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release of these convicted prisoners.
Apart from the intrinsic
demerit of any such release, he argues that it would sap confidence in the Government of Hong Kong. Subject to any changes resulting from routine reviews there seems that there is nothing to be done except soldier on until 1974 by which time the bulk of the prisoners
will be free.
8. I am not at all happy at this prospect. It is true that the situation in Hong Kong has improved greatly since 1967 and that the Chinese Government seem to be doing their best to keep the temperature down. This is in their interest as much as in ours in that it enables them to benefit to the full economically from the prosperity of the Colony. But complete unwillingness on our part to make any gesture towards the Chinese could result in the detention for many more years of those whom the Chinese now hold, or they could take further hostages including possibly a diplomat or they could turn on the heat again in Hong Kong.
9. What then is there that we can, or should, do? I suggest that we should consider the following:
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(a) There are apparently a number of the convicted prisoners
whose physical condition is such that, in this country
(6)
at least, they would qualify for release on medical grounds. These cases should be looked at sympathetically and release should be ordered whenever this can be justified.
Not only would this save us from the embarrassment of prisoners dying in gaol (or hospital) when we are liable to propaganda attack, but also we could represent these cases to the Chinese as an earnest of our goodwill to try to solve this problem.
A further review of sentences may be justified in due course under Hong Kong procedure. In the conduct of such a review, which in view of the earlier review might bring little benefit if conducted on the same basis, is it reasonable that the Governor should be instructed to bear in mind particularly the principle of review of exemplary sentences (see attached Colonial Office despatch Flag B) There seems little doubt that in the heat of the disturbances sentences were, rightly, handed down which
/were
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