TNAG-0114-FCO40-150-Detainees-and-prisoners-following-19671968-disturbances-1969 — Page 43

DEONER

Plago

H & I

matter drop.

The question of prisoners has boen after all

an integral part of their "five demands" since 1967. What

remains to be seen is whether the question of these prisoners

remains a matter of ritual protest or whether the Chinese go

on to bring specific pressure to bear on H.N.G. to secure

their release.

5. The Governor assumes the latter case, and thinks that

further pressure for concessions is likely to be directed

against Hong Kong. He believes that the local communists

(and probably the Peking Government too) consider that further

pressure on London and Hong Kong will gradually gain them

their objectives, although they are likely to be flexible

over timing. The Governor also thinks that the communists

consider H.M.G. in London to be more responsive to pressure

than the Hong Kong Government. The Governor goes on to state view that our recent 'concessions" have contributed to establishing the again his/belief in the minds of the communists that we are

susceptible to pressure, rather than stimulating them to

genuine reciprocation. (In view of the support which Far

Eastern Department have in practice given the Governor, I am

slightly irritated at the implication that we have somehow

pushed the Hong Kong authorities into injudicious measures.

The Governor reminds us of warnings received through covert

channels that ill effects would result from our giving away.

too much for insufficient return (see Hong Kong telegrams

Nos. 2001, 230 and 391).

HWB 8/2

TS ANNEY

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SECRET