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their sentences.
No doubt the Chinese Government had noted
the steady rate of releases.
We hoped that they would
accept the new releases as a positive step in improving
relations.
3. Sir Stanley went on to say that Mr. Ma would be
aware of the serious concern in this country over the
continued detention of
four other British subjects
and 1.
and
n and the
n,
We very much hoped that the
releases in Hong Kong would be followed by the early
release of British subjects in China. The best possible
positive step in the direction of improving relations
would be the release of
and
4.
Sir Stanley said that we welcomed the assurances
given by the Chinese Government that they share our
desire to improve relations. We welcomed the introduction
of a parcel post service between Canton and Hong Kong.
Mr. Wilford and Mr. Morgan had been received in Peking
in a friendly fashion, and had had useful discussions
with senior Chinese officials. We hoped that the recent
Civil Aviation and Machine Tools Delegation had a
successful and useful visit.
5. Sir Stanley ended by saying that British and Hong
Kong Governments had made a number of practical gestures
towards better relations. The forthcoming releases were
an important new step. We hoped that the Chinese
Government would match our efforts by the early release
of British subjects detained in China.
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