*
2
Sir J. Johnston
SECRET
(Covering TOP SECRET)
Mr. Carter.
251
251
Flag D
re-
KR. ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS
In Hong Kong telegram No. 466 of 7 June Lord Shepherd
reported that the Governor of Hong Kong would be sending a
full/appraisal of the problem of Mr. Grey and the convicted
newsworkers, to reach London before. Lord Shepherd's return.
This re-appraisel has now been received (Hong Kong telegram
No. 478 of 13 June).
826) FCC3/CRECOMMENDATION
TS
2.
Subject always to such observations as Lord Shepherd
may have on his return, I recommend that the Governor should
thereafter be informed that, as we now see it, the least
unsatisfactory course is probably to have the newsworkers
complete their sentences in September/October, in the
reasonably confident expectation that Mr. Grey will be
released immediately thereafter. Hong Kong Department concur.
BACKGROUND
3. The Governor makes the following points:-
(a) Any concession not directly connected with the eleven
newsworkers would be irrelevant to the solution of the
Grey case.
(b)
K271
PA & HKKI/IL ANG
on
26.6.69
If anything is to be done there are only two possibilities:
(1) to release the eleven newsworkers as an open
political gesture (course A); Or
(ii) to find a cover story for remission of their
sentences (course B).
SECRET
(Covering TOP SECRET)
1
RECEIVED IN
REGISTRY No.51
20JUN 1969
HKKI/i