TNAG-0743-FCO40-947-Relations-between-China-and-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 219

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armaments and increase them if necessary, as we had done this year, so that the Soviet Union would know that if war came the UK ild inflict unacceptable damage on the Soviet Union and on her

population.

This posture maintained a balance. The UK did not share the extreme fears which were sometimes voiced about

future developments.

Mr. Huang explained that when the Chinese said that war was inevitable they did not mean that it was imminent: they had in mind

the fact that the Soviet Union had wide ambitions as a result of the intensification of her rivalry with the United States and believed that this would lead to war sooner or later. The Soviet

Union talked about detente, disarmament and economic co-operation in Europe but at the same time was extending her influence in the black areas and in the countries peripheral to Europe.

If a

crisis came about or if an emergency arose, China feared that

the West would find itself in a situation in which it wanted to

resist the Soviet Union but could not do so. The Prime Minister

said that the UK understood and was aware of this view.

In conclusion, Mr. Huang thanked the Prime Minister for sparing the time to receive him and said that he would report on

their talks to Premier Hua. The Prime Minister said that the UK would welcome a continuing dialogue with China on international developments. He looked forward to having talks with Premier Hua

if he were able to visit the UK. The Prime Minister said that he

would like to ask Mr. Huang, finally, if he was happy with the

situation in Hong Kong. Mr. Huang said that there was now good

co-operation on practical issues. The UK would be aware of the Chinese view that Hong Kong was an issue left over by history which should be resolved in due course through negotiations. The Prime Minister agreed and commented that both countries had long histories and could view these matters in the perspective of time.

The discussion ended at 1720.

11 October 1978

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