Mr P'ei would let him know whether he was in a position to
give us a reply from his Government.
9. Mr P'ei replied that he would first like to take up
some other points. The delegation from Hawker Siddley
would be going out to Peking to discuss the question of
aircraft. The delegation would include a technician from
Rolls Royce. He agreed that this would be a way of
improving commercial relations, though these naturally
depended on political relations. On the question of the
invitation to a Chinese Minister or Vice-Minister, the
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
/Chinese
CONFIDENTIAL
Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade had said to Mr Denson
during his interview that this proposal would be studied.
This was the case. He had not been given any news about
the proposal to raise the level of diplomatic representation.
As soon as he had a reply he would let the British
Government know. As for the place where these negotiations
should take place, this could be discussed further.
10.
Mr Royle said that he would also like Mr P'ei's help
on one particular point. He was frequently asked in the House
of Commons about the 4 British subjects who were still
believed to be detained in China. Mr Royle read out the
names and asked whether Mr P'ei had any news. He did not
wish to make an issue of this, but he would like to have
some information.
11. During the exchange which followed Mr P'ei said that he
was not clear about the details of their cases, but he was
sure that their cases would be examined and decided
according to Chinese law and on their individual merits.
12. Mr P'ei then raised the question of the repair of
the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires' residence. He said that the
building was very old and leaked water. During the subsequent
exchange on this point, Mr Royle reminded Mr P'ei that
there were strict rules about the conservation of old
property. If Mr P'ei would write to Mr Morgan giving the
precise action which he would like Mr Morgan to take, he
was sure that we would like to do all we could to help.
/Mr Morgan
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr Morgan confirmed that he had set out the position in
British law in a letter to Mr Ma and that we were now
awaiting a formal reply from Mr P'ei. Mr P'ei agreed to
let Mr Morgan have a formal reply and said that the question
could be discussed further at official level.
Far Eastern Department 24 February 1971
Copy to:-
Mr Logan
Mr Wilford
Sir S Tomlinson
Sir L Monson
Mr Laird Hong Kong Department Protocol and Conference Department Mr
Denson Peking
Mr Maddocks Hong Kong
(134992) DA. 737|15 750w 4/70 Hw.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential,
Restricted
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT Record of Conversation
To:-
IMA
Type 1 +
From
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
CALL ON MR ROYLE BY CHINESE CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES
AT 11 am ON 24 FEPRUARY 1971
Those present:-
Mr Anthony Royle MP
Mr J AL Morgan
Mr L V Appleyard
Pei Chien-fsang Chang En-chu
1. Mr Royle began by saying that he had
asked Mr Pei to come in order to pass on an
important piece of information.
As a result
of further study by the Hong Kong Prison Board
of Review, the Hong Kong Government had decided
to release 2 prisoners serving sentences for
offences committed in 1967 and 1968. The releases
would take place on 25 February. In addition
one more/prisoner would be released in May.
2. Mr Royle went on to say that he wished to
emphasise that all those 25 would be released
in addition to the steady rate of releases with
full remission, which had been taking place
over the last three years.
Mr Royle said that this action by the
Hong Kong Government was welcome to the British
Government. It stemmed from the normal humane
CONFIDENTIAL
-1-
/ procedures
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
WBL 51-7406
CONFIDENTIAL
procedures of the Hong Kong Government
in dealing with prisoners, He was sure Mr
Fei would agree that this action by the Hong
Kong Government would help to remove some of
the impediments to the further improvement
of Sino-British relatione.
4. Mr Royle said that Sir Alec Douglas-
Home and Mr Royle's other Ministerial
colleagues had stated many times that they
welcomed the improvement which had taken place
in Sino-British relations over the past year.
This had required efforts by both sides, Не
had noted the invitation issued to the
Hawker Siddley delegation to go to Peking
early next month.
This was clearly greatly
appreciated. We hoped that the visit would
show positive results. When Mr Denson
had seen the new Minister of Foreign Trade
on 5 February he had outlined a whole series
ideas
of side for improving commercial relations.
These had included an invitation of a
Chinese Minister or Vice-Minister to lead a
trade delegation to this country. He hoped
that the Chinese Government would find it
possible to accept the invitation. We looked
forward to receiving the delegation.
5.
