SECRET
CYPHER/CAT A
COONWEALTH OFFICE TO HONG KONG
TEL. NO. 2047
TOP COPY
156
(D.T.D.)
5 OCTOBER, 1967
(HWB)
SECRET.
ADDSD TO GOVERNOR HONG KONG TELNO. 2047 OF 5 OCT REPTD FOR INFMN
TO PEKING
IT MIGHT HELP TO ENCOURAGE THE PRESENT TREND TO MORE MODERATE POLICIES AND TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR OUR MISSION IN PEKING IF WE WERE TO MAKE SOME GESTURE FAIRLY SOON (PEKING TELEGRAM No.109 REFERS). IF YOU THINK THAT A SMALL GESTURE (IN THE FORM, SAY, OF AN AMNESTY FOR THOSE SERVING SENTENCES FOR CURFEW BREAKING OR MINOR BREACHES OF THE PEACE) COULD BE MADE AT AN OPPORTUNE TIME WITHOUT DAMAGE TO PUBLIC CONFIDENCE OR THE INTERNAL SECURITY SITUATION, YOU CAN RELY ON OUR FULL SUPPORT FOR TAKING THIS STEP. 2. TIMING IS IMPORTANT. IT IS ESSENTIAL GESTURE SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS HAVING BEEN MADE UNDER PRESSURE FROM CHINA OR FROM LOCAL COMMUNISTS. AS YOU KNOW, MINISTER OF STATE INTENDS TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOU DURING FORTHCOMING VISIT.
CROSEC
SENT 1142Z/6 OCTOBER
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
154
P
C.O.
HONG KONG DEPT.
F.0.
F.E.D.
SECRET
RECEIVED ARCHIVES N --
-9001961