:
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 748
44 AUGUST, 1968
าา
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 748 of 14 August. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
773
Hong Kong telegram No. 988.
739
Although original proposal in Peking telegram No. 698 was for release of a number of detainees (10-20) if all outstanding exit visas were issued, I hope we can consider grant of Sir D. Hopson's visa a sufficiently important step in that direction to warrant a response in itself, in the form of release of some detainees even while remaining applications are outstanding. (This would be over and above the two scheduled for release on 15 August). Such a move on our part (quite apart from its value in broader political context) should encourage grant of remaining visas, at which point a small group of detainees could be released. This would not affect size of the package, merely its presentation.
2. I hope we can take fairly flexible attitude on this. 756) telegram No. 1362 to Hong Kong envisaged the possibility of releases in instalments. The Chinese have taken a big step in the right direction. Let us encourage them to continue, particularly when Chung Wah issue may incline them to be difficult.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong.
. Cradock
Repeated as requested
Your
FILES
F.O.
F.E.D.
C.O.
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
Permanent Under Secretary
Sir D. Allen.
Hong Kong Department.
Sir A. Galsworthy.
D.S.A.0.
Sir C. Crowe
Personnel Department.
LAST
REF
773
REXT
REF
15200000
HWBA
on
to Mr Caster
8. 68. For 1x
19.
ANG
15.8.68
XXXXX
CONFIDENTIAL