TNAG-0029-FCO40-65-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 209

CONFIDENTIAL

10. Whilst discussing Chinese internal affairs P'ang said that all revolutionary committees would be established by Al Kay and the 9th Party Congress would be held before the

end of 1968.

11.

i

The difficulties we have had in pinning down Bargmann to one firm version of his story confirm our doubts about his reliability as a reporter, which the Chargé expressed in his earlier letter. Moreover, whilst we have no reason to doubt Bargmann's goodwill towards us, he is a devious man who welcomes and indeed creates an opportunity to become an intermediary between two governments. Even if he reported correctly we cannot be sure that what Fei Ming and company said represents Peking policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs terms with regard to visas and to the exchange of Tony Grey seem to be although admittedly neither negotiation is yet corcluded significantly different

It is from those attributed to the Hong Kong communists. therefore quite possible that the other conditions quoted by Bargmann, e.g. in regard to the future use of Hong Kong by American forces, are equally out of line with Chinese Government policy.

I am copying this letter to John Denson in Far Eastern Department.

CONFIDENTIAL

(R. W. Whitney)