TNAG-0033-FCO40-69-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 152

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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was headlined "Le Monde underestimates cur industrial and agricultural production". un the cther hand, the bulletin alse picked up the first despatch of the new AFP bureau chief in Peking, Dillon, giving a reasonably favourable picture of China based on his rail journey from Hong Kong to Peking.

Though there has naturally been a considerable reduction in reports cf student unrest and strikes in France, the bulletin continued to reflect China's hostile attitude to the French Government. It picked up any signs of continuing student "resistence" and reproduced a considerable number of pessi- mistic articles en France's financial and political situation, Headings given to these reports frequently contained unflattering personal references to de Gaulle, France's latest nuclear test was reported briefly.

Middle best

The bulletin showed close intcrest in developments in the Middle East, particularly President Nasser's visit to the Seviut Unich and Jugoslavia, and the military coup d'etat in Iraq.

Reports of President Nasser's visit to Mesecw highlighted indications of differences between Nasser and the Scvict leaders. President Nasser was said to disagree with the Scvict thesis that time was on the Arab side and the Egyptian President was reported to have told the Russians that Egypt was not prepared to abanden eny of her territory, tc recognise Israel, or to negotiate with her. (However the President's intention to undergo medical treatment in the Scviet Union for 2-3 weeks was reported in a later issue). A similar slant was given to accounts of President Nasser's meeting with Titc. However, here, the uncertainty of the Egyptian position emerged more clearly and President Nasser was quoted as saying that he favoured a political settlement to the Middle East question, but was nevertheless prepared to use military force if Israel remaineà recalcitrant. The Chinese sub-heading to the latter repert dencunced Tite for his cpposition to "military adventures",

Considerable space was given to mere or less cbjective accounts of the ccup d'etat in Iraq. The bulletin ncted indications of differences among the new leaders. Clcse attention was paid to the reactions of other Arab countries to the coup.

Scviet movements in the Middle East were carefully recorded. The visit of the Soviet Defence Minister to Algeria, reportedly to discuss questions connected with Mediterranean security, and the arrival cn 17 July of a Scviet military delegation in Cair were both noted. Colonel Boumedienne's visit to France and talks with de Gaulle about "France/Algerian cc- cperation" was reported.

Pakistan

Pakistan's announcement of her Foreign Minister's forth- coming visit to China were reproduced in the bulletin, together with varicus articles and statements containing friendly references to Peking. A speech by the Pakistani Foreign Minister on 13 July, accusing India cf trying to persuade the Scviet Union against supplying arms to Pakistan, and at the same time criticising these countrics who arm India of

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