CALL ON MR BLAKER BY THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR [ AT 10.30 AM ON 10 JUNE]
UK/CHINA AIR SERVICES
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
Ambassador aware of importance we attach to issue, and our
concern at lack of progress in BA/CAAC discussions.
2.
Raised several times with Chinese Government at high level,
including Mr Nott to Ambassador on 24 March, Mr Cradock to
Assistant Foreign Minister Song Zhiguang and Vice Foreign Minister
Han Kehua (25 March and 2 April), Mr Pym to Huang Hua on 26 March,
and Mr Callaghan to Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping on 12 May, when
Deng undertook to look into the matter. Hope this will lead to
early resolution of problem.
3.
Under the Confidential Memorandum of Understanding both
sides were entitled to start services between London and Peking
on 1 April. The purpose of the discussions was to make the
necessary practical arrangements.
4. While it is perfectly proper for the airlines to discuss
commercial arrangements as well, it is not proper for one side
to insist that it must be satisfied with these before services
can start. No such condition is mentioned in the agreements signed
last year.
5.
BA are ready to resume discussions but we first need an
assurance that they can start services to Peking on a specified
date, which we propose should be 31 July. We look to the Chinese
Government for this assurance.
6. We are ready to see CAAC services to London (Gatwick) start
whenever CAAC wishes.
Pop I vint. न
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