TNAG-2702-FCO40-3908-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 227

CONFIDENTIAL

Bu.

The Ricketts of.

13.

(th)

(SIR PERCY CRADOCK'S MEMOIRS)

1.

I am not altogether happy with this way of

proceeding.

2.

A

I think that if the Cabinet Secretary writes to Sir Percy Cradock in the way proposed, he will simply seize on the last part inviting him to excise a couple of significant details and then proceed to publication.

3.

Many of the arguments in Sir Percy Cradock's letter of 8 June are flawed. He should be exposed to their weaknesses. But I think this can be done with more clout in a face to face conversation. I would therefore prefer the Cabinet Secretary to take up Sir Percy's offer to discuss the matter and would hope that you might feel able to be present at such a meeting.

4.

If that can be agreed, I do not think it necessary to clear a line to take with the Governor. We should simply be pursuing the line of policy we have previously agreed with Mr Patten. But I would let him know of the action we propose.

5.

The Minister of State (Mr Goodlad) has also expressed interest in this affair. I could let him know what we intend.

If you agree, you could send a rather shorter letter to the Cabinet Secretary on the lines attached.

6.

1

14 June 1993

tolen Woles:

Sir John Coles

CC:

Mr Hum

Mr Bone, LRD

Miss Brooks, Legal Advisers

Mr Fry, FED

_Hr.B 084

CONFIDENTIAL

17 J. 1993

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