TNAG-0216-FCO40-252-Detainees-and-prisoners-convicted-for-offences-during-the-di-1970 — Page 119

Original: HKK22/4 This Copy Ex: HKKI/IL

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Para(s)

CONFIDENTIAL

26

BRIEF No. 3.

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG

APRIL 1970

COMMUNIST PRISONERS IN HONG KONG

OBJECTIVE

To underline to the Governor that in our view the

problem of the "confrontation" prisoners in Hong Kong remains

central to relations with China.

SPEAKING NOTES

(for use with Governor)

I am familiar with the intractable problem of the

Communist prisoners serving sentences for orfences committed

during the troubles in 1967.

Unfortunately all the

indications are that it remains centrul to relations with

China. I fully recognise the difficulties of attempting to

speed up their release. I would certainly not expect you

to do anything which would damage confidence in Hong Kong

at the present time or make it more difficult for the

Hong Kong Government to deal with any future troubles.

But as a result of firmness shown in the past the Hong Kong

Government is now acting from a position of strength.

There is perhaps something to be said for the occasional

demonstration to the Chinese that we are prepared to do what

we reasonably can to resolve the problems remaining over

from 1967. I hope, therefore, that you will feel able to

keep the problem of the prisoners under constant review and

examine whether the small gesture of a premature release

could not from time to time be arranged without damage to

the interests of Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL