TNAG-1624-FCO40-2238-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1987 — Page 4

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CONFIDENTIAL

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European Parliament Invite To The Dalai Lama

10. There was further discussion of Baroness Elles' invitation for the Dalai Lama to visit the European Parliament, following the Chinese Ambassador's meeting with her (which Mr Zhang said went reasonably well even though Baroness Elles refused to withdraw the invitation). Mr Cooper encouraged Mr Zhang to continue to handle the matter in a low-key manner and to give Baroness Elles and the Tibetan lobby as much information as possible.

11. Mr Cooper also suggested that it would be useful for the Ambassador to meet Laay Young, who although no longer a minister, is a very influential person. Mr Zhang replied that the Ambassador, who appreciated the good cooperation he had received from the FCO on these matters, would see her on the 17 November. Mr Zhang also said that it would take time to get over the subtle relationship between the EC and its member states to the Chinese people.

Anglo-Chinese Round Table

12. Mr Cooper reverted to the idea of an Anglo-Chinese Round Table (Mr Fletcher-Cooke's letter to Miss A Bailes, 30 October), in order to describe the idea in a little more detail to Mr Zhang and to suggest the possibility of using management of large organisations (both from the public and private sector) as a theme for the Round Table.

13. Mr Cooper said he envisaged two teams of five or six each, led by a senior Vice-Minister on the Chinese side and a Deputy or Assistant Secretary on the British, who would take advantage of a conference centre such as Wilton Park for a few days of discussions on policy questions. Mr Cooper said that it would take at least 6-9 months to arrange this.

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CONFIDENTIAL