TNAG-0851-FCO40-1061-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 80

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weaponry.China

had some nuclear warheads but, as the Chinese

Government had repeatedly said, possessed them solely for defensive

purposes and would not be the first to use these. The Chinese

Government understood the reasons for the different views of eg

the French, whose nuclear weapons were designed as a deterrent

against massive attack, even if this was conventional.

16. India's explosion of a nuclear device had increased tensions,

and the imbalance with Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan

wanted to enter into a joint commitment with India not to

develop nuclear weapons, under similar supervision. This was

fair and reasonable. Urging Pakistan, but not India, to accept

supervision would increase tensions between the two countries.

The Chinese Government wanted to see improved relations in the

area, had supported Prime Minister Desai S measures to improve relations with Pakistan, and other neighbouring countries, and

hoped the incoming Government would adopt positive policies.

The Chinese had pointed out to the United States the destabilizing

effect of paying much attention to India, and little to Pakistan,

but applying pressure on Pakistan to undertake certaim commitments

alone.

I f

17. The British Government, through their longstanding relations

with India and Pakistan, understood the position well. In the

north, Pakistan faced pressure from the Soviet Union through Afghanistan, and was sandwiched between Afghanistan and India. India adopted unfriendly policies, Pakistan faced the danger of dismem berment and would be compelled to lean towards the Soviet Union, as in

Mr Bhutto's later years.

The Chinese Government hoped that Britain

would urge the United States Government to adopt fairer policies

which would improve stability in the area. When President

Carter told Vice Premier Deng that the United States allocated

aid to India and Pakistan on the basis of their population, the

Vice Premier had said this would lead to a worsening of the

situation.

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