HONG KONG
CONFIDENT IAL
HONG KONG
PEKING
PEKING
H.K. Dept. I.& G. Dept. News Dept.
FED, JIRD, OLA, OPA, JIPOD, News Dept.
Your telegram No. 344 8 Film Stars
We agree with the line proposed in your
paragraph 4. We consider, however, that the
reference to NONA should be omitted in order that
this exercise may be kept separate from the question
of prison visits, We entirely agree it should be
kept out of the Political Advisers talks on that
subject.
2. We feel, however, that Hopson's argumente in
paragraph 1 of Peaking telegram No.223 against
pursuing this through formal channels are valid.
By handling it informally through the channel
referred to in your telegram No. 331 we make it
possible for the Chinese to consider the proposition
without striking an attitude; and it would involve
no commitment for either side at the initial stage.
We doubt the value of using the China Merchants
Steam Navigation Company for the reasons given in
/paragraph 3(c)