TNAG-0028-FCO40-64-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 182

(e)

(4)

(9)

2.

The only measures against 1.C.N.A. in London

should therefore be the continued withholding-

of residence permits or possibly their renewal

for a month at a time.

The key to progress over Grey, as well as in

Gino British relations in general is a major

gesture of clemency in Hong Kong (your tele-

fram 70. 41),

In these circumstances any publicity or guid-

ance which had the effect of increasing pressur

for retaliatory measures should be avoided.

We agree ith (a). We see the force of (b)

(subject to the reservations below) though we are

not (report rot) convinced that the retention of

Members of N.J.N.A. as hostages would influence

Cinere calculations as those concerned suffer no

Ciaconfort in this country and their worst ultimate

fate would be expulsion. If however we accept your

reasoning in (b), that the Chinese are not to be

moved by threats to close N.C.N.A., it surely follows

that they will be even less concerned by the implied

Mureat of withholding rere.al of residence permits.

Since nort of their staff have been on tine-expired

permits for some months already, there would be no

sduitional threat in continuing this situation.

we now granted any of the permits (over for a neriod

of a month at a time), we would in fact be making a

e ncescion rotha than increasing pressure.

3. As regards (d) the Governor of Hong Kong has

#irendy expressed reserv tions a.out a major act of

clemency (Hong Kong telegram To. 50) and we hope

/soon

If

[Mag E]

[Flag F]

032717 E.W.& S., Ltd. 164m 3/67.

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