TNAG-0031-FCO40-67-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 88

CONFIDENTIAL

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Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 18 May, the Chinese

in effect confirmed that this was the case (Peking

telegrams 452 and 453).

55776.

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The Governor of Hong Kong has in the past argued that

a further round of special visits in Hong Kong would be

regrettable in general and particularly so at an early date.

Such visits would tend to consolidate the special position

the

of/N.C.N.A. representative in Hong Kong and give the

Chinese a propaganda advantage. This might encourage

the Chinese to make further use of Kr. Grey as a bargaining

counter; and there might be an adverse effect on public

opinion in the Colony. The Covernor has also pointed out

the danger that the Chinese might raise the price of

further visite to Mr. Grey (Hong Kong telegram No. 536).

Following conversations in London with the Governor

on 3 May we agreed to explore all other possibilities of

ameliorating Kr. ·rey's position before reverting to the

proposal for a further round of visits. Specifically we

7.

authorised Sir D. Hopson to press the Chinese to permit

visits to Mr. Grey by non-diplomatic personnel (e.g. Wives

of members of the British Mission and press colleagues);

and to prese for a general improvement in kr. Grey'

conditions, for instance by securing the return of his

wireless and telephone. There has been no significant

progress on either of these aspects. Cur request for

visits by friends was turned down flat by the Chinese

/authorities

CONFIDENTIAL