Thatcher argued against serving jam sandwiches to Chinese VIPs The former Prime Minister's private papers also include a list of the clothes she was planning to wear during her official trip to Japan, China and Hong Kong in 1982, with each outfit given a codename ranging from "smoky" and "fuchsia" to "English garden" and "plum stars." As part of the diplomatic charm offensive, the British delegation organised a banquet, held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, for Chinese officials. However, Percy Cradock, Britain's then-Ambassador to China, pointed out that the cheaper menu omitted shark's fin and sea slugs, which he described as "delicacies to a Chinese palate which would be conspicuous by their absence." Baroness Thatcher also questioned the proposed dessert of bread, butter and strawberry jam. Foreign Office officials explained that this was considered a delicacy, but the former Prime Minister won the debate and fruit salad was served instead.