TNAG-0217-FCO40-253-Detainees-and-prisoners-convicted-for-offences-during-the-di-1970 — Page 88

Those prisoners will be released on the grounds of ill health.

ration.

I can also inform Mr. He that other cases are under conside-

This action by the Hong Kong Government is welcome

to the British Government co a further serious and positivo

gesture to bring better relations,

4. At the same time I must draw Mr. Ma's attention to the

grave concern throughout this country over the continued

detention in China of

ond

On and the four

other British subjects,

and I

Mr

It is the firm hope of the British Government

that the releases in Hong Kong will be followed by the early

release of British subjects detained in China. The release

of 1

would be the best possible stop

and 11

in the direction of better relations.

5. We welcome the assurances which the Chinese Government

have given us that they share our desire to improve relations.

We have noted the introduction of a parcel post service between

Canton and Hong Kong. We and the Hong Kong Government have

taken a series of important and practical gestures to secure

better relations. The forthcoming releases in llong Kong are

a major step in this direction. It is now up to the Chinese

Coveramont to match our efforts by the early release of

British subjects detained in China.

CONFIDENTIAL

2

/Defensive Notes