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The principal significance of the visit was simply that the
invitation was issued and that the visit took place. It marked a more
normal and franker relationship, and recognition that this would be
to our mutual benefit.
You know the places we visited. In Guangzhou, Peking and
Guangzhou again we had long discussions with the relevant leaders.
The part of the tour to Xian and Lanzhou was purely touristic, though
quite fascinating.
I know some
You naturally want to know what we discussed, In China visitors
are expected to observe a good deal of discretion about what they
divulge of confidential discussions with national leaders.
visitors make capital out of breaking this custom. But since I hope
that this is not the last time a Governor will visit Guangzhou or Peking
or be received by national leaders with the frankness we were, I wish
to be particularly careful to observe customary discretion. I am sure
you will understand this. Nevertheless there is a lot I can say.
First the general way in which they regard Hong Kong. You know
the long-standing Chinese position on Hong Kong, that it is part of China
and a problem that will be solved when the time is ripe. But the point
that was repeatedly stressed to us at all levels was the importance which
the Chinese leaders attach to the value of Hong Kong, to the contribution
that it could make to the modernisation programmes, to the importance of
maintaining investment and confidence in Hong Kong, and. of increased
/Hong Kong