(
consideration would be given to allowing them to re-enter
the Colony;
(b) release within the Colony, but to be handed over to
local Chinese communist Representatives who would then
arrange for their return to China. (Many of those who have
completed their prison sentences have, of course, paid
trips to China immediately following their release from
prison);
(c) action as in (a) and (b) above allowing the C.P.G. to
choose which detainees could be released within these
conditions or alternatively offering all detainees for such
treatment.
All these formulas of course involve extensive negotiations with
Representatives of the 0.2.G. and their observance of any conditions
agreed upon. Additionally it is almost inconceivable that the C.P.G.
would not also wish to extract other major concessions from Government
before agreeing to any acceptance of detainees to China. It is
considered that the categorical statements made on this question over
the last year and the reaction to approaches made so far support the
view that there is little or no likelihood of any fruitful discussion
on this matter, unless the Chinese themselves take some initiative in
this direction.
10.
Mention must also be made of the likelihood that one or more
of those detained may offer voluntarily to be repatriated to China.
In the early stages of their detention this might have been possible,
but, following the experience of the two film stars and the regular
visits all have received during their detention, they are in knowledge
of the communist official attitude on this question and it is
considered that no detainee at present in V.R.C. would offer or agree
to return to China without direct instructions from the 0.P.C. or its
SECRET