Mr Fei said that he welcomed the
information which Mr Royle had given him about
the 25 patriotic compatriots in Hong Kong
who were to be released. There were still
in all over 70 patriotic compatriots imprisoned
in Hong Kong. The Chinese Government hoped
CONFIDENTIAL
-2--
/ that they
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
WELL SE-7400
CONFIDENTIAL
that they would be released rapidly so as to
remove a serious obstacle to a further
improvement in relations.
Nevertheless he
welcomed this action. Even after the 25
patriotic compatriota had been released, this
would still leave over 40. He hoped the
British Government would quickly release all
of them.
6. Mr Royle said that all the prisoners in
Hong Kong had been convicted in open court← They had committed crimes
but They had been
allowed to defend themselves according to the
due procese of law. The British Government
did not decide upon the releases.
done by the Hong Kong Government.
remain in the hands of the Hong Keny
Government and the Beard of Review, The
to the hopemori
This was
This must
Board of Review met and made recommendations
and the decision must remain their responsibilit
7.
Mr Pei said that, as Mr Royle knew,
the question of the guilt of prisoners was in
dispute. The Chinese considered that the
patriotic compatriote had not broken the
law. They were not guilty of offences and
therefore they had been unreasonably imprisoned.
Nevertheless, he would agree with Mr Royle
that the release of the 25 patriotic
compatriots would remove an impediment the
further improvement of relations. He would
report Mr Royle's message to his Government.
Royle went on to say that when he had seen
Mr Fei on 15 January he had formally proposed
an exchange of Ambassadors. Mr Pei had under-
taken to pass on the proposal to his
/Government
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3-
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
WIBIL 51-7406
CONFIDENTIAL
Government. It had been agreed that
discussions would take place in London. He
would be grateful if "r Pei would let him
know whether he was in a position to give ug
a reply from his Government.
Mr Fei replied that he would first like
to take up some other points. The delegation
from Hawker Siddley would be going out to
Peking to discuss the question of aircraft.
The delegation would include a technician
from Rolls Royce. He agreed that this would be
a way of improving commercial relations,
though these naturally depended on political
relatione.
On the question of the invitation
to a Chinese Minister or Vice Minister, the
Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade had said to
Mr Denson during his interview that this
proposal would be studied. This was the case.
He had not been given any news about the
proposal to raise the level of diplomatic
representation. As soon as he had a reply
he would let the British Government know.
As for the place where these negotiations
should take place, this could be discussed
further.
10. Mr Royle said that he would also like
Mr Phi's help on one particular point. He
was frequently asked in the House of Commons
about the 4 British subjects who were still
believed to be detained in China. Mr Royle
read out the names and asked whether Er Pai
had any news. Ho did not wish to make an
/ issue of
4 CONFIDENTIAL
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
WIDIL SI-206
CONFIDENTIAL
issue of this, but he would like to have
some information.
18. During the exchange which followed
Mr Fei said that he was not clear about the
details of their cases, but he was sure that
their cases would be examined and decided
according to Chinese law and on their
individual merits.
12.
Mr Pei then raised the question of the
repair of the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires'
residence.
He said that the building was very
old and leaked water. During the subsequent
exchange on this point, Mr Royle reminded
Mr Pai that there were strict rules about
the conservation of old property. If "'r Péi
would write to Mr Morgan giving the precise
action which he would like Mr Morgan to take,
he was sure that we would like to do all we
could to help. Mr Morgan confirmed that he
had set out the position in British
Ma
law in a letter to Mr P and that we were
now awaiting a formal regly from Mr Pei.
Mr Fei agreed to let Mr Morgan have a formal
reply and said that the question could be
discussed further at official level.
Mr. Ligan
Mr. Wilford Sirs Tumblrison
Sir LiMauron
Mr. Laina itt Depr.
Far Ealiem Department.
24 Kohmany 157).
Dept..
Dear Portrol and lowference
Ar. Denton Pening Jair. Maddouice Hong Kong
CONFIDENTIAL
- 5 -
FRICRITY
CY HER CAT A
FA HONG KONG 2578372
CONFIDENTIAL
+
'CONFIDENTIAL
TOP COP
22
TO PRIORITY F.C.C. TELNC. 129 OF 25 FEBRUARY 1971.
KLRITY INFC PEKING
Y UP TELEGRAM NC. -144 TO ME.
UNFRONTATION PRISONERS.
