[CHINA:
DIPLOMATIC PARKING]
cc Mr Gillmore
Protocol Dept
FED HKD
CONFIDENTIAL
Parking is important and the Chinese Embassy's failure
to meet our requirements is irksome. But we have a lot at
stake in
our relations with China, not least over Hong Kong,
and I share the Department's concern about the action which
Mr Hervey proposes to take. I do not believe that the
standard sledgehammer approach is the right one to adopt
with the Chinese. It is not just a question of "simple failure to understand our policy" (as Protocol Department's brief suggests). The Chinese do have genuine difficulties and their record is improving. They will read a great deal
more into a threat to withdraw a member of the Embassy Staff
than is intended.
2.
The Chinese Ambassador has been here for little more
than a month; his No 2 is even newer. We should-therefore
give the new team a reasonable chance to make the desired
improvement before issuing threats. I therefore agree with the Department that we should approach the problem more slowly and cautiously. I am quite prepared to do my bit
by talking to the Chinese Ambassador and his No. 2.
3. I am quite sure that the Secretary of State should be
consulted before we move to threats of withdrawal (if we
have to). I think we should keep the idea of his raising
the parking issue with the Chinese Ambassador himself (para 4(b) of Mr Cooper's minute) in reserve for the time being.
RJT McLaren