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Auction: CSS35 - The Philatelic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1049

China
People's Republic
People's Republic Postal History
Autograph of Hua Guofeng
The 1979 European Tour.

1979 (30-31 October) a rare signature of Hua Guofeng, Chinese President (1976-81) and of Huang Hua, Chinese Foreign Secretary taken from the East Midland Airport visitor book over two days upon their arrival in Britain during the 1979 European tour. Each has written a bold signature on paper measuring 140 x 102mm.

Also included are the signatures of Sir Peter Hilton, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and British Minister of Transport, and Norman Fowler, M.P. both of whom received the Chinese President. The tour was China's first since 1949, and this trip was Hua's only venture abroad, making his signature extremely scarce.

The Signature of Chairman Hua also bares historical significance, dating from a difficult time in his career having launched the 1979 European tour as a last chance to validate his position in office.

Hua Guofeng (1921-2008), born as Su Zhu. After a gradual rise through the Chinese political system under Mao, and after the death of Premier Zhou and Chairman Mao, Hua served as Chairman of the Communist Party of China (1976-1981) and Premier of the People's Republic of China (1976-1980). To this date, Hua is the only leader to have simultaneously held the offices of party leader, premier and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. As early as 1978 Hua received staunch criticism for his loyalty to Maoist policies and lack of real reform.

Huang Hua (1913-2010), a senior Communist Chinese revolutionary and Foreign Minister of China (1976-1982). Best known for his role in establishing relationships with the United States and Japan, therefore aiding the introduction to the world of Chinese communism. He was also notable for negotiating with the United Kingdom over Hong Kong.

The signature pages are neatly mounted on a presentation board. Examples of Hua's signatures are seldom seen, this is of particular significance as it appears outside of China and alongside those of British politicians, making it an unusual and exceedingly rare group.

Sold for
HK$42,000