37
5; 1.
But were no
+
THE NUMBER OF CONFRONTATION PRISONERS HELD AT THE END OF 197) WAS ' 74.
THIS FIGURE WAS CORRECTLY CITED BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN
PEKING (PEKING TELEGRAM NO. 843 OF 1973 TO YOU), AND BY LOCAL COMMUNISTS
IN THEIR LETTER TO THE CULCHIAL SECRETARY OF 29TH
DECEMBER. THERE IS, HOWEVER, REASON TO DOUBT THAT THE COMMUNISTS
HAD AN ACCURATE INDEPENDENT LIST OF NAMES OF THEIR ON AND THEY
FR.3:BLY TOOK THE FIGURE OF 74 FROM GLEANINGS HERE OR IN LONDON,
2.
ALL 41 NAMES ENCLOSED WITH THE COMMUNISTS' LETTER "F 29TH
TECEMBER TALLY WITH THE DETAILS OF CONFRONTATION PRISONERS IN THE
LIST OF 74 WHICH THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT PREI ARED FOR ME IN
MID-DECEMBER.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE CERTAIN THAT. THE REMAINING 33 NAMES ARE THE SAME
IN THE COMMUNISTS' RECORDS AS IN OURS, SOME
D UBT ARISES BECAUSE 5 OR 6 OF THOSE ON OUR LIST CANNOT BE TRACED -
AMONG THE 95 NAMES WHICH WERE PUT TO THE MISSION IN FEKING IN JULY
197%. (DAVIES'S LETTER 31/6 OF 5 AUGUST TO ROBERTS).
3. IT IS THEREFORE POSSIBLE THAT THE CHINESE ARE WORKING FROM A
LIST OF CONFRONTATION PRISONERS THAT IS NOT ENTIRELY ACCURATE, AND THAT
THEY COULD BECOME AWARE OF THIS DURING THE FORTHCOMING
RELEASES.
4.
GIVEN THE DEPENDENCE OF THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS ON SECOND-HAND
INFORMATION FROM PRISON VISITS ETC., AND THE PREVALENCE OF ALIASES
INNOCENT OR OTHERWISE AMONG THE CONFRONTATION PRISONERS A DISCREPAN -
CY OF ABOUT HALF A DOZEN NAMES IS NOT SURPRISING, IT SEEMS
UNLIKELY TO CAUSE US EMBARRASSMENT AS THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS WILL BE
UNWILLING TO ADMIT, EVEN IMPLICITLY THAT THEIR LISTS WERE WRONG,
CR TO DRAV ATTENTION TO WHAT MIGHT DE REGARDED AS A FAILURE TO KEEP
TRACK OF THEIR OWN.
CONFIDENTIAL
/5. THE
+
CONFIDENTIAL
5.
. THE RELEASE OF ONE YOUNG PRISONER ON 3RD FEBRUARY REDUCED THE NUMBER
TO 73. A LIST OF THE 49 CONFRONTATION PRISONERS WHO KILL STILL BE HELD
AFTER 25TH FEBRUARY FOLLOWS BY BAG.
TRENCH
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
PED
HKD
NEWS D
- 2 -
+
+
-
+
4
1
L
I
IMMEDIATE
CYPHER CAT 'A'
RM FCO 2415307
CONFIDENTIAL
+
CONFIDENTIAL
J
:
(FE) &
TO IMMEDIATE PEKING TELNO 94 OF 24 FEB 71 INFO IMMEDIATE HONGKONG YOUR
TELEGRAM NO 154: CONFRONTATION PRISONERS
મર્ક
1. MR ROYLE SUMMONED P'EI ON 24 FEBRUARY P'EI WELCOMED THE RELEASES AND
SAID THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HOPED
IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
FROM MR ROYLE, HE SAID THAT HE COULD NOT YET GIVE US A REPLY TO OUR
PROPOSAL TO EXCHANGE AMBASSADORS NOR TO OUR INVITATION TO
SEND A TRADE DELEGATION HEADED BY A MINISTER OR VICE-MINISTER, MR ROYLE
ALSO MENTIONED THE 4 DETAINED BRITISH SUBJECTS, BUT P'EI HAD NO FURTHER
INFORMATION.
