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British Embassy
11 Guang Hua Lu Jian Guo Men Wai Peking People's Republic of China
Telex 22191 Cable Prodrome Peking Telephone 521961/2/3/4/5
Your reference
Our reference
Miró oqot
W
Date 28 August 1991
Dr FURNESS
M V Stone Esq
HKD
FCO
Deer Mike,
US/CHINA MFN
प
Pa
196
195
7579
1. Your letter of 9 August asked for our comments on Stephen Patterson's letter of 1 August.
2.
In the immediate run-up to the Prime Minister's visit we have only two thoughts:
(a) the Chinese are unlikely to worry about a vote on MFN in 1992 until much nearer the time. They continue to under- estimate the Administration's difficulties in dealing with Congress on this issue; and
(b) my impression from contacts with US colleagues in Peking is that the neuralgic point for the Administration is high technology weapons transfers and nuclear proliferation, although they have a tactical need for some crumbs of comfort in the human rights area.
You
ev
Dan's Crase Дий
D Coates
Cc:
S Patterson Esq Washington
S Bradley Esq DPA Hong Kong
FED, FCO
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