FCO 21/1012 Release of British subject detained in China Mrs Gladys Yang

FILE

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DO NOT RETAIN FILES AND PAPERS UNNECESSARILY

PART

RETURN THEN TO REGISTRY FOR B.U. OR PA

1972

STAMP

YEAR

N.1

(N.B. The grading of this jacket must be the same as that of the highest graded document contained in it. "The appropriate upgrading slip must be affixed when ever necessary.)

CONFIDENTIAL

H.M. DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

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Contents checked for transfer to

(5gd).

Dale

DLO.

FAR EASTERN

FILE NO FEC

14/3.

(Part --)

TITLE: DETENTION OF BRITISH SUBJECTS IN CHINA.

REFER TO

NAME

DATE

(and dept. when necessary)

SEE:

SubjectS

REFER TO

NAME

DATE

(and dept. when necessary) SEE:

(MRS. GLADYS YANG)

REFER TO

NAME

DATE

(and dapi. when necessary) SEE:

Fco 21/1012

6c 1422

SECURITY ANANIKOA

{N.B. The grading of this jacket must be the same on that of the highest graded document contained in it. "The appropriate upgrading slip must be affixed when ever necessary.)

CONFIDENTIAL

Registry Address

Room No. ...7.....

King Charles Street.

YEAR STAMP

1972

Jerford.

Ephemeral Confidendien

ما

4/10

Mrs Gladys long | Mrs

Brown & Mos Taylor.

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Ms Yogs

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C.S. 41A

2500877

20,000-30/73-394067

BY BAG

REF

SCR 1/1167/55 x

RESTRICTED

F. C. 30/10

COLONIAL SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

6 September, 1972

価

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MR Crompton Esq Mi Brown.

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Dear Robin, Ense.

MRS HILDA BROWN

FEC 14/3

219

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conshear Jet. This Brown Folghoned on 8/9 to say

sture whe

Safely back, and repeated

much

check she told it Skates

Your letter to Mrs Brow

own of 17 July.

Mrs Brown, accompanied by Mrs Taylor, called on me this morning at her request. Her principal purpose seemed to be to express thanks for the help which she had received from the FCO. She had nothing special to report.

She said that her visit to China had gone very smoothly and that she had found Mrs Gladys Yang's situation far better than it was before the Cultural Revolution. They had been generously entertained by the Foreign Languages Press, who had arranged a tour for them, Mrs Yang and her children which had included Nanking.

Mrs Brown said that since they had no particular problems to discuss they had preferred not to call at the Embassy; she hoped that no one at the Embassy would be put out by this omission.

Mrs Brown and Mrs Taylor are due to leave Hong Kong this afternoon for London.

Yous ever,

Dich Shatton

(R J Stratton)

MJ Richardson Esq PEKING

RESTRICTED

CONFIDENTIAL

930 8440

JM Addis Esq CMG PEKING

(PEC 14/3)

22 August 1972

гард

PERSONAL

GLADYS YANG

I found it helpful

I found it helpful to get the detailed account in your letter 31/1 of 22 July save the reasons why you thought it would be inappropriate for the Embassy to intervene officially with the Chinese on behalf of Gladys Yang's sister and her (Mrs Brown's) sister-in-law,

2. I have much sympathy for your point of view. We find that Consular Department share it too. But I hope you will agree that, given all that has happened during the past few years, we should have found it very difficult to turn down a direct request for help from Mrs Brown, We should also have found it difficult to justify a reaction of this kind if Mrs Brown had written to a Member of Parliament or a Minister, As things have turned out, I do not think that any harm has in fact been done to our relations with the Chinese.

I hope that we shall not again be asked for help by Mrs Brown or by any of her relations.

RM Evans

Far Eastern Department

CONFIDENTIAL

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Reference

77}

Mr Rose (Consular Dept.)

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Eveans

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MRS GLADYS YANG

1. Please see the attached letter from the Ambassador in Peking. We should be grateful for your observations. Our own preliminary inclination is to disagree with Mr Addis. Although it is true that Mrs Yang has thrown in her lot with the Chinese, she still remains a British subject and as such ́ presumably is entitled to whatever consular protection we are able to give her (in the circumstances of China not very much).

Nor

do we consider intervention on behalf of Mrs Yang or similar people has any serious affect on our political relations with the Chinese; they have their own good reasons for seeking better relations with us,

2. Mr Addis may be right in stating that we did not however ask officially for Mrs Yang's release from detention. Nevertheless this was implicit in our repeated enquiries on her behalf, and I do not think that the Chinese would draw such a fine distinction ~ between our asking for her release and our asking that she might make contact with her relatives in England.

