CONFIDENTIAL-
Recent releases of a number of British
Subjects detained in China
We warmly welcome
the release of the
persons concerned. This is a step in the
right direction. We have made it clear on a
number of occasions that we would like to see
We
an improvement in Sino/British relations.
all
still do what we can to bring about this
improvement.
But there are still six other British
subjects detained in China. The refusal of
the Chinese authorities to give information
about them or to grant normal consular access
to them is a major obstacle in the way of
progress. We have no information about
whether they have even been brought to trial.
We continue to make regular represen-
to
tations on their behalf the Chinese Chargé
d'Affaires in London and in Peking to the
NAI
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The possibility
release,
of an extens of the remaining Communist
confrontation prisoners in Hong Kong for the
release of the remaining British subjects
detained in China sti @mains.
The Chinese have consistently taken the
line that in their view the British nationals
detained in China have offended against
and
Chinese laws and regulations,/that their cases
are being dealt with on their merits.
The
numbering today about prisoners in Hong Kong were convicted in open
court in accordance with the due process of
law. All are eligible for remission and are
allowed regular visits by relatives and friends.
-CONFIDENTIAL
/It is
exchange
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