CONFIDENTIAL
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11.
Although we are still waiting for a reply to the approach
made to the Chinose on 7 February about visa problems for our
Mission and Chinese intentions with regard Mr. Grey (including
the suggestion of an exchange), Sir D. Hopson does not think
that a soparate approach now on prison visits would cut across
the exercise. I agree; that it could even provide us with an
opportunity to prođ the Chinese into replying to our proposals
of 7 February.
12.
It must be recognised that the proposed approach, even if
it fails, is as far as we should go in making concessions in
Hong Kong to gain access to Mr. Grey. To go any further might
put at risk our position in Hong Kong; we would be abandoning
the policy of firmnoss which in our dealings with the Chinese
over the Colony has brought us through the recent troubles,
and we would be encouraging Chinese hopes that we can still
be pushed into making substantial concessions there. for the
sake of our Hission and other British subjects in China. (There
can be little doubt that the achievement of some form of
"Macao-type" situation in Hong Kong remains the ultimate Chinese
objective.)
Conies to:
Mr. Samuel
Hr. Carter, 0.0. Consular Department.
(James Murray)
22 February, 1963
CONFIDENTIAL
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