SECRET
250
Mr Murray
Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters
I agree generally with the conclusions in your minute of
11 June in respect of the implications for the Grey case of a
bargain with the Russians over Brooke, though I think our chief
defence if we come under pressure over the Grey case must be based
on the considerations of security and public confidence in
Hong Kong. I would not for example be very anxious to draw the
distinction that Mr. Brooke faces the prospect of a new and
longer prison sentence, which might suggest to the Chinese that
if they chose to invent a charge against Mr. Grey they could
twist our arm more effectively.
For the moment, however, a final decision has not yet been
taken whether or not to accept the latest Soviet proposal about
the Brooke case, and until this is done we can make no firm
plans for handling any repercussions over Grey.
The only thing that is clear is that, come what may, it is
quite impracticable, given the views of the Governor, to
contemplate that the Grey case could be disposed of by 1 July.
I understood from you this afternoon that the Governor's
promised assessment is now in and that you are making the
necessary preparations to review the whole matter with
Lord Shepherd on his return on 19 June.
LANT
REF.
248
NEXT
REF.
Copy to:
Private Secretary Mr. Baker
Miss Deas
Sir T. Brimelow
Sir Galsworthy ha Giffard
In barter
SECRET
JB&rhnston
(J.B. JOHNSTON)
13.6.69.
Kelly PA.
in
ANG
Ник
16.6.49
1/12
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY No.51 17 JUN 1969
14KK 1/12