3. I should be grateful for your comments by the end of the week. We would like to reply to Mr Addis by the next bag leaving on 22 August.

Ik Addo Love

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Defies.

what

"rive line

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HL Davies

Far Eastern Department

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31/1

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH EMBASLY

PEKING

July 1972

20h

RM Evans Esq

Far Eastern Department

PIC IN

十

Foreign and Commonw alth Office

LONDON SW1

Dear Richard,

FEL 14/1 Reply.

R.E. 2278.

1. I should like in this letter to explain a little the thought behind y telegram number 689 of 12 July in which I said I thought it would be inappropriate for us to intervene officially with the Chinese to enable Gladys Yang's sister to join her on a visit.

More than 25 years ago Gladys Taylor, as she then wes, took, with full knowledge of all the consequences, the decision to marry a Chinese and settle down to life in China. More than that, after 1950 she took employment under the Chinese Goverment and has worked for them loyally ever since. As my recent conversation with her Blowed, she accepts the direction of the Chine e Communist Party, even if she may not herself be a member of the party. At tim ́s during the 1950's and 1960's, on political issues she openly sympathised with the Chinese Govenment against the British Government. In 1967 she was taken into custody, as we understand it for having taken part in Chinese internal politics. We do not know whether or not there is any truth in that chargo. She has however retained her British nationality and has always been careful to keep her passport up to date. Thus when she was taker into detention we intervened officially with the Chinese Government to ask for news of her and to request that she might be allowed to make contact with her relatives in England. Wo did not, so far as I know, ever ask officially for her release from detention least I have been car ful not to since I came here this year. has now been released and has elected t return to her former employment under the Chinese Government. So far as we know she is a free sent and is under no sort of compulsion. She has made no complaint to us since her release and has not asked for our help. There is surely no case for treating her as a specially privileged person. From what I know of her I think she w uld be the first to say that she is not entitled to and does not want any official help from the Britin Government in any of her personal affairs.

сато

Except in

in a foreigner in a foreign country is ensively

a free agen! R.E.

-one married To

JONVIDENTIAL

1578.

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CONFIDENTIAL

In all these circumstances it seems to me not only inappropriate but wrong that we should intervene officially with the Chinese to facilitate the journey of Hilda Brown to see Gladys Yang in Poking. If the Chinese ask us on what grounds this intervention is justified I do not know what we can answer. Gladys has her own channel of communication to the Chinese authorities through her Party Secretary.

I hope therefore that you will not ask us again to intervene on behalf of Gladys Tang unless there is some new development in regard to her circumstances which would require whatever measure of intervention would be appropriate to any other British subject. I think it is important at the present stage of the evolution of our relations with the Chinese that this Eabasey should be careful to maintain an entirely correct position in all matters which we take up with the Chinese Government and should not intervene in matters which are not properly our concern.

Yours ever,

John Addis

J M Addis

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT A

RESTRICTED

FM HONG KONG 013349Z

RESTRICTED

RECEI***

TO ROUTINE PEKING TELNO 77 OF 1ST AUGUST, 1972. INFORGUTINE F CO.

CRCMPTON'S LETTER OF 17 JULY TM MRS HILDA BROWN.

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سا

MRS. BROWN LEFT HONG KONG THIS MORNING FOR CANTON WHERE SHE WILL BE MET BY MRS. GLADYS YANG. THEY WILL TRAVEL TO PEKING TOGETHER

AND MRS. BROWN EXPECTS TO RETURN ON 4 OR 6 SEPTEMBER.

2. SHE WAS TAKEN CARE OF IN HONG KONG BY DR. PATERSON OF THE

NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL AND DID HOT ASK FOR OUR ASSISTANCE.

MACLEHOSE

FILES

FED

HKIOD

MR WILFORD

RESTRICTED

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Mr Walker Nord 19.7 M. Harty

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May HILDA BROWN

Mrs Bowron tetepbored

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• point Hong Kong Chinese Embery live. Key rove corteonly received

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29 July

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But as Mrs from has

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you may feel.

we can

safely of of this idea

d. Compton

19/7

Krs Hilda Brown

7 Sunningdale Gardens LONDON NW7 3PD

17 July 1972

Thank you for your letter of 9 July, which we discussed on the telephone.

