I
CONFIDENTIAL
(14 persons) to give them "the Thoughts of Mao". Similar
demands were made during the prolonged negotiations which
preceded the exchange of visits in April but they were later
dropped in the face of strong opposition from the Hong Kong
Government. It remains to be seen how seriously the Chinese
will press them on this occasion. It is possible that the
Chinese request marks a final attempt to extract the last ounce
of propaganda from the newspaper workers in Hong Kong before
releasing Grey. A visit at this stage is not incompatible with
a decision to release his although there are other ominous
features in this development. By demanding a visit to all 14
newspaper workers the Chinese are implying that Grey's fate
(whether for the purpose of a visit or release) is linked with
the group and not with any one individual. If it is not their
intention therefore to release Grey after 16 November they may
hope to divert unfavourable publicity by presenting the visit
to Grey as a soncession on their part for the release of Hsueh.
8. Reuters have already been informed of the possibility of
a visit to Grey subject to satisfactory arrangements being
agreed in Hong Kong. We have offered to transmit to Grey any
special messages from them or Grey's mother.
Background
The background to the case of Mr. Grey is given in our
note of 22 October.
9.
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C
Copies to: Sir J. Johnston
Mr. Carter (Hong Kong Dept.)
CONFIDENTIAL
(C. Wilson)
5 November, 1968.