CONFIDENTIAL
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from the Chinese authorities, and
release or rescind the sentences.
All this would immediately be inter-
preted in Hong Kong as a sign of
weakness.
The local people would
lose faith in our determination to
resist, on their behalf, pressures
exerted on Hong Kong by the Chinese. (c) Consequences for other British zxkizz
subjects;
(1) The attempt to secure the
(11)
release of the news workers
by holding Mr. Grey is a
cynical case of the Chinese
attempting to obtain ransom.
If the Chinese are successful
in these tactics they will be
encouraged to try the same
methods towards other British
subjects in futuro.
(111) Apart from the Chinese, other
governments may also come do
the conclusion that they can
exert pressure on us by similar
methods. This could have
serious consequences for British
subjects and especially the
press in many countries.
Hopes for Mr. Crey's Release
4. What now are the proposals for Hr. Grey's
release?
Ten of the eleven news workers are in
any case due out with full remission in
September.
As you will have seen from Saturday s