TNAG-0035-FCO40-71-Relations-with-Macao-1968 — Page 117

Cypher

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

41

HWD 3/3

IMMEDIATE SECRET No. 129

for?

D. 28th January, 1967

Ro

28th

"

尊

05.40 hrs.

Your telegram No. 186. ?

Macau.

Indications

LAST.

REF.

180

Ext.

now are that

agreement has been reached in negotiations between Portuguese and Chinese and may be signed by Governor tomorrow. It is difficult to feel confident that this or anything else in Macau will go according to plan. But evacuation at the moment seems a fairly remote contingency.

20

Ions' condition is improving and we expect him to return to Macau next week.

3.

A

Proposal to send Bray to Macau even for a short period unfortunately seems to us open to political objection. major issue in Macau is Communist pressure on the Portuguese to suppress the Nationalists. Bray's arrival in Macau would certainly be noticed by the press: and when it became known that he was H.M. Consul (Designate), Tamsui, the Communists might very well accuse H.M.G. of sending him to Macau for some nefarious conspiracy with the Nationalists.

40

In the circumstances we would much prefer Bray not to go to Macau, and shall not send him unless you specifically instruct him to go

5.

We can always send out another student if necessary „

(Passed Diplomatic Service Administration Office for Resident Clerk)

Copies sent to:-

Foreign Office

ft

Consular Department. Far East

SECRET

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 219) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958