TNAG-0030-FCO40-66-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 87

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FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM NO. 356 TO PEKING

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REQUIREMENT FOR EXIT VISAS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM: OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY VISAS HAVE BEEN GRANTED, AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE NORMAL WAY. THEY HOPE THAT THIS WILL BE MATCHED BY EARLY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, THEY ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF RECORDING YET AGAIN THEIR GRAVE CONCERN AT THE POSITION OF CERTAIN BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED IN CHINA, AS EXPRESSED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE CHINESE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN LONDON ON THE 5TH OF APRIL.

IN CONCLUSION, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REAFFIRM THEIR INTEREST IN AND SINCERE DESIRE FOR A FULL NORMALISATION OF SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS, THEY ARE OF THE OPINION THAT THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY GOODWILL AND GOOD FAITH. FAILURE TO ACHIEVE IT CAN ONLY BE TO THE LOSS OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.

SOSFA

FO/CO/WH.DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

ERW

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