I am happy to confirm that the Chinese Embassy in London have informed us that they have received authority to grant visas to krs Tayler and yourself. You said you would be calling at the Embassy this afternoon to collect them. I have since heard from the Embassy that Mrs Tayler has not yet submitted her application forms and passport photograchs. No doubt this will be cleared up during your call on the Erbassy today.

You naked about the quickest means of travel from Hong Kong to Peking. As a general rule, it would be quickest to take the train from Hong Kong to Canton and thence the flight to Teking. Á train leaves liong Kong about 9.30 am daily, arriving in Centon about 4 pm. This often just misses the daily connecting flight fro: Canton to Peking. It would thus probably be necessary for you to spend the night in Canton and catch the next day's flight to Peking.

Ferhaps I should mention that the rail link Canton/Peking, although slower, is sometimes more reliable, as flights are not infrequently cancelled. If you travelled by train it would be advisable to book first- ("sort") class seats in Hong Kong. The Administration Officer at the British Trade Commission, Hong Kong, will be pleased to help you with travel arrangements. The rail journey Canton/ Peking takes about 40 hours; sleeping accommodation (in the first class) is comfortable.

You asked about British Consular representation in ong Kong and Canton. There is, I am afraid, no UK Consulate in Canton. Should you have difficulty in Hong Kong, we suggest you call on the Assistant Political Adviser at the Colonial Jecretariat, who has been informed of your visit.

- 1 -

I am very lad that your application has been successful. I hope you have an enjoyablo trip.

/Copies to:

MJ Richardson Esq PEKING

CJ Howells Esq HONG KONG

Mr Carr

(Consular Department)

Miss Kelly (HK&IOD)

ミ

2 -

MR Crompton

Far dastern Department'

PRIORITY

R CAT A

FV F C 0 1712232

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COF

(FED)

TO PRIORITY PEXING TEL NO. 536 OF 17/7 INFO HONG KONG.

YOUR TEL NO 689: MRS KILDA BROWił.

HERVEY TELEPHONED THE CHINESE EMBASSY ON 14 JULY TO ASK THAT

VISAS SHOULD BE AUTHORIZED FOR IRS BROWN AND HRS TAYLER,

THE EMBASSY INFORMED US ON 17 JÚLY THAT AUTHORITY FOR THE ISSUE OF VISAS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.

2. WE HAVE TOLD HRS BROWN AND KRS TAYLER. YOU MAY WISH TO

HIFORA MRS YANG.

DOUGLAS-HOME

FILES

FED

MVD

CONS D

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MR WILFORD

MR SCOTT

CONFIDENTIAL

1712252

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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B1717

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7 Sunnydale Gardens. London NW) 3RD.

9 July 1972

959-7285

(PA

11/7

1877

Letter

Dear Mr. Crompton,

Thank

you for

for seeing

me on

Friday about

proposed trip to China with my sister-in-law on

July 25th

I have enquired about air tickets and learn

465 each if we cancelled

that we would forfeit 465 each

charfer flight to Hongkong of the last minute. I believe we can insure against this loss, however, so with

ahead

buy our tickers in the next

letter

Few days.

до

June 30th to the Chinese carent,

explained that July 25t was now our departure date, That my sister-in-law, Mr. E.M. Tayler of the 1.0.0, wither I come with me. that we propose to travel via

Hongkong. I see July 25% as the latest possible dafe for making a worthwhile visit to China this summer as I have to be back as college by September 4%.

I am a little apprehensive as to how to

proceed with the greatest possible speed for gues from

дей

Hongkong & Peking.

Can

you give

me the names

And addresses of British consulă

we can confact

on this part of the route.

раб

In Hongkong and Canson in case of difficulties?

I have not been able to find anyone to advice the

две

Hoping we shall have ou nies

our vives by July 24

26t!

Yours sincerely

Hilda Brown

Mr. Crompton

Far Eastern Dept.

Foreign Commonwealth Office.

Whitehall. S.W.1.

