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مساله ها ماند مامان بابان
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HOUSE OF COMMONS The Scarton of State mili
LONDON SWIA OAA
27th November 1989
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Thinking about our chat last week, for which I have already thanked you, it
it was clear on reflection that the speech by Mr Wigham to which I made reference was not one with which you are wholly familiar!
What occurred was that although speaking at a private cimer in Hong Kong, the contents cf his speech were reported, obviously Shortly there- as a senior member of the Hong Kong government. after his remarks seem to have been endorsed by Francis Maude. i have who had only recently taken up office at the FCO. been assured beyond peracventure by Alan Donald and Hyson Bailes that the speech caused then ccnsiderable embarrassment in Beijing:
that it was not seen and approved by the nor by David Wilson, nor by the FCO in Lorden.
Goverment
leaders deduced
that It
Nevertheless. the Chinese it represented an official statement of policy by HMC. could be said either that they are using the speech as an excuse, or that they do believe it is the policy of HG. In either case, it seems ΤΟ ΜΕ an important matter which is
of aggravation and misunderstanding in our
a
coci relations with the Chinese Government.
Current
This is certainly one matter which I think could well be clarified and I wonder whether Mr Wigham could be invited to take up а new post stacking plastic sacks in the New Territories:
I think this would be a good signal to send to Beijing!
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PS Maybe it is better if you don't reply to this letter as it will obviate the necessity of your having to explain. apologise/accept responsibility for the speech.
Ur
Rt Hon Douglas Hurd MP
Secretary of State
Foreign and Commonwealth ce