TNAG-0034-FCO40-70-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 145

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SECRET

DRAFT BRIEF FOR THE MINISTER OE STATE

1444

We have been told by the Foreign Office that in O.P.D. tomorrow (Tuesday, 5th September), the Foreign

Secretary will raise orally the question of relations

with China. We understand that he will be speaking

to the attached draft paper which may or may not be

circulated to his 0.P.D. colleagues for background.

2. The broad points made in this paper (paragraph 2) are firstly that we should not take the initiative to break off diplomatic relations with China but should so far as possible aim at maintaining a reduced Mission there; and secondly, that we should continue to vote

for the admission of China to the United Nations.

3.

We agree with the proposed moves relating to the maintenance of a reduced Mission in Peking. The fewer hostages we have in China the better in case the attempt is made to bargain their safety and well-being

for concessions in Hong Kong. As indicated in paragraph 6 of the paper, we have asked the Governor to give consideration, when taking any further action against the Communists in Hong Kong, to the possible effect on British subjects being held hostage in China (our telegram No.1783).

4. At this stage the issues where we must bear this

consideration in mind are:-

(a) the question of action against C.P.G.-

owned newspapers. At present action has been taken only against Communist newspapers in private hands. This has not led to any moderation on the part of newspapers that are owned by the Chinese

Government. The Governor is at present

considering with us the introduction of emergency regulations to deal with illegal Communist "broad sheets" that

have started to circulate.

This may

involve action against C.P.G.-owned

printing presses. He has told us that

SECRET

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