ZORITY

CYPHER CAT A & BY BAG

FM FCO 121845Z

RESTRICTED

DESKLY 1301337

RESTRICTED

TOP COPY

(FE)

TO PRIORITY PEKING TELHO 524 OF 12 JULY. INFO SAVING HONG KONG

MY TEL. NO. 511: MRS HILDA BROWN

-(x)

1. MRS BROWN HAS NOW INFORMED US THAT SKE VOULD LIKE HER SISTER-1 ||- LAW, MPS E.M. TAYLER, TO ACCOMPANY HER. SHE WROTE TO THE CHINESE CHBASSY ON 33 JUNE TO THIS EFFECT, GIVING 25 JULY AS THEIR DATE OF TRAVEL AND HONG KONG AS POINT OF TRAYS IT TO CHINA, MRS TAYLER WROTE TO THE EMBASSY ON 22 AND 30 JUNE REQUESTING A VISA. SHE HAS STILL NOT RECEIVED APPLICATION FORMS. WE SPOKE TO HU TODAY, WHO SAID HE HAD NOT REPEAT NOT HEARD OF MRS TAYLER'S APPLICATION, BUT UNDERTOOK TO REPORT TO HIS SUPERIORS. GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD ASK THE MFA TO AUTHORISE THE EMBASSY TO ISSUE A VISA FOR MRS TAYLER AS

SOON AS POSSIBLE.

2. HRS BROWN AND MRS TAYLER COULD IF NECESSARY POSTPONE THEIR JOURNEY UNTIL ES JULY: MRS BROWN HAS MADE A PROVISIONAL SOOKING FOR THIS DATE. SHE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION BY FRIDAY 24 JULY WHETHER TO CONFIRM THIS DOOKING, IF, AS SEEMS LIKELY, SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A VISA BY THEN, SHE PLANS TO RISK BOOKING FOR THE 25 JULY FLIGHT,

· CANTON

3. WE HAVE ADVISED MRS BROWN 011 MEANS OF TRAVEL HONG KONG PEKING, VE HAVE REFERRED HER TO HOWELLS IN HONG KONG IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY, AND TO THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER, BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION, HONG KONG, FOR HELP WITH TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS,

DOUGLAG-HOME

FILES

CONS

HKIOD MVD

SIR E NOFRIS

MP WILFORD MR CP SCOTE

RESTRICTED

Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should roach addromos(1).......... DESKBY 130130%

12 July

1832

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC 14/3

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top-Secret Secred Confidential

Restricted Undasalind

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

Despatched

Fristry Immediate

Priority

myy

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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PEKING

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[Security

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$2178402

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PEKING

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524

12 July

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[Codeword-if any]

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telegram No...

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repeated for information te

218402

(date)

12 July

Saving to...

HONG KONG

Repeat to:-

My tel. no. 511: Mrs HILDA BROWN

Saving to:-

Hong Kong

Distribution-

Files

FED

Consular Dept

HKIOD

M & VD

Copies to:-

1. Mrs Brown has now informed us that she would like

her sister-in-law, Mrs E.M.Tayler, to accompany her. She wrote to the Chinese Embassy on 30 June to this effect, gining 25 July as their date of travel and Hong Kong as point of transit to China. Mrs Tayler wrote to the Embassy on 20 and 30 June requesting a visa. She has still not received the application forms. We spoke to Hu today, who said he had not repeat not heard of Mrs Tayler's application, but undertook to report to his superiors. Grateful if you would ask MFA to authorise Embassy to issue a visa for Mrs Tayler as soon as possible.

2. Mrs Brown and Mrs Tayler could if necessary postpone their journey until 29 July; Mrs Brown has made a provisional booking for this date. She will have to make a decision by Friday 14 July an whether to confirm this booking. If,as seems likely she has not received a visa by then, she plans to risk booking for the 25 July flight.

13.

(122800) D4.643206 150m 8/69 G.W.B.LA

(13541) 36.643727 200m 12/49 0.W.BLA. Gp.843

3. We have advised Mrs Brown on means of travel

Hong Kong Canton Peking. We have referred her to Howells in Hong Kong in case of difficulty, and to the Administration Officer, British Trade Commission, Hong Kong, for help with travel

arrangements.

1231

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

IFY

CYPHER CAT A

FM FEKING 130001Z

CONFIDENTIAL

的

TUP COPY

Fee cu/3

CFIDENTIAL

TO PRIORITY FCO TELEGRAM NO FRO CF 12 JULY AND SAVING

IC HONG KONG.

YOUR TEL NO 511: MRS HILDA FROWN,

1. "HILE GREATLY SYMPATHIZING WITH MRS BROWN I DO NOT THINK

IT WOULD BE RIGHT FOR THIS EMBASSY TO INTERVENE.

