.DSR 11 (Revised)
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CONFIDENTIAL
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FROM:
Private Secretary
DEPARTMENT:
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
TO:
Top Secret
Secret
Confidential
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M O'D B Alexander Esq
Number 10
TEL. NO:
TYPE: Draft/Final 1+
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SUBJECT: POSSIBLE VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER TO CHINA
1.
When the Chinese Foreign Minister, Vice Premier
Huang Hua called on the Prime Minister on 2 October 1980
he reiterated the Chinese Government's invitation to her
to visit China as soon as possible. The Prime Minister
said that she was anxious to take up her invitation but
that the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary would of
course be visiting China first.
2.
Lord Carrington will be calling on the Chinese Prime
Minister, Zhao Ziyang, when he pays his postponed visit
to China at the beginning of next month and the invitation
to the Prime Minister is almost certain to be renewed.
The Chinese will expect Lord Carrington to say something
about the Prime Minister's intentions.
3.
The situation in China now seems less settled than
it appeared to be 6 months ago. The trials at the end
of last year may
have exacerbated internal tensions
and the leadership have encountered severe problems in their efforts to modernise the economy. While Deng Xiaoping's position seems secure he is rising 77 and the
continuation of his policies after his eventual departure
from the scene cannot yet be taken for granted. On the
other hand, we have a very strong interest in maintaining
good relations with China, particuarly over Hong Kong.
Lord Carrington's visit will keep up the momentum but,
as I said in my letter of 16 September, no British Prime Minister in office has ever been to Peking and the Chinese will think it odd if we do not repair the omission before
too long
/4.
CONFIDENTIAL
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