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are
and pressures have muted.
Having played their best
remaining bargaining card in releasing Mr. Johnston,
the Chinese may feel the need to resort to expressions
of popular concern. The Chinese hinted to us here
that they intended to demonstrate the indignation of
relatives in Hong Kong, and I see that this campaign
has now started. The Chinese have linked the
continued detention of confrontation prisoners with
British subjects detained in China.
recently also linked them with the future of branches
of British banks in Shanghai. They could conceivably
our extend their pressures and connect them with export
possibilities. If the Chinese see themselves forced
They have
to mount a full campaign for their release, tension
could increase disproportionately.
4. As you know, the Communists in Hong Kong are at
present avoiding clashes with your Government.
should be possible, within the ambit of Chinese
policy, to improve links in fields of advantage to us
/tt
In the longer term, it is only by maintaining
mactical
friendly and workmanlike contacts with the Chinese prooperiting
maritan'
175
that the future of the Colony can eventually be
discussed. I shall want to consider proposing to
the Chinese Ministerial visite, but, while substantial
numbers of confrontation prisoners remain, a
suggestion of a visit to Peking would certainly court
a-rebuff. 7
5. I should therefore be grateful if you would
consider substantial remissions of their sentences.
The Chinese timed Johnston's release for Christmas
Prounded it mere possible to
the
remore
obstacle of confrontation ривотво
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/it would be
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