CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Stewart pointed out that the mood of the House of Commons when he had last referred to this case had been one of symp thy and understanding. There was this difference in the situation that . Grey's family and Mr. Long himself had exercised commendable restraint. Moreover, it was obvious to public opinion that there was movement in our relations with the Chinese. After all, Sir D. Hopson and other members of our mission had been allowed out, and three ship's officers had been deported. r. Long accepted that, to this extent, the cases were different. He thought that if Grey were not released, pressure might be exerted on the Chinese through a press campaign in numerous different countries. He would have no difficulty in organising this. ir. Stewart asked . Long to warn us before instituting this campaign. He added that if the Chinese were to learn in advance that such a campain was being organised this might be sufficient to move them. There were some pounds for thinking that the grant of exit visas to mombers of our mission had been influenced by the knowledge that we were mobilising the suport of our friends.
4.
T.
Finally, Mr. Long thanked Mr. Stewart for receiving him and for the close consultation there had been throughout between Reuters and the Department.
C.C.
Sir J. Johnston
Sir A. Galsworthy
Mr. Moreton
r. Carter, Hong Kong Dept.
News Department
(D.J.P. Bitland) 12 November. 1968
CONE IDENTI AL
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