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The Chinese have long asserted their commitment to

disarmament at the UN and elsewhere. They claim that the prime responsibility lies with the US and the Soviet Union for having amassed most of the world's arms, and that those two governments should take the lead in international disarmament. In the light of the recent announcements by President Bush and President

Gorbachev we should not allow the Chinese to hide behind the USA

and the Soviet Union. We should ensure that the Chinese remain

committed to the reduction of global nuclear weapons levels and that they understand the importance of President Bush's recent initiative. On nuclear matters the Chinese change of attitude

to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is welcome. We are

pressing them to accede before the end of the year.

The Chinese optimism you record over Cambodia and Vietnam has so far been borne out by events. Later this month we hope to sign in Paris the comprehensive political settlement of the

Cambodian conflict.

Thank you for raising Hong Kong when you were in Peking.

Was I

was pleased to see the positive comments the Chinese made on our recent agreements with them.

I too look forward to our 27 November meeting in Rome.

Y

Onorevole Giulio Andreotti

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