TNAG-0197-FCO40-233-Action-against-communist-trade-union-officials-1970 — Page 19

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

W(B)L 51-7406

become evident that the police had had

opportunities to arrest them but had failed to

do so. On the other hand if they are arrested

and, in view of the seriousness of their

offences, they receive heavy sentences, this

will add to the number of long term

confrontation" prisoners and thus to the

difficulty and indeed duration of the problem

which these prisoners pose in our relations

with the Chinese (cf paragraph 3 of your

telegram No. 588). There is thus a balance of

advantage to be determined. Can you give us

any idea of the likelihood that, if the police

continue to act in accordance with paragraph 4

of your telegram under reference, a substantial

outs fandung number of the thirty-seven/warrants will in the

event be executed?

21 Aug.