TNAG-0034-FCO40-70-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 126

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PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

Telno 1840

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9 December, 1967

Addressed to C.0. telegram No. 1840 of 9 December. Repeated for information to:

Peking

Washington Singapore.

Peking telegram to Foreign Office No. 317: Sino-British Relations.

I wonder if the Chinese are not trying to tell us that they would be prepared to talk over the whole problem in fairly reasonable terms (for them, of course) but that we are failing to understand. I fully realize the tenuousness of the basis for this proposition, but:-

(a) see the tone of the conversation reported in my telegram

No. 1834 (No. 652 to Peking: not to other addressees).

(b)

I seem to be able to detect a feeling here in Hong Kong that talks would be guardedly acceptable to public opinion, in a way they certainly would not have been a few months ago. some convoluted way this may have its origins in Communist nudging and hinting;

(c) The experience of the Lowu talks;

and

In

(a) the phrase in Peking telegram under reference, paragraph 4

'there can be no talk about these relations if the Hong Kong problem is left aside'.

If we decide to try and sup with this devil, the Lowu talks teach us that we shall certainly need our longest spoon. But provided:-

(a) this is well understood by all concerned;

(76) we recognize that talks might well be accompanied by

increased pressure here and on the Peking Mission which we would have to resist resolutely; and

(c) arising from (b), that it would be most undesirable to hold talks here or in Peking, if it can be avoided; then I suggest we might seriously consider a very discreet approach to the CPG indicating willingness to explore the possibilities of reaching some sort of general understanding. Foreign Office please pass to Peking as my telegram No. 655 and Washington as my telegram No. 405.

Sir D. Trench

FILES

[Repetition to Peking referred for departmental decision,

repeated as requested to other posts].

C.O. H.K. Dept.

F.E. and P. Dept. Reply

P.S.

P.U.S.

Mr. Hall

F.0. P.S.

uuuuu

P.S. Dept. F.E.D.

P.U.S.D.

at (210)

Spoke to Mr Gamminera

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Can be p.a.

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