TNAG-0033-FCO40-69-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 39

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validity. There are differences of view about reactions of public opinion to what might appear to be concessions to the communists. It is sometimes difficult to determine how representative certain sections of opinion are and whether there may not be a tendency for the Hong Kong Government to select as examples those sections of opinion which suit their book. This question is related to point (c) in that it can be argued that any "victory" given to the communists is bad for confidence and tends to undermine the Hong Kong Government's authority. Just how serious this is is again a matter for

judgement.

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1. Mr. Cradock's point (4) raises a matter of more weight. From the outset the Governor has always expressed doubts as to whether concessions in Hong Kong such as the release of detainees do in fact contribute to the easing of Sino-British relations. He no doubt has in mind that exit visas for the

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Mission were secured without any significant concessions. Flag G(853) He also refers in his telegram No. 2038 to the fact that

contrary to what was said to us in Peking about Mr. Grey it appears that the Chinese are not interested in trading him

for journalists in prison.

(I think this is stretching his

t

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case somewhat as there must be some doubt about the reliability

of the covert channel.

Moreover the Chinese made the link

between Mr. Grey and the journalists specific also in an NCNA release.) It is, I think, true however that the release of detainees by itself would not decisively alter Chinese policy and should not therefore be regarded, as it seems to

/ be by

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