SECRET
- 15
It is our view that the Chinese may be sensitive to inter-
national publicity suggesting that they are bohaving in a
thoroughly "uncivilised" fashion. But publicity is a two-
edged weapon. If we make it widely known that the Chinese
are holding our people until their "demands" are not in Hong
Kong, we may commit them even more firmly to that position.
They might also react to publicity by making life difficult
in Peking for our Mission. Finally we must bear in mind that
publicity would lead to increased public pressure here to
"do something"
the possibilities for effective action are limited. Neverthe-
less the whole question of British subjects in China is likely
to become a matter of increasing public concern in this country
and we must be roady, despite the difficulties, with carefully-
prepared publicity measures.
and the preceding paragraphs indicate that
Copies to:
Mr. Samuel
Sir D. Allen
Sir C. Crove
Mr. Ford
Mr. Carter (0.0.)
SECRET
(James Murray) 21 March, 1968