TNAG-2702-FCO40-3908-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 213

one, harder than appears at first reading. The present planned date for publication is the Spring of 1994. You speak of early 1995; but the real deadline is much mistier. To wait until the conclusion of

negotiations with the Chinese, as you put it, could mean indefinite postponement. The loss of two key chapters, or no book at all seem to be the terms.

But all this is based, as I see it, on a misassessment of the impact of the book on the policy of the two governments. In essence, I accept that the book may annoy. But, for the reasons given above, I do not accept that it would damage the British negotiating position on electoral arrangements, or cause the Chinese to abandon talks about the airport. I think your fears on this score are without real foundation and overlook the important change that took place on 13 April when the two sides agreed to stop shouting and start quiet talks. I would ask you and David to think again. If you insist, I could discuss some fudging in the airport chapter, but I fear that is as far as I can go.

As I indicated in my

letter of 15 April, there will in any case

have to be some rewriting of the penultimate chapter to bring it up to date. This will probably have to be ready by the end of the year. I shall of course let you see the text. But it is unlikely to be changed in such a way as to remove the problems you at present see.

I should be very ready to come and talk with you about all this

if you felt it would be helpful.

I am sending a copy of this letter and enclosure to David- Gillmore.

(Cradock)