جون
1.00, -8
Sir D. Allen
Mr. Baker
Miss Dean8
CONFIDENTIAL
DETAINEES IN HONG KONG
Mr. Carter 852
(Co)
Problem
The Chargé d'Affaires in Peking has expressed doubts
whether, in the matter of the release of detainees in Hong
Kong, we have adequately matched the grant by the Chinese of
all outstanding exit visas for members of our Mission in
Peking. The Governor has argued that security considerations
must remain paramount. He released one more detainee on
27 September; but he does not intend to let any more out
until after the anniversary celebrations by the Communists
on 1 October and by the Nationalists on 10 October. He has,
however, made a preliminary selection of about 6 more detainees
who he thinks could thereafter be released reasonably safely.
We have to consider whether the Governor should be pressed
to move rather more quickly.
Recommondation
2.
I recommend that the Governor should be told that while
we in general attach importance to demonstrating to the
Chinese that reasonable behaviour on their part can yield
advantages, we are prepared to agree with his proposed way of
handling the question of detainees. I attach a draft telegram
in which the Commonwealth Office concur.
CONFIDENTIAL
Background
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