754
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
FLASH PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 722 6 August, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 722 of 6 August Repeated for information to: Hong Kong..
My telegram No. 720.- 753)
This interview was re-assuring in respect that Kao confirmed Chinese promise to grant exit visas to those on the list and did not go back on it using Hong Kong as an excuse. Nevertheless it reinforces our suspicion that the Chinese may try to play things as long as possible. Kao refused to give any assurance about when visas would be issued or whether I would be allowed to leave on 10 August. He remarked that it was unreasonable to expect to receive visas on a date of our choosing [grp undec] was significant.
2. Nevertheless the fact remains that they did ask me to name my date. I think therefore there is a definite possibility that my exit visa will be issued in time for me to leave on 10 August. On reflection I have therefore come to the conclusion that it would be wise to defer Press statement suggested in my telegram No. 718 until after 10 August. If I get my visa it may no longer be necessary. If I do not, the statement will have that much more force.
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3. As regards diplomatic offensive, I suggest we should also be ready before I activate it if I do not receive a visa enabling me to go 10 August. I appreciate Foreign Governments may be reluctant to move but if we wait too long on the strength of Chinese promises we are in danger of playing games their way.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong.
Sir D. Hopson
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