TNAG-0029-FCO40-65-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 37

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It is our view that the Chinese may be sensitive to inter-

national publicity suggesting that they are bohaving in a

thoroughly "uncivilised" fashion. But publicity is a two-

edged weapon. If we make it widely known that the Chinese

are holding our people until their "demands" are not in Hong

Kong, we may commit them even more firmly to that position.

They might also react to publicity by making life difficult

in Peking for our Mission. Finally we must bear in mind that

publicity would lead to increased public pressure here to

"do something"

the possibilities for effective action are limited. Neverthe-

less the whole question of British subjects in China is likely

to become a matter of increasing public concern in this country

and we must be roady, despite the difficulties, with carefully-

prepared publicity measures.

and the preceding paragraphs indicate that

Copies to:

Mr. Samuel

Sir D. Allen

Sir C. Crove

Mr. Ford

Mr. Carter (0.0.)

SECRET

(James Murray) 21 March, 1968