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We have therefore considered the possibility of sending an unofficial emissary from here but we could hardly get one there in less than three or four days (a visa would have to be obtained in Hong Kong). We are therefore asking the Governor in Hong Kong whether a prominent Chinese businessman in Hong Kong with good Taiwanese connections could be sent quickly to Taiwan to make the appropriate appeal to the Taiwanese authorities.
As a further step, the Prime Minister might send a personal message to the Prime Minister of Singapore, seeking his advice and help in bringing pressure to bear on the authorities in Taiwan. This could be done more rapidly, through our High Commissioner in Singapore. We believe that Mr Lee Kuan Yew has channels of access to the Taiwanese authorities which he might be prepared to use. I attach a draft message to Mr Lee Kuan Yew which the Prime Minister may wish to send, with a covering draft telegram.
The above would be in addition to the statement already cleared with you on the telephone which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office would propose to issue tonight, appealing to the Taiwanese to be helpful.
I am copying this letter to the Private Secretary to the Home Secretary.
Yours Stephen Gomersale.
Yours ever.
S J Gomersall
Private Secretary to the Lord Privy Seal
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