SECRET.
7.
Course (c), if you agree, could also be
discussed by me with the Governor.
I am not
however due in Hong Kong until about 1 June.
And in the meantime circumstances may arise
which you may think require a decision
before then.
8.
To come to a decision on this finely
balanced problem in which conjecture must
carry as much weight as logic, since there is
no firm evidence on how the Chinese may react,
is very difficult. This is more so in view
of the consistent and well-argued advice of
the Governor and officials. My own feeling,
which is the one I expressed to you on 3 April
when I talked over the submission by the
department of that date, is that while we must
take no steps which would place at risk Hong
Kong, we should ask the Governor to try to
devise some procedure to mitigate any
risk but ensure the release of the eleven
journalists during June or at the latest July.
9.
Like Mr. Long, I do not believe this step
would place at risk the security or
stability/
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