TNAG-2702-FCO40-3908-Memoirs-of-Sir-Percy-Cradock--diplomat-and-sinologist-1993 — Page 84

September 1993

Sir R Butler GCB CVO

Cabinet Office

70 Whitehall

London SW1A 2AS

CONFIDENTIAL

SIR P CRADOCK'S MEMOIRS

I thought you might like to have our views on the draft prefatory chapter enclosed with Sir P Cradock's undated letter to you (in response to yours of 17 September).

The text gives us no problems under the Radcliffe criteria. It depicts Sino-British relations from 1793 to 1962 in terms of almost inevitable confrontation between mutually uncomprehending powers, rather than attempting to depict the relationship in any more positive light. But that is a reasonable, and arguable interpretation of the relationship, and as such breaks no new, or difficult ground.

I enclose a draft reply.

DAVID GILLMORE

CONFIDENTIAL

pcmemlet JM GOV