TNAG-1032-FCO40-1282-Possible-visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-H-1981 — Page 29

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linked idea of inviting a Chinese leader's wife to launch

one of his ships in the UK. He placed a £25 million order

(the first for some time) for 4 general cargo ships with Austin and Pickersgill in January this year, due for delivery

next year.

There is no obvious reason why the Chinese would

wish to associate themselves with a launch of one of these

vessels; nor is there any current proposal for a high level Chinese visit here next year. Sir Y-K Pao's proposal is

not therefore likely to come to fruition.

4 November 1981

copied to: HKGD

H L Davies

Far Eastern Department

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