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13.
and the United Nations but most of us are engaged in mundane
matters, where procedures and the distribution of resources
are much the same.
As
41.
I do not know how it looks up on the bridge but down here
in the engine room we are stoking coal and it is hot and
unpleasant. The need is not for more coal but a re-fit. for language skills, we might bear in mind that great
linguist's advice to the Corinthians: "I thank my God, I
speak with tongues more that you all; yet in the church I had
rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my
voice I might teach others also ..." (St. Paul)
42. We should also learn from business that a contented wife
means a productive executive abroad. Words fail me on this sensitive topic.
The China Market
43. This despatch was written in Macao, the smallest of the 4
units that make up the China market. It is where we began.
Four hundred years ago British traders established a presence,
flourishing without diplomats or civil servants to organise them. British enterprise, courage and reliability
are as strong as ever and will be all the more effective when sovereignty reverts to China. Aden, the Gulf and other
territories showed that political and administrative
responsibility was a liability, not an asset.
44.
Above all the British should respect China and not fall
into the trap of rubbishing those with whom we do not see eye
to eye.
Our media - with the honourable exceptions of the FT
and Economist do not help. The many businessmen with whom I
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