TNAG-0030-FCO40-66-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 37

CONFIDENTIAL

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AMENDED DISTRIBUTION

22 APRIL, 1968

Cypr/Cat A

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Teo 333

22 April, 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 333 of 22 April Repeated for information to:- Hong Kong.

Your telegram No. 382 (not to Hong Kong).

LAST

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571

Cradock called at Consular Department this morning to deliver a Note listing our priority applications for exit visas. He was seen by Kao (Deputy Director).

2. After thanking him for the 4 entry visas for British staff which were granted last week in London Cradock said he had one or two questions to raise about visas:

(a) We still had some applications outstanding for entry visas to China, some of which were put in as long ago as last December. When would these visas be granted?

(b) On exit visas, it would be difficult for us to allow British staff to come into China as replacements if we did not also have exit visas for those staff who wished to leave. For example there would be a problem of accommodation. Our Note listed applications for exit visas to which we attached priority.

3.

In reply Kao referred to Vice Minister Lo's interview with me on 13 April. Kao said that on that occasion

11

Kao

Lo Kuei-po

stated clearly that in future visas would be granted for British according to normal procedure ". said most applications we had made had already been granted. With respect to visa applications in London, the Chinese had instructed their office in London to "give facilities".

4. Cradock asked whether Kao could confirm that exit visas would be granted in accordance with our applications. Као replied that Chinese would do their best to grant exit visas.

In answer to Cradock's query as to how long this would take, Kao said he hoped it would not be very long.

Cradock concluded the interview by reminding Kao that there were no longer any impediments to the normal authorization of transit visas for Chinese staff going to or from London.

5.

This sounds hopeful but we must still wait to see the colour of exit visas before making definite arrangements to bring staff in. Mrs. Peter's visa does not signify in this respect. Meanwhile the new staff should be prepared to come out at fairly short notice e.g. within one month.

/F.0.

CONFIDENTIAL