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2
b)
c)
6.
It was necessary to differentiate between the cases of British subjects detained in China. It was arguable that most of them had or might have done something which the Chinese could claim as justification for their action. The case of Grey was different: the Chinese had not alleged that he had committed any offence, and his detention was straight retaliation for the arrest of an N.C.N.A. correspondent in Hong Kong. The N.C.N.A. man was due for release on 16 November. We had some reason to believe that Grey might be released shortly; his release might well depend not so much on any action we might take in Hong Kong as on the outcome of a struggle for power between "moderate" and extremist elements in the Chinese Government. If, however, by mid-December (the N.C.N.A. man having been released) Grey was still in custody we should be faced with an extremely difficult situation. The first step might be once again to probe Chinese intentions to find out whether they had a price for his release. Mr. Stewart accepted that for the present we were pursuing the right course on Grey.
There remained differences of approach between our Mission in Peking and the Hong Kong authorities on the degree of conciliation that was appropriate in Hong Kong, in particular on the course to be pursued in relation to Mr. Grey. The Chargé d'Affaires would be visiting Hong Kong shortly on local leave. These differences could perhaps be lessened by frank discussion there. The Head of Far Eastern Department should visit Hong Kong to take part in the discussions
Mr. Stewart noted that the long-term study on Hong Kong was almost complete and would be presented to Ministers shortly.
Copies to:
Private Secretary Lord Shepherd P.U.S.
Sir D. Greenhill
Sir A. Galsworthy Sir J. Johnston
Mr. Moreton
Hong Kong Department Far Eastern Department
(James Murray)
30 October, 1968.
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