Mr. Wilkinson
Mr. Carter,
SECRET
PA
R. 328
ch
on file.
AG
1578.
RELEASE OF DETAINEES IN HONG KONG
Mr.
(+966)
Сарукана
For the record.
Im 14/8
Hong Kong Dept. C.O.
FLAGA
(734)
PROBLEM
In Peking telegram No. 698 Sir D. Hopson proposes that as soon as the Chinese grant the outstanding exit visas for members of the Mission which they have promised, we should respond by releasing a
sizeable number of detainees in Hong Kong » We have to decide
whether to pursue this proposal.
RECOMMANDATION
I
2. I recommend that the Governor of Hong Kong be asked whether he
would be willing to act on the lines Sir D. Hopson proposes.
attach a telegram which was drafted in collaboration with the
Commonwealth Office and already has their approval.
BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT
3.
It has become increasingly clear that of the various "đemande"
which the Chinese made at the time of "confrontation" last year in Hong Kong, the one to which they attach the most importance and which would in consequence contribute most significantly to an easing in
Sino-British relations is the release of prisoners. The Chinese pro-
bably do not differentiate between convicted prisoners and detainees, as they regard both as having been "illegally" detained. point of view, however, the problem of detainees is much easier in
From our
SECRET
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