93
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE
Telno 292
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
1 December 1967
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 292 of 1 December.
Repeated for information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore and Washington.
WWB 3/2/171
My telegram No. 272.
On 29 November police surveillance and movement restrictions on us were duly lifted. So far we have made no progress on exit visas.
2. We informed Ministry of Foreign Affairs orally on 29 November of our immediate visa [gp. omitted ? requirement]s and that Blishen family, Whitney and Gallagher wish to leave on 2 December. So far Ministry's replies have been evasive. China Airways say there are no seats available on Pakistan Airways on 2 December and at first accepted bookings for 7 December but later rang up to say that no bookings could be made till exit visas had been granted.
3.
This morning, therefore, we have pointed out to Consular Department (who issue visas) that their failure to grant visas is inconsistent with Mr. Hsueh's statement to me that applications would be treated under normal procedure. At the same time we have addressed a fresh Note to the Consular Department setting out clearly our immediate exit visa requirements and I have asked for an interview with Mr. Hsueh which I do not expect to get but request may help to press them to action.
4. We are not (repeat not) particularly surprised at this delay which indeed has become almost a normal feature here. I sense a certain amount of confusion among the Chinese officials as to the precise administrative effect of their own decision. I would expect wheels to start turning soon, probably next week.
5. Let us hope I am right. Meanwhile please inform by immediate telegram of any Chinese applications for exit visas in London.
I trust that you will delay issue at least until you have consulted me. We shall then have to decide what is best to do in the light of the situation here.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong 137, POLAD Singapore 37 and Washington 33.
Mr. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
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