TNAG-0031-FCO40-67-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 11

(f) the general public place little distinction between

those held under Emergency Regulations and persons serving

prison sentences. The release of the letter category has

now become a regular occurrence and communist propaganda on

this issue is attracting little public attention, thus the

release of the less important detainees is less likely to

be viewed as a major concession;

(g) released detainees are unlikely to observe any

restrictions placed upon them;

(h) the release within the Colony of a small number of the

less important detainees would provide an opportunity to

judge communist and public reaction. If this is acceptable

a phased release programme could be planned, selecting

generally the least important and longest detained for

early release, taking into account the political climate

and the level of communist activity;

(i) an attempt could be made to compromise one or more

those released.

21.

RECOMENDATIONS

(a) No further attempt should be made to arrange the

return to China of detainees, unless the Chinese take

some initiative in this direction;

(b) consideration should be given to the unconditional

release within the Colony of a small group of the less

important communists held under the Emergency detention

orders;

(c) If the communist and public reaction to this initial

release is acceptable to Government a phased release

programme should be planned based on the general principle

of releasing first those who are less important and have

SECRET