TNAG-0027-FCO40-63-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 10

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is the inference in paragraph 3 that one way in which we might be able successfully to exert pressure on the Comunista is by taking firmer action against the pres0. A short-term point 1 that at present and as long as the prose pursues a non-violent line such action would be hard to justify publicly, (especially in the light of the fact that we refrained from action against the major papers when they were blatantly urging violence and sedition). But more fundamentally, the experience of the last six months has shown that interference with the press produces more violent reactions than anything else, from the moderate as well as the militants. Fersonally, I do not think that we can afford to take risks in this field except in the face of extreme provocation.

7.

I am sending copies of this letter to Wichael Milford and Reg Hibbert; and also to Bunny Carter in the Commonwealth office who did not receive Michael's letter under reference. I also enclose a spare copy in case you want to send it to Peking.

SECRET

(T.A.K. Elliott)