neck of the Azerioen negross were thre Johnson government which were
bessing tighter mi tighter". (I sem to remember that Bir Donald Bopoon
geve you a almiler ron deen on the international situation during your
first visit!) The visitors went on to ezginés that the position of the
Wilson government in Britain is also pretty shaky and
On the Hong Kong patristi that his deen me expected any day,
The ranks na brighter. strucole frent however the situati
day and the onɑne mas of the patriets vere growing day
support of the netherland moving formed at greit speed. van as generous
se en
The repert sada sana reference to the health of the prisoners. I ought
to profaen its noceunt by pointing out that they were all in excellent
condition as far as I could see though asmo vinced a little when they
were alasped in
According to the heavily thentrionl kago by the ICRA 203.
Ten Hui Paa, some of the prismars described the temments
Their health shich they had bom subjected to in prison. had obviously
su'fered as a result bit this did not impair their revolutionary
determinati
Clearly
but
Now for a few details on the Beuters building. Reuters themselves would
be able to give you plenty of information on this scere and would also
be able to say how much of it they themselves would like to see
yʊblished. there are sme or two little seadetal sepasta which may
Shortly after the building attract your literary attention, ms returned
to the Chinese en 31 December, it was neces00 FY mt to inspect the
property for yusposes of assessing the amem t to be paid for Ömange to
it during the time it had bem rented by Reuters. During a team of the
building the Chinese representative aboveć romarkably little imalination
to seek out damage. However he one to have felt it necessary te
Unfortunately underline his powers to se, should he wish, he happened to
pick upg missing butà plug chain. representative (Runs Thomson), quiet
sa à flash, rewinded him that the chain in question had been used to
hang Kr. Oray's cat. The interpreter, ameshat disonsforted, put on a
bold front and claimed that this ma Ruse's imagination.
The reopen
e
3-
fume, in a second brilliant piess of repartes, pointed out the daubings
on the valla and sabed in all innocence whether these toe are fignents
of his imagination,
If by any thanes you retain any aart of amtimental attachment to your
"bana", you my be interested to know that we made a point of requesting
the Chinese te ret comm te na the brass heuters plaque on the outside of
the building. This they did the next day and it reposes in our mission
st the nment. You may also be interested to knew that the Chinese
policeman staunchly maintained his vigil outside the empty house for
almost three months after your departure, Even after the house reverted
to Chinese hands at the end of December the paliceman, sa deskt out of
deep afrostion for the house and ita former socupant, could not tear
himself amy from his little red bax. Kevever, in the middle of January
he ma ne længer
14
preemit state of
some use to you. correspondent he
for his ability The present APP Find the going to The last Europeans
be
Paking
In Hondo is about to 2000
and sager carreependents.
permanent
Alain Bene, m-řekyo, well in the Chinees like to hour).
has never been a ball of fire, will tougher then the new SAN APPĪTOS.
blossoming forth with new fresh A new Hungarim and Bulgarian have
arrived. The ever-affable Er. Ch'i can be seen attending his growing
little garden of press unction at various social functions. to add that
the general level of prose oummt from Paking remains a diagmos to the
profession, but great demfAR to the Chinese.
lyn
on with great However I do not have
Absurdly
Finally a fer verda cheat the general situation bære which has undergune
vensiderable changes since you left. fest of these are physion). Peking
in eurently piled high with the speil extracted frm beles in the ground
which havO been dug in every courtyard and shop in the city. theatrical
as it may soon, these are to shelters against beibing or anolour blast.
ecossiers I have visited your færmer hall of residence I was pleased to
find that the roof offered a uplodid wata of strategic sarth-vosks,
lenger
as sir-Paid On one of the
itives before but
One of the results of this feverish md high secretiva
re allowed to travel evert activity is that ve na
N te the former recreation
outside Peking (the king Tumba, Western Hills and frost WC),
vo viais Timtain or Shanghai which sure difficult are new ompletely out
of and mailler and, fer thi dissolve into tears when I to carry me bank
de Landen
age grown ameller
en wlikely to
araflet plane on 7 February
12 February.
I shall be posted in Londen
two and look forward te sorting you there when you decide to abandon
your island kiŠOKWY. forgotten your request fur
have purchased one or two which
I have not Chinese seralls and
hope will be te yar
taste. Please get in touch with no d/o the Private
Vail Bertien, 7.0,0., Lománu 8.
first
RESISTED MAHAM
Referenc
NOTE FOR THE RECORD
RECEIVED IN REGISTRO".
