TNAG-0031-FCO40-67-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 206

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difficult for the Governor to discriminate in favour of

any particular category of prisoner; that a further approach

as may be construed by the Chinese as a sign of weakness; and

that the Chinese might seek deliberately to extend the dia-

something which we

cussion to other Hong Kong issues

strongly wish to avoid. However, Sir D. Hopson balances

these points against the following considerations:-

(a) that until we have at least settled the question of

the two N.C.N.A. reporters to Chinese satisfaction,

Mr. Grey will not be released. (The earliest date

(b)

reporters

at which the N.C.N.A./would normally be released is

September, 1969);

that the Chinese might just possibly find Mr. Grey

an embarrassment, which would give us a little

leverage;

and

(c) that the release of the two N.C.N.A. reporters, if

agreed, might be regarded by the Chinese as providing

the token victory they need before ending their

campaign against the Hong Kong Government.

(a) is almost certainly true; (b) and (c) are harder to prove

and could only be tested in practice.

8.

Sir D. Hopson also refers to the question of a larger

act of clemency affecting other "confrontation" prisoners.

He has asked for our views and those of the Governor on

whether the prospects of such a step are now any brighter

than they were and for an indication of our long-term plans

/for

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