TNAG-0741-FCO40-945-Relations-between-China-and-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 17

CONFIDENTIAL

EXTRACT FROM RECORD OF A MEETING HELD IN THE SOVIET

FOREIGN MINISTRY ON THURSDAY 13 APRIL AT 11 15 AM

DSR 11C

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1. Mr Kapitsa said that he had referred, in his talks with Mr Samuel, to the concern caused in the Soviet Union by the attention being given in the British press and in business circles in the UK to the possibility of the supply to China of British arms and military technology. The Chinese Government was displaying hostile intentions towards neighbouring countries. These included countries in South East Asia, some of which were or had been

members of the British Commonwealth. In view of

China's attitude the supply of British military equipment and know-how to China would be ill-advised. China continued to proclaim the doctrine of inevitable war and described the Soviet Union as "the No 1 enemy" In these circumstances, the supply of military equipment to China by the United Kingdom could not but be regarded as an unfriendly act. By such an act, Britain would make itself the accomplice of an aggressive power. Mr Kapitsa added that he had understood from his talk with Mr Samuel that the

British Government was not in fact at present intending to supply military equipment to China.

2. Ir Hibbert said that he noted the important statement which Mr Kapitsa had made. The position on the British side was not as Mr Kapitsa had stated it. If any request for arms were to be received from the Chinese Government (and he wished to draw

attention to the fact that he used the subjunctive mood) the British Government would consider it in the light of their international obligations and of all the political and economic circumstances prevailing at the time.