Mr. Grey's Book
pec ips
Mr. Grey has sent us three chapters from his
book which deal with the origins of the Cultural Revolution, the burning
down of our Mission in August 1967, and his house detention. These have
been examined by the Department and others who were in Peking at the
time for errors of fact and presentation. For example, the passages
dealing with developments in Hong Kong has been written in N.C.N.A.
jargon.
The amended drafts have now
Grey and from a telephone
been returned to Mr. conversation which I had with him on 6 February it
seems likely that he will consider sympathetically
our suggestions.
2.
However, my principle objection to the manuscript concerne Mr. Grey's
handling of the burning of our Mission, and on this point he was less
willing to accept my guidance. The substance of the story has already
been published in Mr. Grey's articles in "The People" and we are
therefore not in a position to object to the publication of this
material in
book form. However, while the articles in "The
People" reported the incident in a way which suggested that it was
pieced together from a variety
of sources Mr. Grey attributes the material in his
book to "a friend in the Mission" and prints it in direct speech as if
it was a personal account. I pointed out to Mr. Grey that this would
enable the Chinese to argue with some justification that we had
connived at the release of this material and I argued
that it should not be too difficult for him to
disguise the source and present the story as pieced together from
journalist contacts, foreign diplomats
in Peking and members of our own Mission. I also
pointed out that it was a little embarrassing for a member of the FCO to
be quoted in direct speech in this way.
I emphasised that my main concern at the moment was to obtain the
release of the remaining
nine British subjects detained in China and that this was unlikely to be
assisted if we gave the Chinese
an excuse to claim that we were not sincere in
wanting good relations.
3. Mr. Grey said that when he agreed to allow Mr. Denson and others "to
help" in checking his book
/ he had
he had no intention of allowing his book to be subject to official
censorship. I assured him that I was not asking him to remove any
material from hia account but simply to present it in a way less
damaging to H.M.G.'s relations with the Chinese, and
since this had been done in the case of the articles
in "The People".it should not be too difficult in his
book. He agreed therefore that he would re-draft this section in such a
way as to obscure his sources and take it out of direct speech.
4.
Kr. Grey did not know when the book would be published but he wants to
get it to the printers by
the end of this week.
e.c. A. Rosting pero Dept.
Mr. Denson, Peking
(C. Wilson)
9 February, 1970.
RESTRICTED
Mr Colin Wilson (Far Eastern Dept.).
Foreign and Commonwealth Office London
SW1
REUTERS
5 February 1970
Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone 01-353 6060 Telex
24145
Dear Cohn
Just to acknowledge with thanks the papers accompanying your note of
February 2. These have been passed to Tony. I spoke to him is in good
form,
today and he
Ertén
efo
ひ
Yours
Fron
FEC 13/3
Да.
2 February, 1970.
14
I should be grateful if you would pass to Tony Grey the enclosed papers
which George Walden retrieved from his house in Peking. I understand
that he requires them for his book.
(Colin Wilson)
A. D. Campbell, Esq.,
Reuters Ltd.,
85 Fleet Street,
LONDON, E.C.4.
Sensa-ched
AR2/2
(116281) Dd. 391599 1.5004 249 Hw.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
CW
To:-
Top Secret.
Secret. 9/2
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
י- ווי ווי
In Confidence
DRAFT
Letter
Type 1 +
From
Telephone No. & Ext.
J. N. Allan, Esq.,
Department
PEKING.
the inte
the thing wish
Aware an ess of it the live
Пророже
asove would
ersine the d енте на
Many thanks for your letter 13/1 of 27 January
about the Chinese demand for compensation for damage
and Nr redecoration of rey's house.
2.
I spoke to Doon Campbell of Reuters about this
and agreed that when the Chinese raise this again
tiet you should say that this is a matter for Reuters
them
Furita
and suggest that the D.S.B. should get in direct
touch with Reuters. From the point of view of our
be relations with the Chinese it would seem to me
you
dich not got preferable that if this difference is likely to generate
this diss The latter pofasce alex would extul a-sharp exchange it would
be best if it cams became
ذبها
The Aved
and not quarrel between the chinese and Reuters rather bhan
with you.
It is possible, however, that the Chinese mob press
from the (ime being will eventually drop their demandi
drop their demand but raise it when
Reuters w
decide to re-appoint a correspondent.
frap
7
13/1
ربتها سلا
REST ICTED
Enter
office of the British
Charge d'Affaires,
Peking.
B
effs les p
27 January, 1970, RECEIVED IN
REGISTARA 150
Fec 13/3
As foreshadowed in para 3 of our telegram 24 of jrec 13 13 January, the
Diplomatic Service Bureau have now given ca a polite verbal reminder
that payment is still outstanding. As outlined in our telegram under
reference, we said that the matter has been referred to Reuters and that
Reuters might well find that these demands were unacceptable in view of
the circumstances of Fr. Grey's detention.
