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still in custody by mid-December the situation would have to
be reviewed.
4.
The main events since then have been:-
5.
(a) Discussions were held in Hong Kong between the
Acting Governor, HM Chargé d'Affaires Peking and the
Head of Far Eastern Department which went a long way
towards reconciling differing view points.
(b) A further 18 detainees have been released leaving
only 16.
(c) At the initiative of the Chinese visits have been paid
to the 13 convicted Chinese news workers in Hong Kong
and a visit to Mr. Grey has taken place.
(a)
The report by Mr. Cradock on Mr. Grey's condition has
hit the world headlines. The publicity seems to have
embarrassed the Chinese.
(e) Mr. Cradock has on instructions protested against the
conditions of Mr. Grey's detention and urged his
release.
(f) Parliamentary and public interest has been aroused
about the remaining detainees in Hong Kong.
The conclusions which I hope will emerge from the
discussions are:-
(i) We should resist pressure to take retaliatory action
against Chinese in this country.
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