TNAG-0033-FCO40-69-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 181

Sir D. Allen

SECRET

Mr. Carter, 1995

H.k. Dept.

Mr. Anthony Grey

Problem

We are engaged in a review of what can be done to secure

the release of Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuters oorrespondent

detained in Peking. fe asked the Governor of Hong Kong for his

views on the problem with particular reference to the feasibility

in present cireumetanoes of an act of olemency in respect of

Heueh and Lo, the two Communist journalists in prison in Hong

Zong, the release of whom we regard as the minimum rice the

Chinese will exact for the release of Mr. Grey (C.0. telegram

No. 1375 of 9 August). ● have now had his views (Hong Kong Flage 8 4C-telegrams No. 1007 of 19 August and No. 1028 of 28 August). (289) 794-

194 Recommendation

Flag A

Plage

12

2. I recommend that the Governor be asked to put the

proposition to the Chinese, through an informal covert channel

which is available to him, that he would be ready for an aot

of clemency in respect of Hauch and Lo in return for some

assurance that this woull secure the release of Er. Grey. A

draft telegram, drafted in collaboration with the Commonwealth

Office, is attached.

Background

3. The background to Mr. Grey's case is set out in my

Dq€ submissions of 2 May and 8 August.

Our past efforts to

negotiate Mr. Grey's release have consisted of an indieation

by är. Brown in a letter to Chen Xi, the Chinese Foreign

Minister, last August that he might be able to arrange the

SHORET

/ release