TNAG-2701-FCO40-3907-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 52

CONFIDENTIAL AND STRICTLY PERSONAL

3.

I said that I had to speak frankly. We were concerned about the impact a visit by him to Peking at the time in question might have. As he would know, the third round of negotiations with the Chinese would take place from 21 to 23 May. No date had yet been fixed for the fourth round but for all I knew this could coincide with his visit to Peking. We were concerned about the conclusions that the Chinese might draw from a visit and at the interpretation which might be placed on it by the media. Our preference therefore was that he should not visit Peking.

4.

Sir Percy said that he noted our preference. He would reflect. But his first reaction was that he was not disposed to change his plans. He would, of course avoid doing anything to muddy the waters. I said that his mere presence in Peking could muddy the waters. I therefore requested that if, despite our preference, he decided to go to Peking he should make it clear to the Chinese and to the media that he was not going as an emissary from HMG, that he carried no message from HMG and that he was travelling as a private individual. I added that we should also explain to the Chinese that his status was entirely private. If necessary, we would tell the media that as well.

5.

Sir Percy said that he was content to make these points if asked but he thought it would be wrong to volunteer them since this could stir things up unnecessarily. I said that I did not think it would stir things at all if he made these points to the Chinese and I thought it important that he should do so. As for the media, I thought it inevitable that they would write stories and I therefore thought it important that he should make the points to the media as well.

6.

Finally, Sir Percy asked me how I saw the present situation. I said simply that we had had two rounds of talks. They had begun calmly. It was too early to say whether we could get into a serious negotiation.

1.

My strong impression is that, despite the clear statement of our preference, Sir Percy will go to Peking. But he now knows that we shall be speaking to the Chinese about his status and, as necessary, to the media.

18.

CONFIDENTIAL AND STRICTLY PERSONAL