SECRET
Sunday Winte
17 June 1993
Babelts shelts CHTKO
From:
CO Hum
Date:
Revised
we spon
Minister
21%
tel дел
Seul Zok
PS/Mr Goodlad
Private Secretary
CC:
PS/PUS
Sir J Coles
Mr Fry, FED Special Advs
Ms Everett, News Mr Morris, HKD
PS
18
See (44
Mr Goodad is content
to issue as
As 1716. for this tale gram
omended by ells Hum.
Lower D
HONG KONG: TALKS: WAY FORWARD/POSSIBLE VISIT OF SECRETARY OF STATE TO PEKING
1.
The Governor held a meeting earlier today in Hong Kong, which was also attended by Mr Ricketts, to discuss the way forward. I understand the feeling of the meeting was that in most foreseeable scenarios the balance was likely to be against a visit to Peking by the Secretary of State. But this will of course depend on how far we can get in the sixth round of talks and then on decisions at OPD (K) on 1 July. In the meantime the Governor believes it would be right to keep the option of a visit open, and this means making an approach to the Chinese now.
2.
I think this can be done in a way which will not arouse the wrong sort of expectations on the Chinese side. Sir R McLaren proposes that he should approach the Chinese ostensibly on his own initiative, for the sake of good order. He will also make it clear that any decision would depend on a review of the situation after the sixth round of talks. This should reduce the risk that the Chinese will sit back at the sixth round in the expectation that the Secretary of State will bring concessions. The balance of press comment about the Governor's return to London is definitely directed towards HMG's impatience rather than a readiness to climb down.
3.
I have amended Mr Morris' telegram a little.
Costum
APS/MRECEDLAT
RECET
01217
J. 1993
STRY
REGISTRY
on Taken
CO Hum
SECRET
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