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no problem. Nor are visa holders or the many delegations that are very
welcome here or those genuinely in transit to other places. The problem
relates to people who come here nominally just to visit relatives but
who then stay on. They did not dissent from my insistence that means
must be found to make such visits genuine. These can best be achieved
through mutual cooperation, and I believe it essential that our officials
get down to discussing the mechanics as soon as possible.
With regard to illegals we have strengthened our protective
screen in terms of wire, men and boats and will do so further to
whatever extent is practical and productive. I believe that they will
take their own steps.
A word in conclusion.
Our party was treated well, many would
say exceptionally well. We were given an excellent briefing in Guangzhou,
received in Peking by Deng Xiaoping, Liao Chengzhi, Huang Hua, as well
Moreover as of course by our host Li Qiang and other senior officials.
the way we were entertained and the travel arrangements made were of
a very high order and great pains were taken for our comfort and interest,
and on our final and very friendly evening in Guangzhou the Chairman of
the Provincial Revolutionary Committee, the newly appointed Chairman of
the Guangzhou Committee, several Vice Chairmen and many senior officials
were present. All this was not a tribute to us, but I think should be
taken as a tribute to Hong Kong and to relations over Hong Kong and to the
importance attached to the special role Hong Kong plays in Chinese and
Anglo/Chinese economic affairs and to the wish of the Chinese leaders that
in our mutual interest there should be the best possible cooperation over
it.
them.
We heartily reciprocated these sentiments and can draw confidence from
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