TNAG-0217-FCO40-253-Detainees-and-prisoners-convicted-for-offences-during-the-di-1970 — Page 73

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their sentences.

No doubt the Chinese Government had noted

the steady rate of releases.

We hoped that they would

accept the new releases as a positive step in improving

relations.

3. Sir Stanley went on to say that Mr. Ma would be

aware of the serious concern in this country over the

continued detention of

four other British subjects

and 1.

and

n and the

n,

We very much hoped that the

releases in Hong Kong would be followed by the early

release of British subjects in China. The best possible

positive step in the direction of improving relations

would be the release of

and

4.

Sir Stanley said that we welcomed the assurances

given by the Chinese Government that they share our

desire to improve relations. We welcomed the introduction

of a parcel post service between Canton and Hong Kong.

Mr. Wilford and Mr. Morgan had been received in Peking

in a friendly fashion, and had had useful discussions

with senior Chinese officials. We hoped that the recent

Civil Aviation and Machine Tools Delegation had a

successful and useful visit.

5. Sir Stanley ended by saying that British and Hong

Kong Governments had made a number of practical gestures

towards better relations. The forthcoming releases were

an important new step. We hoped that the Chinese

Government would match our efforts by the early release

of British subjects detained in China.

2

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