TNAG-1167-FCO40-1447-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 106

Sir Yue-Kong Pao

C.B.E.. LL.D..J.P.

The Rt. Hon. Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, MP

Prime Minister

10 Downing Street

London W1

WORLD-WIDE SHIPPING GROUP

20/21ST FLOORS, PRINCE'S BLDG. HONG KONG

TEL: H-242111

8th February, 1982.

15

Deer Prime Ministes,

33

Thank you so much for your letter of the 25th January. I am indeed honoured by your kind agreement to sponsor my ship at Sunderland (to be called "United Effort") and, needless to say, I look forward to the 12th March with the greatest pleasure.

I am of course also still hoping that during your forth- coming visit to China, you will be able to perform a similar ceremony in Shanghai - thus demonstrating in a symbolic manner the recognition by Her Majesty's Government of the great strides made by China during the past few years to modernize her in- dustrial base. I have had the opportunity of speaking to Lord Carrington in Manila recently and he indicated to me that your presence in Shanghai for such an occasion indeed be possible.

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Your advice regarding arrangements for an official visit by Vice Premier and Mrs. Gu Mu. to the United Kingdom have given me hope that it can still take place sometime soon this year. I believe he is probably one of the most (if not the most) important personalities in China today with whom increased economic and financial relationships between China and the United Kingdom could be constructively dis- cussed.

!

Lord Carrington was also SO kind as to say he thought a renewed invitation to Mr. Gu Mu was in fact on its way, and I look forward to learning of a successful conclusion.

Official launching invitations will be mailed by Austin & Pickersgill Shipyard shortly, and of course we will be delighted to see Mr. Thatcher and your children in Sunder- land as well if they can possibly come.

May I remain with all good wishes,

م سحق

Sincerely то

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