TNAG-0216-FCO40-252-Detainees-and-prisoners-convicted-for-offences-during-the-di-1970 — Page 53

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according to his information this was not accurate.

None of the

compatriots concerned had been released before the completion of

their sentence. The Chinese Government did not take this matter

as proof that the British Government had taken concrete measures

to improve relations.

3.

Mr. Ma said that Mr. Morgan might already know that the

authorities concerned in China had decided to release

before he had served his full sentence. During his sentence,

nad displayed fairly good results in reforming himself.

His confession had been satisfactory and he had shown signs of

His behaviour had been good. The authorities had

repentance.

therefore dealt leniently with him.

But the

4. Mr. Ma ended by repeating that the Chinese Government wished to improve relations. They welcomed Mr. Morgan's assurances that the British Government also wished to improve relations.

British Government must take even more positive steps to release promptly the 95 patriotic compatriots in Hong Kong before the

completion of their sentence.

5. Mr. Morgan thanked Mr. Ma for the news about

He

confirmed that we had not received any information about his release. He asked Mr. Ma if he could confirm whether the release

had already taken place.

6

days.

Mr. Ma said that

would be released in a matter of

7. Mr. Morgan said that he was grateful for the part played by Mr. Ma in transmitting to his Government our concern over British

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2.