HICK
RECEIVED
040/57.
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19 DEC 1984
CONFIDENTIA L
My (488) de.. Ibam.
NOTE ON A MEETING HELD AT THE FCO BY DR WILSON, 22 NOVEMBER 1984
INDEX
Dr Wilson (Chair)
Mr Elliott, FED
Mr Ashton, FED
Present:
Mr Benjamin, DTI
Mr Cruickshank, DTI
Mr Morphet, D/Energy
Mr Baxter, ODA
1. Dr Wilson explained that he had called the meeting to discuss, on the basis of the draft letter to No 10 which had been circulated, trade-related briefing for the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit to China. The following points were discussed.
2.
General context. It was agreed that the prime purpose of the visit was to sign the Hong Kong Agreement. This would have to occupy centre stage. However, the Prime Minister would also wish to give as large an impetus as possible to bilateral trade. For Hong Kong reasons, this could not be done in public but there was no reason not to push trade in private meetings.
3.
Form of trade brief. It was agreed that there should be one single brief on trade, on which DTI would lead. It could contain separate sections on general bilateral prospects and on those in which there was a specific Hong Kong involvement
(eg China Light and Power interest in the energy sector in Guangdong). Briefing on the Guangdong nuclear project would need to be provided at the last moment as an annex since the situation was still developing rapidly and unpredictably.
4. Projects. It was agreed that the brief should identify a few specific projects for the Prime Minister to promote. This would be difficult; apart from the Guangdong nuclear project, very few were near to fruition. But the brief could mention the BAE 146-100 Aircraft and the Kailuan Coal project. DTI would seek to identify other possibilities.
5.
Trade Mission.
It was agreed that DTI would pursue this proposal with No 10. As regards leadership of the mission, Mr Channon was unlikely to be available given his added responsib- ilities in Mr Tebbit's absence. The DTI were considering Lord Jellicoe and Mr Heath. Dr Wilson felt that the former might not be suitable, particularly in view of his recent visit to Taiwan; the latter would be acceptable to the Chinese but perhaps not to No 10. It was agreed that Lord Young might be a good choice. Mr Walker, who would probably be prepared to extend his brief beyond the energy sector for such a visit, might also merit consideration. It was agreed that a decision should be sought before the Prime Minister's visit; the Prime Minister could then be briefed to give the mission and its leader her imprimatur during her visit. DTI would do the necessary sounding out with
No 10.
CONFIDENTIAL
/6.
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