Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Telno 186 13 February 1968
ГОР СОР
COPY
ΓΟΡ
301
COFIDENTIAL
My immediately preceding telegram.
following Personal for Galsworthy.
Hw
I am afraid there is a further important factor which must not be overlooked. Public opinion here is sympathetic to Grey's plight, but there would be deep resentment if what was considered to be any substantial Hong Kong interest were sacrificed for him.
2. A second point is that unofficial members and the local Press, although sometimes a little watchful and suspicious, broadly still trust us in these matters and have not sought to probe into what we may or may not be up to in attempting to obtain an amelioration of his condition; although it is not difficult for them to guess that we are not simply acquiescing in his imprisonment. If we once did anything
in Grey's interests that was regarded as too much of a kowtow, the Press would seize upon it and it might thereafter become extremely difficult for me to operate without having to parry incessant demands for full and constant disclosure or what was being considered and discussed between London, Peking and here. While the Press could perhaps be held off, unofficial members might start to demand a say in these matters which could be extremely embarrassing and unhelpful in future manoeuvres over both Grey and the position of the Peking Mission.
3. This is not to say we cannot do something to help Grey, but whatever we do must be able to show either that it is a reasonably normal procedure and that we have not unduly bent to CPG demands (remembering that the smallest concession will be trumpeted by the Communist Press as a humbling of us) or that the move is in Hong Kong's interests (e.g. deportation). The concessions proposed for these prisoners come very close to the border line or what might be
acceptable to local opinion, and I should have to consider very carefully whether or not we unduly risk raising a storm if we make them.
4. I have not copied this to Peking but leave you to send an appropriate version there if you think it necessary.
Sir D. Trench
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.O. Hong Kong Dept.
News Dept.
F.O. F.E.D.
P.C.D.
Consular Dept. D.D. & P.U.S.D. J.I.R.D. News Dept.
D.S.A.0. Personnel Dept.
ADVANCE COPIES SENT:
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63]
13 FEB 1968
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