Mr. Moreton
Mr. Godden
CONFIDENTIAL
COVERING SECRET
ter. Center.
200
Mr. Exxomman K.271.
PA, on file
British Subjects Detained in China
24-44.
Flage A & B In view of Mr. Cradock'a telegrams Nos. 102 and 103 200/ε /; & ii
of 11 February reporting the more restrained tone of his
farewell interview with the Deputy-Director of Western
European Department, it is for consideration whether
Lord Shepherd should now continue the dialogue by summoning
the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires for a further discussion of
the cases of British subjects detained in China.
Recommendation
2. I recommend that Lord Shepherd should summon the Chinese
Chargé d'Affaires after Er. Denson has established himself
in Peking and payed his first official calls at the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
Background
3. It is true that the relaxed manner in which Mr. Cradock's
interview was conduoted is a change from the usual reception
accorded members of our Mission by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs although the Chinese might have been expected to
avoid polemics on this occasion. It is well to remember
that the atmosphere has been fairly relaxed on the last two
occasions the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires called at the F.C.0.
(October, 1968, and January 1969). Too much, therefore,
/should not
CONFIDENTIAL
COVERING SECRET