Recent relenses of a number of British Subjects dets ad in Ohina
We warmly welcome the release of the persons concerned.
We have made it cleer on a
is a step in the right direction.
This
numberof occasions that we would like to see an improvement in
Sino/British relations. We still do all we can to bring about this
improvement.
But there are still six other British subjects detained in China,
The refusal of the Chinese authorities to give information about them
or to grant normal consular access to them is a major obstacle in
the way of progress. We have no information about whether they
have evɛn been brought to trial.
Fe continue to make regular representations on their behalf to
the Chinese Charge d'Affaires in London and in Peking to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The possibility of a relcase of the remaining Communist confrontation prisonera in Hong Kong in exchange for the release of the bunnkring 374148h subjecta detained in China.
The Chinese have consistently taken the line that in their view
the British nationals detained in China have offended against
Chinese laws and reg lations and that their cases are being dealt
with on their merits. The prisoners in Hong Kong (numbering today
about sight five) were convicted in open court in accordance with
the due process of law. All are eligible for remission and are
allowed regular visits by relatives and friends. It is believed
that the best way to secure the release of the remaining six British
subjects detained in China is to work for an overall improvement in
Sino/British relations.
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