Those prisoners will be released on the grounds of ill health.
ration.
I can also inform Mr. He that other cases are under conside-
This action by the Hong Kong Government is welcome
to the British Government co a further serious and positivo
gesture to bring better relations,
4. At the same time I must draw Mr. Ma's attention to the
grave concern throughout this country over the continued
detention in China of
ond
On and the four
other British subjects,
and I
Mr
It is the firm hope of the British Government
that the releases in Hong Kong will be followed by the early
release of British subjects detained in China. The release
of 1
would be the best possible stop
and 11
in the direction of better relations.
5. We welcome the assurances which the Chinese Government
have given us that they share our desire to improve relations.
We have noted the introduction of a parcel post service between
Canton and Hong Kong. We and the Hong Kong Government have
taken a series of important and practical gestures to secure
better relations. The forthcoming releases in llong Kong are
a major step in this direction. It is now up to the Chinese
Coveramont to match our efforts by the early release of
British subjects detained in China.
CONFIDENTIAL
2
/Defensive Notes