CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 903
30 September, 1968
857,
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 903 of 30 September. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
Bargmann, the West German Correspondent on his way through Hong Kong earlier this month had an informal Cep omitted) with local Communists including Poon. Asked about Grey, Poon drew a distinction between Grey and this Mission. The Mission situation had improved because it was connected with London/Peking relations. Grey's situation was linked with "atrocities in Hong Kong". When Bargmann referred to Hsueh P'ing's likely release in November and speculated whether this would secure Grey's release Poon replied this was a question which should be addressed to Foreign Ministry in Peking.
2. Poon also sought to create the impression that Communists were in high spirits over "victories" they had won in Hong Kong. Whereas some years ago if two or three Communists had gathered together in public they would have been instantly deported by British, now Hong Kong Communists enjoyed freedom of assembly and study. There are some interesting echos here of assurances to the Chinese on our statement of 13 April. It seems that Hong Kong Communists are playing back that statement in precisely the way that we had hoped.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong.
Mr. Cradock.
Repeated as requested/
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0. F.E.D.
•
Consular Department. News Department.
I.P.D.
Guidance Department. I.R.D.
C.O. H.K. Department.
News Department
XXXXX
CONFIDENTIAL