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had pointed out at meetings with Mr. Foley's predecessor Mr. Grey's freedom had been limited because the British authorities in Hong Kong had unreasonably arrested N.C.N.A. correspondents and other patriotic journalists. problem of Grey was inseparable from the question of Hong Kong. The other cases to which Mr. Foley had referred were under examination. He therefore had nothing to add.
The
5. Mr. Foley said he was glad that these matters could be
H.M.G. were anxious for a discussed in a considered manner. favourable development in relations with China and any steps the Chinese took to grant consular access to British subjects, in accordance with normal international practice, and to provide information on charges against them would be a
Mr. Shen P'ing said valuable sign of improving relations.
he noted that Mr. Foley had repeated the desire of H.M.G. to
The Chinese had maintain correct relations with China.
The British
heard similar statements on previous occasions. side had been eager to normalise relations and settle outstand- ing differences. But the acts of the British Government contradicted the words of Mr. Foley. Recently the British authorities in Hong Kong had unjustly deregistered the Chung Wah Middle School. This was a serious political provocation against Chinese patriotic establishments in Hong Kong and
It was a serious political against the staff of the School. act against the Chinese people and their patriotic countrymen in Hong Kong. The Chinese government expected deeds, not words. They hoped that the British Government would not simply pay lip service to an easing of relations and a settlement of differ-
For ences but would demonstrate their desire by real acts. their part the Chinese Government had shown self restraint over Hong Kong
Far Eastern Department
12 September, 1968.
c.c.
Peking Hong Kong
Washington
Polad Singapore
J.R.D.
I.R.D.
P.U.S.D.
Consular Department
Hong Kong Department (0.0.) ✓
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