CONFIDENTIAL
In
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of whetting the Chinese appetite for further concessions,
these are:
(a) Dy equating visits to Mr. Grey with visits to
more than the two N.C.N.A. journalists, we
make it likely that an exchange, if it can
be arranged, will have to be on the same basis.
This would not matter much if all the journalists
could be deported to China; but it would bo
unacceptable if the Chinose demanded instead
that they should be released in Hong Kong.
(b) We are conceding that the N.C.N.A. are in a
special relationship to members of other
organisations in Hong Kong (who may even be
British citizene); in the past they have acted
mainly as an intermediary for the Chinese Govern-
ment. This could be the thin edge of the wedge
and will need handling with care. We must ensuro
that the Governor retains the right to decide who
is properly in the category of those to whom visits
can be allowed.
10. Despite all the difficulties, I think we must try to use
visits in Hong Kong as a means of securing access to Mr. Gray.
This will mean persuading the Covernor to go a little further
than he has at present offered to do. Ho will have to be given
a chance to comment beforo a decision is finally mado. In the
attached tolegrans I have suggested a way in which the opera-
tion might be handled, providing that the Governor and Sir D.
Hopson agree.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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