TNAG-1143-FCO40-1423-Hong-Kong-and-the-Falkland-Islands-crisis-1982 — Page 4

CODE 18-77

Mr Warr (Defence D E319)

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference FEC 061/2

122

UK/CHINA DEFENCE EXCHANGES: FALKLANDS CAMPAIGN

1.

On 6 October our Defence Attaché in Peking approached the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of National Defence to discuss UK/China defence exchanges. The Chinese asked whether they could send one or two delegations, led by Colonel or Brigadier equivalents, to Britain for briefings on our operations in the Falklands. Their particular interest was in command and control and in the performance of weapons and equipment. The DA warned that it was very unlikely they could be told anything in the latter field, and the Chinese accepted this. He agreed to seek MOD's views on the proposal.

2.

(sic)

Mr Magnus (DS11, MOD) consulted me today about this idea, saying that MOD were not very enthusiastic. I said that I could see no political reasons for urging a favourable response. The Chinese were offensively critical of Britain throughout the Falklands campaign and after it. Their military interest in knowing more of our operations is not benevolent Taiwan is

of the cases that springs to mind;but I said that we would be happy to consider the matter further if the Defence Attaché or his Chancery colleagues or others were to advance a political or defence sales case for meeting the Chinese request. Mr Magnus said he would reply to the Defence Attaché in this sense.

HKK.020/2

4 JAN

17 December 1982

cc: Mr Morris (HKGD K221)

FID

Chancery, PEKING

Пох

DESK OFFICER INDEX

N J Cox

Far Eastern Department W82 233.5539

Mr. Burkin

P

Afsl

Mitt lager liz

Gia Chine's stand over the fallelands

agree with x/. His up to fED, but I should have Hought that heling would not be in favour

grands Guke to FED

23/12

CONFIDENTIAL

ron

20/12

in political