10
the other hand, there to the thesis -
argued by Sir D. Hopson frem Teking that the
Chinese leaders must see themselves as having
gor Some way on their side towards re-
establishing a modus vivendi after last year's
troubles, and therefore expect positive steps
on our side. We must therefore be seen by them
to be seeking ways of re-establishing a modus
vivendi; and in this the key issue is
prisoners, The establishment of a modus
vivendi would bring direct benefits to Hong
Kong as well as to Sino-British relations
generally. This line of argument has also
also
been reinforced by the recent shift of Chinese
policy with regard to our Mission
provided
always the Chinese live up to their undertakings.
It may be therefe that there are less risks
in an act of clemency in Hong Kong now,
particularly when it can be represented not so
much as a concession to Chinese pressure, but
as an acknowledgment that the Chinese have
shown some readiness to improve relations.
Doubts have been expressed by our Mission in
Peking as to whether the Governor is not
being over-anxious about the effects of a
gesture of clemency on public opinion in
Hong Kong: but in a matter in which his executive responsibility is so closely involved, we would
have to consider very carefully before
questioning his assessment of the effect of
such action in Hong Kong.
11. It must be accepted however that we are likely to face increasing criticism in this country for our fallure to secure the release of Mr. Grey, and that this may become sharper
/ if conditions
lakes a somewhat different
approach to the problem from the Governor. He has argued
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