TNAG-0114-FCO40-150-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 41

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Mr. Wilford

SECRET

Ми Галуусаана

Racire on file to MV Carter OR

SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS

WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HONG KONG

PROBLEM

ANC

248.69.

270

When the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires ad interim called

on other business on Far Eastern Department on 16 July, he

reminded the Department of the continuing Chinese interest

in the fate of those persons still in prison in Hong Kong

as a result of the disturbances in 1967. He made it clear

that Sino-British differences on this matter would remain

after the release of the eleven "patriotic newsworkers" in October (with the consequent release, as we hope, of Mr. Grey) FCO telegrams Nos. 239 and 240 of 18 July). The Chargé's remarks have disturbed the Governor of Hong Kong, who says

he has already made sufficient concessions to the communists

(Hong Kong telegram No. 588 of 24 July). Mr. Denson has also

commented from Peking (Peking telegram No. 440 of 31 July).

RECOMMENDATION

2.

I recommend the despatch of the attached draft telegram

in reply to the Governor. Hong Kong Department agree.

BACKGROUND

3. The Governor's telegram No. 588 merits analysis in some

detail, since it reverts to broad issues in Sino-British

relations in the context of Hong Kong which formed the subject

of a fairly detailed and sharp debate between the Governor

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO.51 22 AUG 1969

LAKKI/N

1

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