Dr Wilson
Private Secretary
RESTRICTED
HKK 040 IS
- 1 MAY 1985
FROM:
DATE:
BRIEFING
42
IC Orr, Far Eastern Department
is
24 April 1985
CC:
HKD
NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR: INITIAL CALL
Problem
per
le. Elan
Yes.
Spoker to
Mur Dr.
·24/4
We and briefing PM to raise JLC, Lof depending on
riming
1.
How to respond to a request from the new Chinese Ambassador that he pay an early courtesy call on the Prime Minister?
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that we seek the Prime Minister's agreement to a brief call. I submit a draft Private Secretary letter to No 10 accordingly.
Background and Argument
3.
The new Chinese Ambassador, Hu Dingyi, assumed his functions on 15 April. During an initial call on the Secretary of State on 19 April he requested an early meeting with the Prime Minister.
4. There is a strong case for agreeing to the Ambassador's request. Mr Hu is highly regarded by his Foreign Ministry and his posting has almost certainly been accelerated to allow him to oversee preparations for the Chinese Premier's visit in June. He will be here when the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong is ratified and for the period when it starts being implemented.
5. A very brief call would clearly demonstrate to the Chinese the importance we attach to bilateral relations and ratification of the agreement on Hong Kong. It would underline the Prime Minister's close and continuing interest in relations and reinforce the personal contact, to which the Chinese attach much importance. In addition the Chinese Premier, Zhao Ziyang, received Sir Richard Evans shortly after his appointment to Peking last year: the Chinese will be watching closely for a reciprocal gesture.
น
RESTRICTED
Train Con
I C Orr
Far Eastern Department
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