TNAG-0113-FCO40-149-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 162

SECRET

MELEŽILLIMISTELLARINE DININ

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The Problem of the Eleventh Neweworker

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We have endeavoured throughout to take Mr. Long as fur

as possible into our confidence. On this occasion we shall

wish to give Mr. Long an indication that we now expect all

eloven neweworkers to be out of prison by September in the

normal course of events and that we thus poo September as the

terminus ad quem of the Grey affair. This 19, however,

watter of ooce delicacy.

The Secretary of State will presumably

wish to avoid giving Mr. Long a categorical assurance at this stage

that we see the way clear to the release of the eleventh man;

and will also wish to avoid going into the details of how wo

should hope to achieve this result.

Br. Oreyta letter of 7 January

5. Mr. Long is likely to refer to a letter of 7 January from

Mr. Orey to his mother, the contents of which were widely

publicised in the British press. I attach outtings.

letter expressed Mr. Grey's understandable dissatisfaction with

the lack of success of our efforts to secure his release.

believe that the Chinese saw this letter as a possible meano

of bringing pressure to bear on H.B.G. and gave it rapid passage to this country. Although Mr. Grey's letter was bitter, it was however well argued and suggested that his mental faculties remain unimpaired.

Representations to the ChinenA

6.

Since Wr. Long'e last call, we have made representations to the Chinese authorities on behalf of Mr. Grey on the following occasion8% during the call of the Chinese Charge d'Affaires on