TNAG-0281-FCO40-317-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster-to-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 203

CONFIDENTIAL-

Recent releases of a number of British

Subjects detained in China

We warmly welcome

the release of the

persons concerned. This is a step in the

right direction. We have made it clear on a

number of occasions that we would like to see

We

an improvement in Sino/British relations.

all

still do what 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 even been brought to trial.

We continue to make regular represen-

to

tations on their behalf the Chinese Chargé

d'Affaires in London and in Peking to the

NAI

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The possibility

release,

of an extens of the remaining Communist

confrontation prisoners in Hong Kong for the

release of the remaining British subjects

detained in China sti @mains.

The Chinese have consistently taken the

line that in their view the British nationals

detained in China have offended against

and

Chinese laws and regulations,/that their cases

are being dealt with on their merits.

The

numbering today about prisoners in Hong Kong 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.

-CONFIDENTIAL

/It is

exchange

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