TNAG-0112-FCO40-148-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 214

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The

resume their influence, particularly in the New Territories. orders are for a fixed period; although renewable, it is not the intention to keep prisoners under supervision for long periods. The offence of not having complied with an order becomes barred by the Statute of Limitations after six months. The Governor cited the case of detainee to, 15 as an example; the order in his case

rans for three months; it might have to be renewed but the Governor thinks it will probably have server es an adequate warning to behave without renewal. The Police have instructions to arrest him if he ie reen in a public place, but not to search him out on private property. It is most likely that he will not be arrested.

9. In this exchange of telegrams with Taking the Governor recognised that the orders would give some ground for communi st

propagande but reaïflımed his view that they offered a moɑns of

earlier release from detention. He indiceted that he was considering the release on supervision orders of four of the five remaining detainees (Noe. 3, 29, 31 and 34).

Argument

10.

The argumenta in favour of the immediate or early release of the remaining detainees may be paid to rest on three grounds :

(a) the effect that such release might have on the situation

of Kr. Grey, who is still under detention in Feking;

the effect that it might have on Sino-British relations

generelly;

11.

(b)

(c)

distaste at the departure from the normal rules of British justice which is involved in detaining persons without

trial.

The Chinese have not sought to between Mr. Grey and the detainees.

establish any direct link

There is the risk that

gestures of de-escalation on our port may well not be matched and may be construed by the Chinese as a sign of weakness, encouraging them to make further demands.

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