Col. Office with forms
[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on]
Cypher/UTP
PALITICAL (USURAT) DISTRIBUTION
FROM NANKING TU FORSIGN OFFIC
Sir R. Stevenson
Hie. 5J4
25th April, 1949.
D. 5.50 p.a. 25th April, 1949.
R. 7.20 p.m. 25th April, 1949.
Repeated to Governor Hong Kong
INUSUDIATE
TOP SECRAT
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 504 of April 25th repeated for information to Hong Kong
Hong Kong telegram No. 370[sic] to Secretary of state.
I should be reluctant to see the attack on amethyst used as a pretext or occasion for closing down the
Communist controlled Fress Agency and newspaper in Hong Kong. Amethyst and her crew are at present at the mercy of the Comsanists without whose agreement and permission they
i
can ot be extricated and brought to a place of safety. We should if possible avoid any action likely to giminish the chance of arranging a safe passage out.
2. From the wider point of view of His Majesty's Government's relations with the Chinese Communists, it is too early yet to see the extent to which the attack on Amethyst and its consequences may have affected the future. Until the situation is clearer, it would also, from this point of view be preferable to avoid any action likely to exacerbate relations.
Foreign office please pass to Governor llong Kong as my telegram No. 113.
[Copy sent to Colonial office for repetition to
Hong Kong.}
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