TNAG-0032-FCO40-68-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 70

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CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat A

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno. 748

44 AUGUST, 1968

าา

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 748 of 14 August. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

773

Hong Kong telegram No. 988.

739

Although original proposal in Peking telegram No. 698 was for release of a number of detainees (10-20) if all outstanding exit visas were issued, I hope we can consider grant of Sir D. Hopson's visa a sufficiently important step in that direction to warrant a response in itself, in the form of release of some detainees even while remaining applications are outstanding. (This would be over and above the two scheduled for release on 15 August). Such a move on our part (quite apart from its value in broader political context) should encourage grant of remaining visas, at which point a small group of detainees could be released. This would not affect size of the package, merely its presentation.

2. I hope we can take fairly flexible attitude on this. 756) telegram No. 1362 to Hong Kong envisaged the possibility of releases in instalments. The Chinese have taken a big step in the right direction. Let us encourage them to continue, particularly when Chung Wah issue may incline them to be difficult.

Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong.

. Cradock

Repeated as requested

Your

FILES

F.O.

F.E.D.

C.O.

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

Permanent Under Secretary

Sir D. Allen.

Hong Kong Department.

Sir A. Galsworthy.

D.S.A.0.

Sir C. Crowe

Personnel Department.

LAST

REF

773

REXT

REF

15200000

HWBA

on

to Mr Caster

8. 68. For 1x

19.

ANG

15.8.68

XXXXX

CONFIDENTIAL