2018
CONFIDENTIAL
289
Sir A. Galsworthy
I agree that we should send a copy of Sir Donald Hopson's
memorandum to Sir David Trench and ask him for his views.
2.
I
The points made in the memorandum are fully consistent
with the views Sir Donald has put forward in the triangular
telegraphic correspondence with Hong Kong and ourselves.
must confess that I do not find his main theme, that the
Chinese are seeking some way of getting off the hook upon
which they placed themselves last May, particularly convincing.
On the other hand his views, whether we find them convincing
or not, cannot be ignored. In particular the formulation in
paragraph 16 of the memorandum that an act of amnesty on our
part would probably be followed by a significant easing in our
relations with China, requires most serious consideration and
I think we should ask Sir David Trench specifically for his
views on this, to the extent that the point has not already
been covered in his telegram No. 1007, which I have just seen.
(753)
(R. H. MASON)
19 August, 1968.
23/1es
Copy to:-
Mr. Carter
Mr
Vilason
Sur A. Galsworthy
Draft attached for consideration
(P.O. are supplying
an additional
Copy of the Memo which I will give to Rise Shrimpton when received).
tars Cart 23181/68
MR. Carter
Would you now please seebe F.O.
agreement-
to our
serding a copy
This memo. Ao Sen D. Trench, wunder
CONFIDENTIAL
cover of a suitable draft?
Ans.
20/8