action he is taking to secure the release from house deleation of
Anthony Grey, Reuter's correspondent in Peking; and if he will make a
statement.
Mr. William Rodgers: Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest on 23rd
July, No one has been permitted to visit him and since 18th August all
communication with him by telephone has been cut off. However I have no
reason to believe that he has been harmed physically.
Mr. Gordon Walker: Final decisions about our national libraries,
including the British Museum Library, must await the Repeated attempts
have been made both recommendations of the Dainton Com- in London and in
Peking to secure con- mittee, which will be based on a study of sular
access and to discover what charges, users' needs. Reports that it is
the Gov- if any, have been made against Mr. Grey, ernment's aim to break
up the collec- I regret to say that these have all so tions are entirely
without foundation. far been unsuccessful.
#Q 10
I
T
I
YED IN
25DL?
FCB/13.
Mr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
CONFIDENTIAL
@
Flag A
We have been given very short notice of this question.
It is the first Parliamentary Question about Mr. Grey.
2. In November there were two enquiries from Members of
Parliament (Mr. Judd and Mr. Lipton) about Mr. Grey. In
answer to both of these questions it was said that Reuters
and ourselves shared the view that publicity about Mr. Grey's
case could only do harm at present.
Both of the M.P's con-
cerned appear to have accepted this argument.
3. Mr. Chipp of Reuters told me yesterday that there was a
certain amount of advocacy inside Reuters for publicity. He was holding
out against since he continued to think that
publicity would not help Mr. Grey.
4. When we discussed the question with Mr. Rodgers this
morning, the consensus of opinion was against a press campaign.
But I think The P.2. means that some publicity is inevitable.
on this occasion at any rate
that we should keep our own public comment in fairly muted tems. I am
trying to get in touch with Mr. Chipp personally
to find out how Reuters now propose to handle matters.
But
in the meantime News Department, with whom we have cleared
the draft reply, are informing Reuters about the P.Q.
5.
The facts about Mr. Grey are contained in the draft reply. In addition
to representations to the Chinese made here and in
/Peking
CONFIDENTIAL
(10207) 04.391413 3m 10/67 G.W.B.Lad. Gp.363
PC-13/13
105
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
NON
for FORAL answer on
FED
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your
Under-Secretary by
5nm rovary,
Uk Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey): To ask the
Gecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action he is taking to
secure the release from house detention of Anthony Grey, Reuters'
correspondent in Peking; and if he will ́make a statement.
20 December, 1967.
Dr. Liman lew
~
Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest on 23 July. No one has been
permitted to visit him and since 18 August all communication with him by
telephone has been cut off. However I have reason to believe that he is
stili confined
to his own house; and I have no reason to believe that he
has been harmed physically.
Repeated attempts have been made both in London and
in Peking to secure consular access and to discover what
charges, if any, have been made against Er. Grey. I regret
to say that these have all so far been unsuccessful.
CONFIDENTIAL
Flag B
Flag C
Peking, we know that the Pakistanis have been approached
to use their influence by means of a personal letter from
Mrs. Grey. There was an abortive attempt by Reuters'
Deputy-Manager, Mr. Chipp, to discuss the case with Bank
of China officials in Hong Kong • The interview was called
off at the last moment by the Chinese.
4.
Although no access has been allowed to Mr. Grey since
he was placed under house arrest, Peking have told us that a
parcel of pre-Christmas goods from the Mission was delivered
by the Chinese. During the course of the discussions about
this, the Chinese made it clear that Mr. Grey was still in
his house and attended by his Chinese servants.
вати глину. Munay
James
(James Murray)
19 December, 1967
+
Part? Fin
Akithuison.
19/v11.
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
Angest of New China News Agency (N.
Hong Kong
1. The Chinese have said that Mr. Grey was placed under
house arrest in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment
in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency reporter, Mr. Hsueh
P'ing. Hsueh was sentenced to two years imprisonment after
involvement in anti-police riots. Although the N.C.N.A. is
owned and managed by the Chinese Government, Hsueh P'ing is
not in fact a Chinese citizen. There is no true comparison
between the two cases, since so far as I am aware no charges
of any sort have been made against Mr. Grey.
What future action is intended
2. I can assure the House that every effort will continue
to be made to secure Mr. Grey's release both by direct official
representations and through intermediaries.
HOUSE
OF
COMMONS
From Frank Judd, M.P.
30th November, 1967
Rodgers Esq., M.P., arliamentary Under Secretary,
Foreign Office, S.W.1.
Recd. 1/12.
FED. 67%
Der Bill
Thank you very much for your letter of 28th November about Mr. Anthony
Grey. information you give is most helpful.
The
RECEIVE ARCHI
*367
F•13/13
f.a.la.
PRESS.
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
28 November, 1967.
6
Thank you for your letter of 16 November about Mr. Anthony Grey, the
Reuter Correspondent in Peking,
Mr. Gray was placed under house arrest by the Chinese on 25 July
allegedly in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment, in Hong Kong
of a New China News Agency reporter called Hsueh Pring. Hsuch was
sentenced to two years' imprisonment after involvement in anti-police
riots. Although the N.C.N.A. 18 owned and managed by the Chinese
Goverment, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a Chinese citizen.
