TNAG-1237-FCO40-1550-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 195

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The object of the Open Door, as I understand it, is the rapid development of foreign economic relations by flexible means which are compatible with international practice. This means, primarily, dealing with bankers, businessmen, and, to a lesser extent, government economic agencies. All of these have business and economic dealings with other countries and, what is most important, they can

choose into which country or countries they want to put

the most effort.

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I have to say that dealing with China is hard harder than any other country or region I know. Results come painfully slowly, and often not at all. When there are results, the economit reward is not necessarily any better than might be obtained in another country.

I must say

Dealing with China is hard, not because of the attitudes of the Chinese people we deal with. that among our own Chinese associates are some of the most charming, intelligent and honest business associates I have met anywhere in the world.

Nor is it a problem of the different ideological positions of the Chinese Government and capitalist governments. The evidence is there to show us that countries with different social systems not only can co-exist but can develop the broad range of interchange essential to a mature relationship.

This is

The basic problem is that of the time taken to get anything done, even to settle a date for a visit. frustrating and, in the end, for many, defeating.

At this point/...

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