-prescribed priority areas for any
under-developed society which sets itself demanding goals. Under such conditions, the unleashing of market forces is not the
answer.
6. I wonder if you overestimate the degree to which the despatch underestimates the political difficulties that stand in the way of the reform programme. The despatch and memorandum are after all attempting an exposition of the reforms as an economic programme and political problems are dealt with in this context rather than in their own right. I also wonder whether there is the difference between the Ambassador's view and your own which you allude to in paragraph 5 of your submission. There is indeed likely to be a temporary loss of impetus following Deng's departure but this would not necessarily involve changes in the essentials of the Reform.
f. Clash
P Clark
Far Eastern Section
RD 21
ОАВ 2/126
210 6218
6 October 1986
CC
Mr Hallett
Economic Advisors
HKDL
PLANNING STAFF
ASSESSMENTS STAFF, CABINET OFFICE
OT2,DTI
CONFIDENTIAL