SECRET
(593)
(e) When practicable, consideration should be given to "spoiling
operations" against one or more detainees prior to release.
FLAG C The Governor has indicated in Hong Kong telegram No. 802 that he
agrees broadly with these recommendations, but has made no commitment
as to the timing of releases.
5. The Governor has already begun to act on the recommendations by
releasing four detainees. The local Communist reaction has been mini-
mal, though in Paking the releases may well have been a factor in
inducing the authorities to shift their position on exit visas for the Miasion. Communist exploitation for propaganda purposes would
undoubtedly be greater if a significant number were released at once.
But as the Hong Kong Government is at present insa strong position
vis-à-vis the local Communists, now is probably as good a time as any
to make a concession, particularly se it is in response to an "act of PLAG D de-escalation" by the Chinese (see paragraph 4 of Peking telegram No. (740)
I see considerable force therefore in Sir D. Hopson's recom-
mondation in Peking telegram No. 698 that in the interests of restor-
ing as great a degree of nomality ss possible in relations with
China, we should make some significant response to the decision to
grent all cutstanding exit viens, provided that the Chinese honour
their undertaking fully. He suggests that ten to twenty detainees
should be released at once. The exact number must be for the Governor
to judge in accordance with the criteria set out in the recommend a-
tions of the Special Branch study; but in order to have a significant
impact, I think the number should be not less than ten.
FLAGA
699).
6. We have considered the point that by the release of detainess in
../ the way
SE
ECRST