SECRET
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION $(4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
(
4. It is therefore very much in our interests to discourage the Portuguese from raising the question of the status of Macao in their negotiations with the Chinese over the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Portuguese Foreign Minister is visiting London for talks on 29/30 June at the invitation of the Secretary of State. I recommend that
Dr Owen should take the opportunity to raise the matter with
Dr Sa Machado.
5. I submit a self-explanatory draft reply to Lisbon telegram no. 213 which has been cleared with FED, SED and the Legal Advisers. This should issue as soon as possible today; I do not think it need be seen by Ministers before despatch.
6. I also submit a self-contained draft brief for the Secretary of State's talks with Dr Sa Machado. This may need amendment in the light of any comments from Lisbon, Peking and Hong Kong. When finalized it should replace the short talking point on China included in Brief No. 4 on international relations, which was prepared before receipt of Lisbon telegram no. 213 i
28 June 1978
CC:
PS/PUS
Mr Hibbert
Mr Fergusson
FED
SED
Legal Advisers
11
R JT McLaren
Hong Kong & General Dept
I have despatched the draft telegram to Lisbon and other
posts, since it is important to get comments well before the Secretary of State talks to the Portuguese Foreign Minister .
Photostat is
attached.
2
SECRET
/2.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.