TNAG-0029-FCO40-65-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 21

CONFIDENTIAL

(c) Return of Sir Donald Hopson for consultations

Sir D. Hopson has proposed that he should now try to get to Hong Kong and London for consultations. He suggested that

he should tell the Chinese that this would be on the under-

standing that he would return to Peking afterwards and was

therefore applying for exit and re-entry visas and would

expect to be away about two weeks. The Governor of Hong Kong is returning to London, to be available for consultations

between 29 April and 13 May. The Governor sees advantage in Sir D. Hopson getting the feel of the situation in Hong Kong, but recognises the risks and thinks that a decision should in any case bo delayed until after we know more about the recent

Chinese informal approach.

Preliminary Recommendation

I agree with the Governor that we should postpone a

decision. There is something to be said for trying to have

Sir D. Hopeon back for discussions when the Governor is in

London. But I think he should avoid Hong Kong; and I am sure

that he should simply tell the Chinese that he has been recalled for consultations and not put himself in the humiliating

position of being let out "on parole".

Copies to:

Mr. Sanuel

Sir D. Allen

Sir C. Crowe

Mr. Wilkinson

Mr. Haydon

→Kr. Carter, C.O.

!

CONFIDENTIAL

(James Murray)

25 March, 1968