Thatcher files: Diplomatic decision on merit of sea slug

Sea slugs and jam sandwiches caused concern for Margaret Thatcher as she haggled with officials over the organisation of an official banquet.

The former prime minister’s first overseas visit in 1982, after the Falklands War, was to Japan, China and Hong Kong.

The Chinese visit was considered particularly important as this initiated long-running negotiations for the return of Hong Kong to China. Several boxes of paperwork concerning the visit demonstrate the huge amount of preparation involved.

They include details of an argument about the menu for the British return banquet.

Struggling between the “conflicting calls of economy and prestige”, Lady Thatcher argued in favour of the 50 yuan menu rather than the 75 yuan option, saving about £1,200.

But Percy Cradock, then ambassador to Peking, warned this would be a mistake.

He pointed out that the cheaper menu omitted shark’s fin and sea slugs, describing them as “delicacies to a Chinese palate which would be conspicuous by their absence”.

Lady Thatcher also questioned the proposed dessert of “bread, butter and strawberry jam”.