CONFIDENTIAL
356
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Cypher/Cat A
IN DIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Telno 310 13 March 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Commonwealth Office telegram No. 310 of 13 March Repeated for information to Peking
352 Peking telegram No. 187: Sino-British Relations.
I am sure that consultations on these lines would be most valuable if they can be arranged. It would be particularly useful if Sir Donald could come through Hong Kong so that he could get an impression of the current situation here at first hand.
2. It is of course likely that his visit would attract considerable attention both from Press and public; and there are patently possibilities of embarrassment and e.g. of speculation that negotiations
I do are afoot which might be detrimental to Hong Kong's interests. not, however, think that the risks are large enough to outweigh the very considerable advantages of full talks here, though the publicity side of the visit would certainly need the most careful handling.
3. As far as timing is concerned, I assume in the light of your advice about my own proposed visit to London that the dates suggested
In the circumstances, by Hopson might not be convenient to Ministers. the best solution might be for Hopson to come to Hong Kong a few days after Easter and then travel to London when I do for my visit from 24 April to 15 May. There would clearly be great advantage if we could both be in London together, although it might be best if we did not actually travel together.
4. In any case, I would see considerable advantage in making an announcement about my visit to London on the lines suggested in my telegram No. 306 (not to Peking) as soon as possible. This should reduce the risk of speculation at a later date if and when Hopson's visit was announced that the purpose of my visit was simply to take part in joint discussions about our relations with China.
Foreign Office pass Priority Peking telegram No. 99.
Sir D. Trench
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.O. Hong Kong Dept.
F.E. & P.Dept.
[Repetition to Peking referred for
departmental decision]
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F.O. F.E.Dept.
NFL:
Defence Dept. & P.U.S.I
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