CONFIDENTIAL
Return to London
IMMEDIATE
7.
8 December
The Chinese appear to have got wind of Lord Caithness's plan
to visit China. Ambassador Ma told him over dinner on 23
September that he would take a personal interest in the visit and
try to arrange an itinerary for him. Ma enquired whether Lord Caithness would like a written invitation from Tian Zengpei, in confirmation of the oral invitation which already existed. Lord
Caithness was non-committal. As you know, the visit has yet to
be cleared formally with the Secretary of State. You should not
therefore discuss it yet with the Chinese. Lord Caithness is
also concerned that we should not allow the Chinese to dictate a
programme to him.
8.
HURD
We shall advise you further about Lady Caithness's interests.
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