TNAG-0032-FCO40-68-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 28

809

CONFIDENTIAL

No. Gammare

1788

$ have not yet been

able to read this memo, by

Sur D. Hopson,

on

which

S

Ind

Mr. Nuray that we might with

Питан

to comment. Would you peu look

at it with this end in view?

}

bon 5/8

SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS: THE PROSPECTS.

SURY OF ORDUM

Tre he se itsmaile

This nemorandum cxamines the prospects of Sino British

relations in the light of H.M.G.'s statement of 13th

April that we seek an early improvement in our relations

with China and recognise the importance of Hong Kong in this

context. (Paragraph 1).

2,

Sino-British rolations are now worse than at any time

since the Communists took over. We suffer political and

commercial loss as a result; British subjoets are detained or

arrested; and staff of this Mission are prevented from leaving

China (Paragraph 2)

3. Cause of trouble is continuance of confrontation in Hong

Kong: this is not a temporary aberration which will correct

itself in time. Unless we take stops it will persist and

situation may even deteriorate further. (Paragraphs 3, 4, 5

and 6).

4. Turmoil of Cultural Revolution does not mean that reasonable

converse with the Chinese authorities is impossible.

already exerted restraint on followers in Hong Kong and retain

a clear appreciation of their economic interests there.

(Paragraph 7).

They have

5. The Chinese will need a face-saving gesture for ending

confrontation but are not seeking another Macao. A settlement

on tolerable terms is not impossible.

(Paragraph 8).

/6

CONFIDENTIAL