Cypher/Cat A
PRIORITY
Telno 843
822
CONFIDENTIAL
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
12 September 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 843 of 12 September
Repeated for information to Hong Kong
August editions of Reference News (a Confidential Bulletin circulated to Cadres) gives considerable coverage to official and Press reactions in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong to release of members of this Mission particularly Sir Donald Hopson.
Special attention is given to:
(a)
(b)
Adverse publicity e.g. Peter's remarks
on his arrival in London and the "Times" and "Telegraph" leaders of 13 August which are described as
attacks on our country"; Grey is mentioned twice;
1:
Sis Donald's statements on importance
f maintaining relations with China, ind Foreign Office denial of intention o reduce Mission to a skeleton staff.
2. It is difficult to draw firm conclusions, but it seems from this that
(a)
(b)
the Chinese are sensitive probably
vulnerable to adverse publicity on treatment of this Mission, and British Subjects particularly Grey, and
They appear to be relieved that we do
not intend to reduce Mission drastically despite public pressure to do so.
Foreign office pass Hong Kong.
Mr. Cradock
[Repested as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
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CONFIDENTIAL
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