On 18 August, all communication with Mr. Gray by telephone was cut off
by the Chinese. Although it has not been possible to see or make contact
with Mr. Grey since then, we believe that he is still in his own house,
unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly requested consular access to Mr.
Gray. Representations have also been sede in London. So far these have
proved ineffective. The Chinese have not charged Mr. Grey with any
offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China which resulted in the
impoɛition of very severe restrictions on the movement of members of our
Mission in Paking and made access to the Chinese authorities even more
difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited our efforts on Mr.
Gray's behalf. are now sins, however, that the Cultural Revolution în
China is passing into a calmer phase and that a in greater degree of
moderation and discipline is being Imposed. This, together with our
decision to ease
Frank Judd, Raq., M.P.,
House of Commons.
ре
/travel
There
そ
2
travel restrictions on the Chinese Mission in London, will we hope
oreate an atmosphere in which some progress can be made towards securing
Mr. Grey's release. You may be assured that we shall take the fullest
advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime Reuters consider and we share their view that publicity
might merely result in life being made more disagreeable for Mr. Brey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother, and have tried to reassure her
that we are doing everything possible to ensure his early release.
William Rodgers
(1435) D4033274 300m 10/66 G.W.B.Lad. Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DRAFT
Letter
Top Secret. Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified,
Staff in Confidence.
To:
F. Judd Esq., K.P.,
House of Commons.
1
Type 1 +
-+-
From
Mr. Rodgers
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
your
Thank you for/tter of 16 November
about Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter correspond-
ent in Peking
Mr. Gey was placed under house arrest
by the Chinese on 23 July allegedly in retal-
iation for the arrest and imprisonment in
Hong Kong of a New China News Agency reporter
Called Hsueh P'ing. Hsuch was sentenced to
two years' imprisonment after involvement
in anti- police riots. Although the N.C.N.A.
is owned and managed by the Chinese Govern-
ment, Haueh Ping is not in fact a Chinese
citizen.
On 18 August all communication with
Mr. Grey by telephone was cut off by the
Although it has not been possible
Chinese.
to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since
then, we believe that he is still in his own
house, unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly
requested consular access to Mr. Grey.
Representations have also been made in London.
The
So far these have proved ineffective.
Chinese have not charged Mr. Grey with any
/offence.
E
offence.
The deterioration in our relations with
China which has resulted in the imposition
of very severe restrictions on the movement
of members of our Mission in Peking and made
access to the Chinese authorities even more
difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited
our efforts on Mr. Grey's behalf. There are
now signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution
in China is passing into a calmer phase and
that a greater degree of moderation and
discipline is being imposed. This we hope,
will create an atmosphere in which some
progress can be made towards securing Mr. Greys
release. You may be assured that we shall
take the fullest advantage possible of any
openings.
In the meantime, Reuters harm considered
view-
and we strongly share their assessment
that publicity on our gert might merely result
in life being made more disagreeable for
Mr. Grey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother,
and have tried to reassure her that we are
doing everything that is possible to ensure
his early release.
together with our
decision to burger
EASY
kravu restricting on the Chin I Missim in Lonin? will
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Flag A
Flag B
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED IN
CARU. NIVES No.31
JONOV 1967
FC13/13.
5
Mr. de la Mare 22/4
Mr. Samuel
VR23.116)
1
Mr. Judd'a Letter about
Anthony Grev
I attach a draft reply. This is identical to the
18/identice
reply sent on 10 November to a similar enquiry from
Mr. Marcus Lipton.
2. It is certainly strange we should receive two letters
from M.P's about Mr. Grey in such quick succession.
I think
the reason may be that someone in Reuters has been talking
to M.P's. Even though we know that Reuters want no publicity
about this case, the M.P's concerned may have felt obliged
to inform themselves of the details.
3.
Peking telegram No. 255 reports an initiative by Reuters
with the Pakistanis. The Pakistan Ambassador in Peking has
suggested that he should intervene informally with the Chinese
ostensibly at the instance of Mrs. Grey. We have been asked
to put this to Reuters. News Department are getting in touch
with Reuters diplomatic correspondent to find out their views
and to discuss further action, including the advisability of
publicity at some later stage. I will let you know the out-
come and we can then consider whether the Managing Director
of Reuters, Mr. Gerald Long, who is shortly to visit Hong
Kong, should be seen at a higher level. In the reply to
Mr. Judd, I think we should continue to confine ourselves
/to the
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
2
to the general statement in paragraph 5 of the draft.
Jon Denson
(J. B. Denson) 22 November, 1967.
Copy to: Mr. H. Whyte, News Department.
RESTRICTED
SE OF
NS
COMMON
From Frank Judd, M.P.
16th November, 1967
lian Rodgers Esq., M.P.,
Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
Der Bill
Rec. and Ack. 17.11. FE.. Department for draic grafy please.
