TNAG-1390-FCO40-1862-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-for-meetings-and-visits-1985 — Page 14

CODE 18-77

2

Dr Hoap

RESTRICTED

14

Mrs in

え

NAY

CHINA AND ANTARCTICA

1.

Reference......... ALZ...0.2.0./.2.9....

cc: ALZ 021/1

What did he winch of it

Kole Or Lows what be

Charles of this. We'd like

a copy of his report on his China trip = due

course orta на Michael Landale, of the Australian High Commission, telephoned on 22 August to report a message which he had seen relating to a recent Chinese visit to Argentina on cooperation in Antarctica. The Chinese are apparently seeking Argentine assistance for their forthcoming Antarctic expedition. Their intention is to despatch in the forthcoming season an expedition to set up a Chinese summer base. The Chinese will despatch 4 vessels - 2 x 30,000 (sic - though probably 3,000) ton supply ships, one Icebreaker and a vessel to carry personnel. They have requested Argentine assistance in supplying maps, pilots, and in situ support. Argentine has agreed. The Chinese have not yet decided upon the location for their base.

2.

Landale reported that the Argentines had sounded out the Chinese on their stance on the Antarctic question at the UN. The Chinese had said that there were mixed feelings in Peking about the Malaysian initiative between factions supporting the Treaty system, and those believing that the system required review. The Brazilians will similarly sound out the Chinese to find out how they are likely to react at the UN.

ALZ 020/29.

LIVEL

6 SEP 1904

Toward Tom Duggi

TJ Duggin

Polar Regions Section South America Departmemt

23 August 1984

Copies to: Mr Watts, Deputy Legal Adviser

United Nations Department Falkland Islands Department South-East Asian Department

Far Eastern Department

N N Inkster Esq, PEKING

FD Berman Esq, UKMIS NEW YORK

Dr R M Laws, CBE, FRS, British Antarctic Survey

RESTRICTED