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difficult for the Governor to discriminate in favour of
any particular category of prisoner; that a further approach
as may be construed by the Chinese as a sign of weakness; and
that the Chinese might seek deliberately to extend the dia-
something which we
cussion to other Hong Kong issues
strongly wish to avoid. However, Sir D. Hopson balances
these points against the following considerations:-
(a) that until we have at least settled the question of
the two N.C.N.A. reporters to Chinese satisfaction,
Mr. Grey will not be released. (The earliest date
(b)
reporters
at which the N.C.N.A./would normally be released is
September, 1969);
that the Chinese might just possibly find Mr. Grey
an embarrassment, which would give us a little
leverage;
and
(c) that the release of the two N.C.N.A. reporters, if
agreed, might be regarded by the Chinese as providing
the token victory they need before ending their
campaign against the Hong Kong Government.
(a) is almost certainly true; (b) and (c) are harder to prove
and could only be tested in practice.
8.
Sir D. Hopson also refers to the question of a larger
act of clemency affecting other "confrontation" prisoners.
He has asked for our views and those of the Governor on
whether the prospects of such a step are now any brighter
than they were and for an indication of our long-term plans
/for
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