31. WHY WAS SIR P CRADOCK'S VISIT SECRET?
Sir P Cradock visited Peking in December for discussions with senior Chinese officials. This was part of a continuing dialogue between Britain and China at various levels over Hong Kong. We made no announcement about this visit because it is not our practice to publicise visits by officials and because discussions are more likely to be fruitful if kept private.
Breach of Madrid Declaration (if pressed)
Sir P Cradock's visit was not a breach of the Madrid Declaration. This agreement relates to high level Ministerial visits, not visits by officials.
MELACF