CONFIDENTIAL
COVERING SECRET
2
Flag H
point is attached.
The general conclusion was that the
release of detainees could and should make a contribution to
the process of de-escalation in our relations with China but
that the security requirements of Hong Kong should remain the
paramount consideration in determining the rate of releases.
The number of detainees has fallen from the maximum of 54 at
the height of the crises to 32 as of now.
will be made as and when conditions permit.
Further releases
4. It would appear from Mr. Long's telephone conversation
that he himself has been confused by Mr. Rear's letter and
fears that Grey's release could be delayed by the Hong Kong
Government's policy towards detainees. Evidence of his
feelings on this point is indicated by the fact that the Reuters
service has distributed the text of Mr. Rear's letter. It is
to be hoped that they give the same treatment to our corrective
reply when it appears in "The Times". I attach a Speaking Hote
5. In paragraph 5 of my submission of 5 November I reported
the Chinese request for another round of visits to N.C.N.A.
correspondents and news workers imprisoned in Hong Kong in
exchange for a special visit to Grey. There has been no
substantial progress in this matter yet. A second meeting
between the Political Adviser in Hong Kong and N.C.N.A.
officials was held on 7 November but no agreement was reached
on the N.C.N.A. demands for a group meeting and the right to
distribute The Thoughts of Mao" to prisoners.
meeting is to take place shortly.
Copies to: Sir J. Johnston
Sir A. Galsworthy
A further
Mr. Carter
C. Wilson)
CONFIDENTIAL
12-November, 1968,
(COVERING SECRET)
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