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in detention in Hong Kong.
This point was made in the form of
a rhetorical question "How can you expect
**
•
but the Chinese
spokesman did not suggest an exchange. He did, however,
suggest that Mr. Grey's detention conditions compared favourably
with those in Hong Kong, which suggestion was contested by
Kr. Claypole. The journalists hope to make similar approaches
to the Chinese in other places, particularly Ottawa and Paris.
1. It is not clear whether the member of the Chinese Niggion
was speaking off the cuff when he implied that the price for
Mr. Grey was the release of the 13 newsworkers in Hong Kong.
This has never been stated to us officially before although
the communist press in Hong Kong has made the point on several
occasions recently. It should be remembered however that the
latter have special reasons for keeping the price high.
wait to see whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peking
make the same point to Mr. Cradock when he is given an interview.
5. It is significant that the Chinese Mission were prepared
to be polite to the delegation. In the same connexion it is
also worth noting that whereas a telegram about Mr. Grey to
Chou Ea-191 from the International Federation of Journalists
in Brussels was returned undelivered, subsequent telegrams from
other journalist organisations are known to have been accepted
by the Chinese Post Office. This suggests a certain sensitivity
on the part of the Chinese towards recent publicity about
Mr. Grey, and a desire not to antagonise opinion further.
(Janee Kurray)
5 December, 1968.
Copies to: News Dept.
Hr. Carter
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