TNAG-1147-FCO40-1427-UK-policy-towards-South-East-Asia--including-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 94

Mr Newton

SEAD

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RESTRICTED

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Paw 22/10

Mr. Berton

In Healy 120/10 Мобуроо

pat.

HEADS OF MISSION CONFERENCE:

BANGKOK DECEMBER 1982

1. I agree with almost all the proposals in your minute of 15 October, and understand that you are on the point of sending a telegram to posts inviting their attendance and describing the agenda.

2. As I told you on the telephone, I do not think that the future of Hong Kong should figure on the agenda as such, although if Sir P Cradock is able to attend and to introduce a part of the discussion under item (e) (Chinese policy towards South East Asia) he could start by speaking a little more generally about our own relations with China and the internal state of affairs there.

3.

You told me that the paper on Sino/Soviet competition for influence in South East Asia was more for Research Dept than for the Planning Staff. I agree, but should mention that the Far Eastern Section of Research Dept is under strength at present, particularly on the China side. Perhaps the best plan would be for the South East Asian Section to do most of the work, consulting the Far Eastern Section only when necessary.

4. I am ready to attend a meeting if you so wish.

20 October 1982

MarkChiott

cc: PS/Lord Belstead

Mr Donald

Mr Clift, HKGD

Miss Marsden, Planning Staff Mr Walker, Far Eastern Section,

Research Dept

RESTRICTED

Mark Elliott

Far Eastern Dept

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