TNAG-0367-FCO40-413-Visits-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament-to-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 23

He was glad to say that the FCO could finance such a visit

provided the Chinese paid their fares to Britain. Ferhaps a

joint invitation from the FCO and Chairman of the Anglo-Chinese

Parliamentary Group would be the way to proceed. We could discuss

this with the Chinese and perhaps propose a date for Spring or

early Summer 1974. The members of the Group agreed with this

proposal and expressed appreciation for it.

8.

In answer to a question, Mr Royle explained some of the

problems we faced at present over the signature of the Air

Services Agreement. He also explained our problems over the

Kowloon Walled City. He had discussed this matter with Lord

Kennet on 26 November.

9. The discussion closed with further expressions of gratitude

by the members for the service they had received from the Embassy.

They felt that it was exceptional that 70% of the senior staff of

the Embassy were Chinese speakers. The Ambassador was also highly

thought of by the Chinese. He rode a bicycle around Peking and

he had been the first European for 30 years to be allowed to visit

a certain kiln site near Nanking. Mr Royle said that he had

already passed on similar expressions of gratitude to the Chief

Clerk and the Personnel Departments and had seen that the Embassy

in Peking were duly thanked. He was most grateful to the Group

for having undertaken the visit and for having made it such a

success.

Far Eastern Department

7 December 1973

cc.

FED

HKIOD

Energy Dept (for para 6) IAD (for para 7)

Mr Youde

POD RE(FE)

Mr Wilford

PS Mr Royle

Chancery Peking

Political adviser, Hong Kong

CONFIDENTIAL..

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A