TNAG-0029-FCO40-65-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 178

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CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat A

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

12 MAR 1968

Telno 178

9 March, 1968

Hiß 3/2

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No.178 of 9 March, Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

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My immediately preceding telegram.

In rebutting Lo's remarks on continuing persecution in Hong Kong I pointed out the prisoners enjoyed regular monthly visits by relatives and visits from employers and also referred to our agreement for special visits to be arranged to NCNA and "patriotic journalists" in prison on which no action had yet been taken by NCNA in Hong Kong. Lo admitted that there had been some easing of restrictions in plans to visits but claimed that from time to time there were still harassment periods. I again asked if any action was being taken on special visits pointing out Hsueh had said on 28 January that if special visits to NCNA and other journalists in Hong Kong prisons could be arranged Chinese Government would consider granting Consular access to Mr. Grey.

2. Lo said that NCNA in Hong Kong had been informed of our proposals but had not yet reported that satisfactory arrangements. had been made in Hong Kong for visits. The Chinese Government could agree to a visit to Grey only after they had had such reports.

30 I explained that as a result of my interview with Hsueh on 1 March we had clearly understood that NCNA would make contact with the Political Adviser Hong Kong to make necessary arrangements for visits. Lo admitted that he had received no reports from NCNA in Hong Kong and was therefore not in a position to make a reply but said that as long as Hong Kong authorities made suitable arrangements instead of raising objections then the Chinese Government "would certainly receive reports of arrangements."

4. In view of above I think that there would be no objection to Political Adviser stirring up NCNA in Hong Kong (your telegram No.427 to Hong Kong) if he has heard nothing from them by the end of this week. It is clear from Lo's remarks that the Chinese wish these arrangements to go through and it would be a pity to let them lapse through lack of momentum.

5. Similarly I think we should go ahead with deportation of film stars.

Sir D.Hopson

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