TNAG-0032-FCO40-68-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 23

2018

CONFIDENTIAL

289

Sir A. Galsworthy

I agree that we should send a copy of Sir Donald Hopson's

memorandum to Sir David Trench and ask him for his views.

2.

I

The points made in the memorandum are fully consistent

with the views Sir Donald has put forward in the triangular

telegraphic correspondence with Hong Kong and ourselves.

must confess that I do not find his main theme, that the

Chinese are seeking some way of getting off the hook upon

which they placed themselves last May, particularly convincing.

On the other hand his views, whether we find them convincing

or not, cannot be ignored. In particular the formulation in

paragraph 16 of the memorandum that an act of amnesty on our

part would probably be followed by a significant easing in our

relations with China, requires most serious consideration and

I think we should ask Sir David Trench specifically for his

views on this, to the extent that the point has not already

been covered in his telegram No. 1007, which I have just seen.

(753)

(R. H. MASON)

19 August, 1968.

23/1es

Copy to:-

Mr. Carter

Mr

Vilason

Sur A. Galsworthy

Draft attached for consideration

(P.O. are supplying

an additional

Copy of the Memo which I will give to Rise Shrimpton when received).

tars Cart 23181/68

MR. Carter

Would you now please seebe F.O.

agreement-

to our

serding a copy

This memo. Ao Sen D. Trench, wunder

CONFIDENTIAL

cover of a suitable draft?

Ans.

20/8