Classification
SECRET
OUT TELEGRAM (CONT)
Caveat
Precedence
DESKBY
of State would be likely to be brief and subject to last minute
That would not look good
change or cancellation.
presentationally in Hong Kong.
<<<<
<<<<
1
2
3
4
5
6
2.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
181
19
20
1
L
22
23
!
risks
involved in your going to
in Peking
While there are clearly Peking against the unpromising background of last week's events, I share your view that the balance of advantage is against postponement. I doubt whether we will get much in the way of assurances about your treatment in response to the representations made by Lord Caithness and Gr A Donald, but subject to Alan Donald's views I do not think that the Chinese would wish to put you in an impossible or humiliating position. To the best of my recollection they have sought to avoid this during previous gubernatorial visits, even when they took place
I am sure that in equally difficult circumstances. Moreover, the best chance of arriving at a reasonably satisfactory way out of the present impasse, or laying the groundwork for one, lies in direct discussion between you and the Chinese officials principally
If we lose next week's concerned, in particular Lu Ping.
opportunity it may be some time before another can be created.
3.
can
I understand your wish not to be in China, or about to go there when/if fighting starts in the Gulf. I have had a word
There is war
with those concerned but I
+
ab
fear, that there is no (no) useful
the timing of possible. hostilities guidance we can give as to whether
whether ĕtrat iztikt bayan,
сансов
or return start you would have to The Chinese "would presumably accept the need
Hong Kong,
-241
251
261
27
It fighting does
short notice
•
28
HURD
for you to be
ui
29
301
31
321
331
YYYY
341
For distribution order see Page
Printed in the UK for HMSO 4/88 Dd8107334 C 500 27081
NO DISTRIBUTION
Catchword:
YF3 7