CO129-619-1 Parliamentary delegation to China 1-9-1947 - 23-12-1947 — Page 76

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.