COFP10TIAL
their individual cases (which by and large are not simple oases
of hostags-taking).
(8) British Subjects
This leada ne to refer to a major difficulty not touched
on by Yr. Ürstock, that is the danger of being seen to conclude
a deal with the Chinese regarding Br. Gray while doing nothing
for the other sritish subjects. The case of Er. Grey at least
hee the merit of simplicity: if we sacrifice our principles
(and take a serious political risk as well) and release the
news workere, it is likely that we shall get är. Grey. But
no such considerations apply in the case of the other British
subjects. They are in difficulties for a number of oeuses und
in rome cuaes almost certainly as a result of infringement
of Chinese laws and regulations. In most instances we bre
powerlere to help. If we do a deal for Nr. Grey we shall have
the utmost difficulty in explaining why we cannot similarly
help the other British subjects. ie shall undoubtedly face a
barrage of Parliamentary criticism for our failure to resolve
the cases of, 2.g. Fr. Watt, Er. Crouch and Sr. Berryseine, not
to mention the expatriste employees of the Chinese Governsent.
This is an aspect to which I shall revert in ay forthcoming
eubmission, in which I shall also set out formally my views on
the recommentation contained in paragraph 7 of Mr. Cradock's
telegram.
(Jazes Burray)
2 Jnutza 25
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