CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 957 25 July 1967
ONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 957 of 25 July Repeated for information to Hong Kong
107
A Hong Kong telegram No. 1090 to Commonwealth Office: Reuters.
Apart from the NCNA reporters the "five other patriotic Chinese correspondents" were specifically mentioned in the Foreign Ministry Information Department's statement of 21 July (NCNA in English item 072108). These may also have to be included in any contemplated deal.
2. If a deal is to be effected leading to Grey's release we shall need channel of negotiation and we should be giving thought to this. It would not (repeat not) be prudent just to deport the persons concerned from Hong Kong and rely on the Chinese releasing Grey in return. In any case, we should wish to insist that Grey should be allowed to leave China though the Chinese might decide to deport him anyway. An exchange of bodies at the frontier might then be possible.
3. As regards the channel of negotiation, I am, of course, available here and if I made my purpose clear, the Chinese might well agree to deal with me. On the other hand, it might be possible to use Reuters and NCNA in London or the Hong Kong Government's confidential contacts in Hong Kong.
Mr. Hopson
Sent 08162
Recd 09352
25 July 1967 25 July 1967
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