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Reference....
46
Fraser
Policy Planning Staff
ARTICLE ON CHINA/HONG KONG
HKB30.11
CCE
-3 AUG 1990
Action Taken
1. I have the following amendments to suggest to the sections of your draft dealing with our bilateral relations with China:
Paragraph 2
change "terrible events" to "tragic events" (first sentence)
replace second sentence with: "We and our Western partners were right to agree to a range of concrete measures, and we must keep up the pressure for democracy and human rights in China." (We usually try to avoid the word "sanctions").
after "...to start talking again" add "but we have a need and a responsibility to engage China on these issues. And for Britain..." (remainder as in original).
Paragraph 3
2.
"Cradock" rather than "Craddock"
"!
after '...a gradual resumption of contact", omit "in which the overtures have come from China". Amend following sentence to, "This process was made easier by welcome, but only limited, steps towards improving human rights such as the recent lifting of Martial Law in Peking and Lhasa and the release of some political prisoners. But Francis Maude again made clear..."
These changes should not amount to a substantial
addition to the text. One compensating saving that could be made is to omit,
and Francis Maude stated in a BBC interview before he left... from paragraph 1.
• · •
"
Affecta
A J Seaton
Far Eastern Department K267 270 2953
31 July 1990
CC:
Mr McLaren
Mr Mower, News Department
Miss Marsden, HKD
Miss Major, HKD
Mr Warren, FED
AS6ACG
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