TNAG-0109-FCO40-145-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1968 — Page 134

I

CONFIDENTIAL

(14 persons) to give them "the Thoughts of Mao". Similar

demands were made during the prolonged negotiations which

preceded the exchange of visits in April but they were later

dropped in the face of strong opposition from the Hong Kong

Government. It remains to be seen how seriously the Chinese

will press them on this occasion. It is possible that the

Chinese request marks a final attempt to extract the last ounce

of propaganda from the newspaper workers in Hong Kong before

releasing Grey. A visit at this stage is not incompatible with

a decision to release his although there are other ominous

features in this development. By demanding a visit to all 14

newspaper workers the Chinese are implying that Grey's fate

(whether for the purpose of a visit or release) is linked with

the group and not with any one individual. If it is not their

intention therefore to release Grey after 16 November they may

hope to divert unfavourable publicity by presenting the visit

to Grey as a soncession on their part for the release of Hsueh.

8. Reuters have already been informed of the possibility of

a visit to Grey subject to satisfactory arrangements being

agreed in Hong Kong. We have offered to transmit to Grey any

special messages from them or Grey's mother.

Background

The background to the case of Mr. Grey is given in our

note of 22 October.

9.

Flag

C

Copies to: Sir J. Johnston

Mr. Carter (Hong Kong Dept.)

CONFIDENTIAL

(C. Wilson)

5 November, 1968.