People's Republic of China - Following the decision of WMO, announced on 25 February 1972, to recognize the representatives of the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representatives of China within the Organization, the Secretary-General received an invitation from the authorities of the country to pay a visit to Peking.

The Secretary-General proceeded to Peking from Bangkok, where he was on an official mission when the invitation was received, and arrived in Peking via Hong Kong and Canton on 20 March. During his stay there he was received by Mr. Chi Peng-Fei,Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peopie's Republic of China, and had prolonged discussions with Mr. Meng Ping, director of the Central Bureau of Meteorology, and with many senior officials of the Ministry and Bureau. The discussions, which were very constructive and encouraging and which were conducted in a very friendly and co-operative atmosphere, enabled the Secretary-General to explain in detail the procedures and activities of the Organization and to answer many related questions.

He found time to visit the Summer Palace and the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City) and attended an evening performance of a modern Chinese ballet. He received warm hospitality in many other ways. He left Peking on 24 March and returned to Geneva on 26 March.

On his way to Peking and also on the return journey, the Secretary-General made brief halts at Kwangchow (Canton). He took the opportunity to meet some of the staff of the local meteorological office (Kwangtung Bureau of Meteorology) and to visit placesof interest.

The fact that the Secretary-General's visit was the first visit to Peking of any member of the United Nations system since the recognition by the United Nations of the representatives of the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative.

Editor: Xu Nenyu