CONFIDENTIAL
0211
RECEIVED I
CONFIDENTIAL
FM FCO
DESK C
INDEX
TO DESKBY 030130Z PEKING
TELNO 416
OF 021614Z JULY 93
1993
ISTRY
ECISTRY Ramon Taker
027264
MDHOAN 5081
TOP COPY QDIST?
ля
INFO IMMEDIATE UKREP JLG HONG KONG, HONG KONG
70
YOUR TELNO 920: SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO PEKING: PROGRAMME
1.
Many thanks for this report. The programme seems to be shaping up well. What follows incorporates comments from Sir R McLaren.
2. On arrangements for the evening of 8 July, we would be grateful if you could continue to work for a dinner given by Qian somewhere more convenient to the Embassy than the Diaoyutai. That would be ideal if you can achieve it.
3.
We
On
On the programme for 9 July, the only arrangement which we think needs changing is the press conference. We expect that the Secretary of State will wish to hold a press conference. recognise that doing it at the Diaoyutai saves transit time. the other hand, it means that all the arrangements are firmly under Chinese control. And it probably also increases the risk that Qian might suggest turning it into a joint press conference. We do not want that. Our strong preference would therefore be to hold the press conference either at the Jianguo, or another hotel if more convenient. The time taken to get there can be used for Cornish to brief the Secretary of State. Grateful if you could consider the options further with Sir R McLaren on his return and let us have recommendations.
4.
We need to bear in mind that it is conceivable that the Chinese might propose at the last moment a call for the Secretary of State on a senior leader. The programme would be Re-Jigged to accomodate that, but we are not pressing for such a meeting, and the Secretary of State's departure time cannot be pushed back. You might emphasise that to the Chinese.
5. On other points, we are content with the proposals in your paragraphs 5 and 6. Protocol Department will reply separately on
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