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(b) "Improving Sino-British relations”
I have not in the past seen harm in references to our
willingness to improve Sino-British relations. In
conversation with the Chinese whether officially or
unofficially it has seemed to me no more than a ritual
phrase, the reservations on which were known to both
sides. It has not been my impression that the Chinese
believe that our use of the phrase indicates a readiness
to capitulate over specific issues. However, I agree
with the Governor that it would be most unfortunate were
the Chinese to allow themselves to be misled by our
expression of interest in an improvement in relations
and I am quite ready to agree with what he suggests.
A further matter for consideration is the question of
what we say to the public in the United Kingdom about
our relations with the Chinese. Here also there may
well be a case for modigying our welcome for any slight
improvements in relations and making it clear as the
occasion arises just how slow the process is.
(c) Informal indications to the Chinese
The Governor has put forward certain points which he
would like to see brought into any informal conversation
with Chinese officials (or presumably with contacts who
would report such remarks back to the Chinese) (paragraph 7
of Hong Kong telegram No. 588). These points are all
valid.
The only question is whether making them at this
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