concessions to the Russians about the Krogers, we
should necessarily follow this up by caving in to the
Chinese over the convicted newsworkers. Moreover,
there are important and relevant differences between
the Brocke and Grey cases which could be demonstrated,
some with the general public, others more selectively.
The Governor makes the point that the two cases carry very
different implications for the security of the territories
concerned. It may be helpful 12 I list the other respects
in which I see important differences.
(a)
(b)
What is envisaged in the case of Mr. Brooke is in effect
an exchange. The Chinese have throughout refused an
exchange in the case of Mr. Grey. Their terms are the
release of the newsworkers unconditionally in Hong Kong.
We shall in any case have in effect complied with these
terms in a matter of some thirteen weeks from 1 July.
Thus on the terms the Chinese have put to us, the end of
Mr. Grey's ordeal is in sight.
(o) The bargain over Mr. Brooke would involve the exchange
of convicted prisoners (albeit for offences of very
different seriousness).
In the case of Mr. Grey on the
other hand we should be releasing convicted prisoners in
exchange for someone who has been accused of no irregularity.
(a) The difference in numbers involved is important:
a married
couple for one in the case of Mr. Brooke; eleven for one
in the case of Mr. Grey.
SECRET
7.