CRATEGY DONELINGON
10.30 4-11
Mr
•
Na will recall that when I last saw him, on
14 October, I informed him that the Hong Kong Government had Coolded to release Four prisoners on 16 October, a consider- able time before the normal completion of their sentences. These releases took place as scheduled,
2. Mr. Ma will also recall that I said that other cases
wore under consideration. I am now pleased to inform Mr. Me that the Hong Kong Covorament have decided to release a farther two priccners this Friday, 5 November. Their names
Their nasses are written down
are Yo
a T
on this piece of paper, together with the earliest dates for the normal completion of their contemure.
3. Mr. Ma will see that one of the prisoners
is being released two years and three months before the normal completion of his sentence, while the second prisoner io being released almost three years in advance, The
prisoners will be released on the grounds of illhealth. should like you to know that this action by the Hong Kong Government is most welcome to the British Government.
I
4. These further releases are another positive and serious
gea ture by the British and Hong Rong Governments to achieve better
relations. Since we last spoke, we have noted the release of
This was a timely and welcomo gosture. But thore
/is still
Mr. Crouch.
CONDITENTIAL