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CONFIDENTIAL
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should be allowed visits because the Chinese words consistently
used for "journalists" literally meant "newspaper workers" as
the N.C.N.A. said. The Deputy Director also supported the
N.C.N.A. demand that more than two visitors be allowed on each
occasion, pointing out that in the case of normal visits three
were allowed. He concluded by saying that the number should
in any case be "no less than three".
Argument
5. It seems that there has been a genuine misunderstanding
as the Chinese words can only be translated as "newspaper
workers" or "newspaper employees". The misunderstanding
apparently arose as a result of the English translation by
the Chinese interpreters in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
in Peking. In view of the importance of defining the category
accurately, it is surprising the discrepancy was not picked up
by one of our Chinese speakers. But I think we must accept
that the Chinese are acting in good faith. Since they seem
anxious to settle the matter and it is equally in our interest
to gain access to Mr. Grey as soon as possible, I think we
should agree to visits to all 21 persons. As Sir D. Hopson
points out, the degree of discrimination in favour of a certain
group of political prisoners will be no greater if we include
the extra seven.
6. As regards the number of visitors, itis correct that
three are allowed for routine visits. The Governor of Hong
Kong has already agreed that if the Chinese press we can
/accept
CONFIDENT IAL
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