CONFIDENTIAL
SCR 1/4731/49 IV
JT Masefield Esq
Far Eastern Department F CO
7 January, 1978
HKK 138/1.
RECSIN.
CLAM1978
DISK OFFICER
THE YEAR OF THE HORSE
INDEX
لكم
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PA
See 13
The Hong Kong Government have recently started issuing a series of $1,000 gold commemorative coins to mark each year in the Chinese zodiac. As all those who follow such subjects will know, the coming year is the Year of the Horse.
2.
On looking for suitable designs it was eventually decided that the most attractive horse available was the "Kansu Horse" which was such a prominent feature of the Chinese Exhibition in London. This is the animal which is galloping so fast that it is represented with an amazed swallow under one hoof. About a year ago, the agreement of the responsible authorities in Peking to the use of this design was sought, through the link between the Political Adviser's office and the NCNA.
3.
The coins are not yet publicly available. However, when the first proofs were ready we thought that it might be a good idea to see if those who had agreed to the design being used would accept a presentation copy.
I asked my NCNA contacts and got a quick reply to say that such a gesture would be welcome. I had thought of passing on the coin through the Embassy in Peking. However, the NCNA here wanted to do it on their net and, since the earlier arrange- ment had been made through them, I did not persist. I have now handed over a coin for onward transmission to Mr WANG Yeh-chiu, Chief of the State Administrative Bureau of Museums and Archeological Data. It would be interesting to know what happens to it when it gets there. I hope we will find that it has been money well spent!
(D C Wilson)
сс WE Quantrill Esq
Hong Kong & General Department F CO
P J L Popplewell Esq PEKING
7
CONFIDENTIAL
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