74
CONFIDENTIAL
I.
Briof for Parliamentary Delegation to China.
Introduction.
1. The Delegation will be the official guests
of the Chinese Government. They will meet with an
abundance of hospitality from the Chinese Government
and people, not only because the Chinese are naturally one of the most hospitable people in the world, but
also because they will regard the Delegation's visit
as a compliment to themselves and an expression of
interest in and sympathy for China's efforts as
national reconstruction after a prolonged and
exhausting war during which a large part of the country
lay under enemy occupation. The Chinese will also
interpret the Delegation's visit as an expression of
interest by the Mother of Parliaments in recent
constitutional developments in China.
2. The Delegation will no doubt wish to
emphasize the "goodwill" aspect of their visit by
giving expression to this sympathy and interest on the
part of the British poople and Parliament in the
speeches which they will be called upon to make at
public dinners, etc. and on other suitable occasions.
The Dolegation should at the same time be prepared
to satisfy on such occasions a widely expressed desiro
on the part of the Chinose people for knowledge about
such matters as the way in which Britain is grappling
with her own economic and financial difficulties, our
social reforms, and the general workings of the
British Parliamentary system.
/ 3.