2.
I should be grateful to know in due course what decision Reuters reach
on this matter.
Z
J. N. Allan
Colin Wilson, Esq., Far Eastern Departzent, P.C.O.
slaken
la 9/2.
I live spike & Oh Complete вари Fee days- 6 Selawy
duyt
p.
luok
RESTRICTED
FEC 13
CONFIDENTIAL
23 January, 1970.
Your letter 31/3 of 29 December about Tony Grey's book came at a good
time. This is a problem which is very much on our minds too. Our best
way of seeking to give discrest guidance to Grey (who is at present in
Jersey) would seem to be through John Weston, who is already in close
touch with him about the book. For example, Weston recently passed on
some I.R.D. material and also had dinner with him just before Christmas
when they discussed the book in some detail. We have shown Weston a copy
of your letter and he is fully seized of the need for discretion;
I think wo
can leave it up to him to make the right points.
2. Len Appleyard is writing separately to George Walden about how much
Grey should write about the contacts with N.C.N.A. in Hong Kong.
J. B. Denson, Esq., 0.B.E.,
PEKING.
pla
тагал
(James Murray}
CONFIDENTIAL
(12.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
THE GRI PODSTI KATIKE PO UHD 1)
SE
CONFIDENTIAL
Registry No.
ITY CLASSIFICATION
FEC 13011
DRAFT Letter
Type 1 +
From
To:-
Top Secret.
LVA
Confidential. 7/1
-Restricted.
J. B. Denson Esq., 0.B.E.. PEKING.
Mr. Murray
Telephone No. & Ext.
Unclassifed
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
Department
Long of posestny
Saturday
way of seaking to give strunt
Zinstance to Svey wan Seewn to be
through
Cules in at prishet Jersey Y
Your letter 31/3 of 29 December about
Emma Tony Grey's book came at a very good mement.
This is a problemwhich is very much on our minds
too. The best solution seeny to be to contact
Grey through John Weston, who is already in close
Ka touch with him about his book. For example,
Weston recentl. passed on some I.R.D. material
Luvin
We
And also had dinner with Grey just before Christmas
when they discussed the book in some detail.
have shown #eston a copy of your letter and he
is fully seized of the need for discretion;and-I
think we can leave it up to him to make the
right points.
2. Len Appleyard is writing separately to
George Walden about the problem of how much Grey
should write about the contacts with N.O.N.A. in
Hong Kong.
JJ.
23
Jam
CONFIDENTIAL
ре
31/3
Pl speake
6 June
OFFICE OF THE
BRITISH CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES
PEKING
29th December, 1969.
W
Dear Jannes,
Mo Affle v.
ہے
·
Fe 12/3
It
We read with great interest Anthony Grey's articles in The People, in
particular the description of the burning of this Mission in 1967. As I
recall, it is a fuller and more alarming account than the official
reports we received at the time in the Department. is, I understand,
drawn from conversations with people here at that time. George Walden
understands that Grey is likely to include a fuller description in his
forth- coming book. (Grey has apparently held back a number of details).
As such, it will become the definitive published account of what
happened. I think you will agree that we should try to ensure that the
account is correct in every detail and and you may therefore wish to ask
someone to get in touch with Grey and discuss the matter. I am not in
any sense suggesting that we should try to restrain him in what he
writes. I am sure, in any case, that he would not take kindly to being
warned off. On the other hand, he would, I think, accept tactful
guidance.
2. George Walden has already been in touch with IRD about supplying Grey
with current and earlier background material about China, (see his
letter of 16 October to Len Appleyard and Miss Draycott). Here again we
might be able to intervene usefully to make sure that the political
background to the 1967 events is correct so far as we know it, or, at
any rate, not damaging to our own interests.
James Murray, Esq., C.M.G.,
Far Eastern Department,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Pla
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
OFFICE OF THE
BRITISH CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES
PEKING
own interests.
3. I am sure you, Robin Haydon and Ian Stevenson in IRD, to whom I am
copying this letter will appreciate the need for careful and
confidential handling of this matter.
Yours eve
John
J.B. Denson
CONFIDENTIAL
底
TEC 10/3
Far Eastern Department
20 January, 1970
I attach three press cards belonging to you which James
The Chinese have not demanded Allan has forwarded from Peking. them back
and you may like them as a memento.
(L. V. Applmyard)
Anthony Grey, Esq.,
c/o Reuters Ltd.,
85 Fleet Street,
London, E.0.4.
тит
m
(HIGH) DAL 301999 - 1,500 2268 Hu.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
SE
Registry No.
ITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret
Confidential.
Restricted, Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
DRAFT
To:-
BB Anthony Suey Eig
40 Reuters
85, Fleet SV,
London EC4.
Type 1 +
From
and
L. V. Appleyar
Telephone No. & Exti
Department
W
cards belonging to you
1
attack Kree
рен
from
Peking
which James Allan Las forwardens
net chemanded them back and
The chinecé lave
you may momentá
like them
as
a
내서 독
Γ
13/1
ساسه
RESTRICTED
Office of the British
Charge d'Affaires,
Peking.
13 January, 1970.
I attach three press cards belonging to Anthony Grey. The Chinese have
not demanded these back and he may like them as a memento (and possibly
as illustrations for his book).
L. V. Appleyard, Esq., Far Eastern Department, P.C.O.
I
1.
J. N. Allan
RESTRICTED
так
.
Fee 10/3
RESTRICTED
(r)
Far Eastern Department
Two
copies only
15 January, 1970
Reuters
Thank you for your letter 31/3 of 7 January to Colin Wilson, who is
stili helping out North African Department (sic).
2. Last month we asked Reuters for documentation on their office and its
effects, etc. They have produced only inventories up to 31 December,
1966. These do not look to me to be of much use, but I enclose copies
just in case. Gray says that otherwise all the papers about the car and
other items were left in files in Peking. Reuters say the car cost £638
in Hong Kong in 1964 and that in addition duty and other charges
amounting to £525 were paid. I have again asked Reuters for disposal
instructions and told them of the Registrar's interest in buying the car
if this can be arranged. They are happy for the Registrar to buy the car
if this can be arranged but would like him to make an offer for it
giving reasons why he is offering the particular sum of money he quotes,
The same goes for the tape recorder mentioned in your paragraph 5.
Otherwide they would be grateful if you would arrange for the other
valuable items to be sent to their office in Hong Kong.
3. As for the charges for "redecoration" and "damage compensa- tion",
Reuters agres with the line recommended in paragra:h 3 of your telegram
No. 24 of 13 January. If the Chinese further press the point we think
they should be asked to get in touch with Reuters direct.
J. X. Allan, Esq.,
PEKING.
Cory to:
(R. N. Dales)
C. J. Howells, Esq., HONG KONG,
RESTRICTED
CYPHER CAT/A
ROUTINE PEKING
TELEGRAM NUMBER 24-
CONFIDENTIAL
TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
13 JANUARY 1970
CONFIDENTIAL
REG.
EC 13/3
р
TOP COPY
ADDRESSED TO FCO TELNO 24 OF 13 JANUARY REPEATED FOR INF-
ORMATION TO HONG KONG.
MY TELNO 8
DESPITE APPARENT UNINTEREST SHOWN BY DSB WHEN SURVEYING
REUTERS' HOUSE (ALLEN'S LETTER TO WILSON OF 7 JANUARY)
THEY HAVE NOW SUBMITTED A BILL FOR YUAN 3823.32 (£658.8.11)
FOR QUOTE REDECORATION OF OFFICE ON CANCELLATION OF LEASE UN-
QUOTE AND YUAN 158.57 (£26.19.6) FOR DAMAGE COMPENSATION
UNQUOTE.
2. DEMANDS ARE CLEARLY OUTRAGEOUS. GREY WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT
IN POSITION TO ARRANGE PERIODIC REDECORATION AND PRESENT NEED
IS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DAUBING OF SLOGANS WHICH HAVE
ONLY BEEN PARTIALLY OBSCURED. . (DSB MAY HOWEVER SEEK TO
ARGUE THAT LEASE, WHICH WE HAVE NOT SEEN, CONTAINS CLAUSE
CONCERNING OBLIGATION OF TENANT TO REDECORATE.) DAMAGE
MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE TWELVE PSB GUARDS.
13. SUBJECT
CONFIDENTIAL
7
+
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
3. SUBJECT TO REUTERS' VIEWS | RECOMMEND THAT NO ACTION
BE TAKEN TO PAY THIS BILL AT PRESENT. IF DSB RETURN TO THE CHARGE, AS IS
LIKELY, WE WILL SAY WE HAVE REFERRED IT TO
REUTERS WHO MAY WELL REGARD THE DEMAND AS UNACCEPTABLE IN VIEW OF THE
CIRCUMSTANCES OF GREY'S DETENTION.
MR. DENSON
FILES:
F.EASTERN D.
FINANCE D.
H.E.D.
NIS D.
MR. WILFORD
DDDDD
CONFIDENTI AL
1
+
& I did the
title
31/3 file
Are
1
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