TNAG-0031-FCO40-67-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 30

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

PRIORITY PEKING

ΤΟ

Telno 637

CONFIDENTIAL

FOREIGN OFFICE

5 July 1968

уб.

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 637 of 5 July. Repeated for information to Berne

Berne telegram No. 124: Exit Visas Peking.

I must emphasize that there is no (repeat no) possibility of a joint approach by all or the majority of this spineless corps. Nearly all Ambassadors are away on holiday and in any case there has never been the faintest possibility of organizing such a joint démarche on any subject whatever at this post. Perhaps it could be pointed out to the Swiss Government that although the approaches which we are suggesting would be individual, they would we hope be carried out by several Governments at about the same time. The Swiss would therefore not be making themselves conspicuous. As regards publicity, I have never contemplated that any publicity whatever would be given, at any rate at this stage, to the fact that diplomatic representations are being made by other Governments. Any publicity should be confined to stating the facts of our case and making appropriate comments.

2.

I was surprised to see paragraph 2 of Berne, telegram under reference about Rossetti's instructions. I know for certain that he never attempted to carry them out. He was in fact notorious for forbidding his staff to have any contact with us during the weeks after the attack on this Mission. He is at present on holiday.

Foreign Office pass Priority Berne.

Sir D. Hopson

[Repeated as requested]

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F.E.D.

Central Dept.

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H.K. Dept.

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