TNAG-1464-FCO40-1991-Visits-by-Chinese-officials-to-the-UK--including-visit-by-Hu-1986 — Page 102

CONFIDENTIAL

HKD

(251)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

9 June 1986

HKK 006/0

RECEIV

D:

SIMI

2 0 JUN 1986

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or Sute

Cur 9/6

Dear Chatos,

INDEX

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ISTRY

Action Taken

Ago 201

Visit by General Secretary Hu Yaobang: Special Touches

100%

A Chinese proverb reminds that "Much courtesy displeases nobody". Many special touches are therefore being arranged for Mr Hu and his party. These should help UK interests by making it harder for the Chinese to believe that we are not acting in good faith or are insensitive to Chinese values when we make proposals which cause them difficulty. Some of these touches may come up in conversation: the Prime Minister may therefore find a list helpful.

A

The flower arrangement for Mr Hu from the Prime Minister is red (English roses), blue (cornflower and gladioli) and white, foreshadowing a passage in the Prime Minister's welcoming speech.

B The arrangement for Vice-Premier Li includes flowers characteristic of Sichuan Province where he grew up (he was born in Shanghai).

с

While Mr Hu inspects the guard of honour the band will play a Chinese folktune (Mr Hu is fond of folksongs): "People full of song and dance".

D A colour photograph of Mr Hu inspecting the guard of honour will be available with the Prime Minister's signature to give him at dinner the same evening.

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