CO537-5116 — Page 187

This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on7

Cypher/OTP

3

POLITICAL SECRET) DISTRIBUTION

FROM NANKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Sir R. Stevenson

No.504

D.5.50 p.m. 25th April, 1949. R.7.20 p.m. 25th April, 1949.

25th April, 1949.

Repeated to Governor Hong Kong

IMMEDIATE

TOP SECRET

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No:504 of Aprio 25th repeated for information to Hong Kong

(2)

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 Press Agency and newspaper in Hong Kong. Amethyst and her crew are at present at the mercy of the Communists without whose agreement and permission they cannot be extricated and brought to a place of safety. We should if possible avoid any action likely to diminish 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 Hong Kong as my telegram No.113.

Copy sent to Colonial Office for repetition to Hong Kong./