2. NEWS DEPARTMENT WILL SAY ON THE RECORD THAT THE CALL WAS AT MR
ROYLE'S REQUEST TO CARRY FORWARD THE DISCUSSION WHICH TOOK PLACE WHEN MR
PEI MADE HIS COURTESY CALL ON MR ROYLE ON 15 JANUARY. THE CONTENT OF THE
DISCUSSION IS CONFIDENTIAL. IF ASKED WHETHER LAOS WAS DISCUSSED, NEWS
DEPARTMENT WILL SAY
UNATTRIBUTABLY THAT IT WAS NOT.
DOUGLAS-HOME
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
FED
HKD
PUSD
NEWEARCH D (FE SEC)
CONFIDENTIAL
है
M
で
44. 8
49
200th
**
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
Fださ
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secrec
Secret
Confidential
Restricted
Unclassifed
2415302
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
PRIORITY MARKINGS (Date)
Flash
Immediac
Routine
Despatched
Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressco(s).
--‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒
CYPHE
MEDIATE.
2415382.
[Se
Security classification
if any
En Clair.
[
Privacy marking
if any
1
TH
Códe
Cypher
Draft Telegram to:---
Fekipe
(6.
94 (Date) 24/~
And to:-
[Codeword-if any]
Addressed to
telegram No... --
And to
14
(date)
umumil
ILLLOLJI‒‒TILL‒‒J -‒‒M
repeated for information to INDEBATE TO Horia KONG
Saving to.......
FOUR TELEGRAM NO 154: CONFRONTATION, PRISONERS
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGHE
KATA KATA
Repeat_to:- INNEBATE
HONE
Hong Joon
1. Mr Royle summoned Plei
Plei welcomed
the releases and said that the Chinese Government hoped
the remainder would be released quickly.
In réponse
on 24 rebus or
Saving to:-
*
Distribution:-
Departmental
FED
HKD
PUSD
to questions from "r Royle, he said that he could not
yet give us a reply to our proposal to exchange
Ambasandor nor to our invitation to send a trade
Mr
delegation hende; by a Minister or Vice-Minister.
mantimed Royle also,
the amines the 4 detained British
subjects, but "'ei had no further information.
2. News Department will say on the record that the
jcall wan at ir Royle's request to carry forward the News Department
discussion which took place when Mr Pei made his
Sir Monson
Copies to:-
Dell
2418102
180/27/2012~
courtesy call on Mr Royle on 15 January. The content
of the discussion is confidential.
If asked whether
nos mio discussed, a Department will any
june-hibutebly that it was not,
IM
24,2
24th February 1971
Mr. Peter B1-ker (Blackpool, South): To ask the secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the arrangements in Hong Kong
for the roview of sentences of long-term prisoners.
NO. 88W
MR. ANTHONY ROYLE
It is normal for the sentences of all long-term prisoners in Hong Kong
to be reviewed regularly by the Prison Board of Review which makes
recommendations to the Governor. The Frisoner's state of health and
conduct in prison and the circumstances of his offence are all taken
into account during this review together with any other relevant
factors. At a recent meeting, for example, the Board recommended that
the varying sentences passed on a number of prisoners for comparable
offences should be brought into line. a result some 24 prisoners are
being released on the 25th of February in accordance with the Governor's
instructions.
As
24th February 1971
•
To
Lir. Peter 31sker (Blackpool, South): ask the Decrotary of State for
Foreign and Jommonwealth Affeirs what er the arrangements in Hong Kong
for the roview of sentences of long-term prisoners.
NO. 88W
MR. ANTHONY ROYLE
It is normal for the sentences of all long-term prisoners in Hong Kong
to be reviewed regularly by the Prison Board of Review which makes
recommendations to the Governor. The Prisoner's state of wwalth and
conduct in prison and the circumstances of his offence are all taken
into account during this review together with any other relevant
factors. At a recent meeting, for example, the Board recommended that
the varying senterces passed on a number of prisoners for comparable
offences should be brought into line. a result some 24 prisoners are
being released on the 25th of February in accordance with the Governor's
instructions.
As
F
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
WRITTEN
for fix answer on...
24
February 1971
(7089). THEDI2852 Jm 2/47 Q-WBLA. Gp863
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your
Under-Secretary by
ден
U Mr Peter Blaker (Blackpool, South): To ask the Secretary of
State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what are the
arrangements in Hong Kong for the review of
long-term prisoners.
sentences of