30NOV 1967
FC13/13
-I understand that Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuters correspondent in
Peking, has been under housearrest since the end of July.
I wonder whether you could possibly let me have some information about
the latest position.
心
Ent
ん
le getting a wate
ん
Gutin?
1
E13/13.
चिय
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
Jail faile
--51218
3
10 November, 1967.
ра
Thank you for your letter of 3 Nɔvember about Mr. Anthony" Gray, the
Reuter Carrespondent in Peking.
Mr. Gray was placed under house arrest by the Chinese on 2 July
allegedly in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of
a New China
Hsueh was News Agency reporter called Hsueh Ping. sentenced to two
years' imprisonment after involvement in anti-police riots. Although the
N.C.N.A. is owned and managed by the Chinese Government, Hsueh P'ing is
not in fact a Chinese citizen.
On 18 August all communication with Mr. Gray
by telephone was cut off by the Chinese. Although it has not been
possible to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since then, we bыlieve
that he is still in his own house, imharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly requested consular access to Mr.
Gray. Representations have also been made in London. So far these have
proved ineffective. The Chinese have not charged Mr. Gray with any
offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China which has resulted in the
imposition of very severe restrictions on the moɔvésent, of members of
our Mission in Peking and made access to the Chinese authorities even
more difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited our efforts on Mr.
Gray's behalf. now signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution in China
is passing into a calmer phase and that a greater degree of moderation
and discipline is being imposed.
There are
/This
Marcus Lipton, Esq., C.B.E., J.P., M.P.,
House of Commons.
30
2
This, we hope, will create an atmosphere in which some progress can be
made towards securing Mr. Grey's release. You may be assured that we
shall take the fullest advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime, Reuters have considered and we strongly share their
assessment. that publicity on our part might merely result in life being
made more disagreeable for Mr. Grey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother, and have tried to reassure her
that we are doing everything that is possible to ensure his early
release.
+
William Rodgers
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Registry No.
Frx 3/13 Fxx3
Insert Telephone No. & Ext. when appropriate.
3
Top Secret. Secret.
Confidential. Restricted. Open.
Draft. Latter
to
Marcus Lipton,
Lipton
Esq., C.B.E.,
M.P.
from
Kr. Rodgers
Thank you for your letter of 3 November
about Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter corres-
pondent in Peking.
Nr. Grey was placed under house arrest
by the Chinese 6 23 July allegedly in
retaliation or the arrest and imprisonment
in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency
reporter called Hsueh P'ing. Hsueh was
sentenced to two yeare imprisonment after
ipvolvement in anti-police riots. Although
the N.C.N.A. is owned and managed by the Chinese
Government, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a
Chinese citizen.
On 18 August all communication with
kr. Grey by telephone was cut off by the
Chinese. Although it has not been possible
to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since then,
we believe that he is still in his own house,
unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly
requested consular access to Mr. Grey. Repre-
Bentations have also been made in London. So
far these have proved ineffective.
The Chinese
have not charged Er. Gray with any offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China
which has resulted in the imposition of very
severe restrictions on the movement of members
of our Kission in Peking and made access to
the Chinese authorities even more difficult
1
/than
J
I
than usual has of necessity inhibited our
efforts on Kr. Grey's behalf. There are now
signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution
in China is passing into a calmer phase and
that a greater degree of moderation and
discipline is being imposed. This, we hope,
will create an atmosphere in which some progress
4
can be made towards securing Kr. Grey's release.
You may be assured that we shall take the
fullest advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime, Reuters have considered
Stain
and we shar and we share their assessment that publicity
on our part might merely result in life being
made more disagreeable for Kr. Grey.
I have myself seen Er. Grey's mother, and
have tried to reassure her that we are doing
everything that is possible to ensure his early
release.
!
I
I
:
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Fr. Samuel
RESTRICTED
Ri
RIVED IN
?
HIVES No. 3!
1ONOV 1967 j
F213/13
2.
"
Mr. Lipton's Letter : Kr. Anthony Grev
I attach a draft reply to Mr. Lipton's letter.
I have not included any reference to the fact that
the Chinese originally said that they would agree to consular
access to Grey only if access were granted to imprisoned
N.C.N.A. reporters in Hong Kong, but gave no further reply
Flag A when we said that access would be granted. Nor do I think
Ertret there is anything to be gained by speculating in the
reply about how the Grey problem might eventually be resolved.
Humay
(James Murray) 8 November, 1967
RESTRICTED
From Marcus Lipton CBE JP Me/
RECEIVED IN
House of Commons,
ARCHIVES No.31
London, S.W.1
1 ONOV 1967
3rd November 1967
Reed Fil
Exi
W.Rodgers, Esq, M.P Parliamentary Under Secretary
of State,
Foreign Office,
S.W.1
Dear Will,
16.11.
FE
Anthony Gray,
Reuter Correspondent, Peking
I should be glad if you will let me know what the position is regarding
the above named.
Yours sincerely,
hanhphen
Reply sent
See
p.a.
- 3
12
inle.