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a)
4.
We were concerned lest the Chinese, so far from seeing premature release as a gesture of compromise on our part, might take it simply as proof that we were susceptible to pressure and conclude that by hanging on to Mr. Grey indefinitely (and possibly even beyond October) they might bring us to further concessions in
the matter of other convicted prisoners.
Reviewing these objections I continue to conclude that the premature release of the newsworkers will continue to be to some degree danaging in Hong Kong, but that the degree of damage will be the less the closer we approach the due release dates in September and October.
5. We have fully recognised, however, that there were risks in accepting the Governor's view that we must let matters take
their course until the due release dates.
a)
b)
The prolongation of his ordeal may seriously affect Mr. Gray's health. Present indications (including his latest letters to his girl friend) are, however, that he should be able to bear the strain until October. We may face difficulties with Parliament and public opinion in this country. The editor of "The People" has come out strongly in favour of the release of the news- workers in exchange for Mr. Grey. We are apparently to receive from the relatives of Mr. Grey a petition on the same lines. Mr. Long has pressed the Secretary of State privately for such an arrangement. But I think that we should find that public opinion here, if they had the issues squarely put before them, would by no means unanimously favour concessions to the Chinese. We have so far refrained from using to the full the strong arguments for refusing to pay ransom in Hong Kong, lest this would only exacerbate controversy with the Chinese to the detriment of Mr. Grey. It is difficult to predict how public opinion might move in the coming weeks. it is public knowledge (about 9 May) that all eleven
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