TNAG-1300-FCO40-1656-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 11

CONFIDENTIAL

6.

Interesting briefing from Chinese Foreign Minister on Sino/Soviet relations. Normalisation talks continuing. But no Soviet flexibility over Afghanistan, Cambodia or border troops and Far East SS20s. No dramatic improvement in relations expected although steady increase in trade likely. Recent cancellation of visit to China by Soviet Deputy Prime Minister Arkhipov underlines continuing

coolness.