NOW THAT MRS YANG IS FREE AND HAS ELECTED TO RETURN TO HER

CLD WORK IT IS FOR THE CHINESE THEMSELVES TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT HER RELATIVES MAY COME TO SEE HIR.

ADDIS

FILES

FED

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CONS D

MR WILFORD

MR CP SCOTT

CONFIDENTIAL

PRIORITY

CYPHER/CAT A & BY BAG

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RESTRICTED

341

TOP COPY

(FEX

RESTRICTED

TO PRIORITY PEKING TELNO 511 OF 19 JULY SAVING TO HONG KONG.

DAVIES' LETTER FEC 14/3 OF 19 JUNE TO RICHARDSON :

MAS HILDA BROWN

1. RS BROW! CALLED ON US ON 7 JULY TO REQUEST OUR HELP 19 EXPEDITING AN EARLY REPLY TO THE APPLICATION SHE HAD MADE ON

12 JUHC FOR A VISA.

2. SHE SAID SHE HAD CALLED AT THE CHINESE EMBASSY ON 7 JULY. HU (ATTACHE) TOLD HER THAT HE HAD NOT REPEAT NOT FORWARDED HER APPLICATION TO PEKING; BUT THAT HE REQUIRED INSTRUCTIONS FROM PEKING BEFORE HE COULD ACT (SIC),

3. VE ASSURED MRS BROWN WE WOULD DO OUR BEST TO ELICIT A REPLY, WE SPOKE TO HU TODAY STRESSING URGENCY OF THE CASE. HE UNDERTOOK TO REPORT TO HIS SUPERIORS. CRATEFUL IF YOU YOULD SPEAK TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND ASK THEN TO AUTHORISE A VISA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MRS BROWN NOW PLANS TO FLY BY CHARTER AIRCRAFT TO HONG KONG ON 25 JULY. CHCE THE BOOKING HAS BEEN MADE, THE COST OF THE AIRFARE IS NOT RECOVERABLE IF THE BOOKING IS CANCELLED. SHE MUST

THEREFORE MAKE AN EARLY DECISION.

DOUGLAS-HOPE

FILES

RED

MVD

HKIOD

OONS D

KN VILFORD

MR 3 P SCOTT

RES IRIC TED

161.

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FED

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

--- LI

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Goffidential

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16 July:

02-01

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS

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1018002

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if any

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(Date) ....10/7/72

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repeated for information to

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(date)

NJ. ---

10 July

1018002

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Distribution:

FILES

FED

M&VD

HK&IOD

Consular Dept

Copies to:-

Davies' letter FEC 14/3 of 19 June to Richardson:

MRS HILDA BROWN

Mrs Brown called on us on 7 July to request our

help in expediting an early reply to the application

she had made on 12 June for a visa.

She said she had called at the Chinese Embassy

here on 7 July. Hu Attaché) told her he had not

repeat not forwarded her application to Peking; but

that he required instructions from Peking before he

could act (sic).

3. We assured Mrs Brown we would do our best to

elicit a reply. We spoke to Hu today stressing

urgency of the case.

report to his

He undertook to selesa

Supaners.

RESTRICTED

/GLATEFUL

(10323)_DL.H

RESTRICTED

Grateful if you would speak to the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ask them to

authorise a visa as soon as possible.

Ers Brown

now plans to fly by charter aircraft to Hong Kong

on 25 July. Once the booking has been made, the

бе

cost of air fare is not recoverable if the

booking is cancelled.

She must therefore make an

early decision.

RESTRICTED

(77 sort) 1/64;G.M.B.LM. Ga:143

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}

Enter 10/29/16 (11)

7 SUNNYDALE GARDENS

MILL HILL

GARDENS

LONDON NW7 3PD

25. 6.72.

Dear Mr. Hervey

I am

writing to inform you

Kal

applied to the Chinese consular office

on 12th June fr

a visa to visit my sister

Gladys Yang in Peking his summer.

Nor

propose

& fly out, probably via Hongkong,

авто

thely to about the 28 July & stay abour four weeks

be 25/7.

RC. in Peking.

7/4

I will lef

Secured a nša.

Сору

Chenfeng Pekking

ARA IK.

know

you

• when I have

радост

Your sincerely

Hilda Bown

хово 417

to wite we

5/2

R.B.R. Hervey

Far Easter Дерг

Foreign & Commonwealth office.

S.W.1.

RESTRICTED

K J Richardson F8q P.KING

FEC 14/3

19 June 1972

MRS GLADYS YANG

kichard Jazuel has asked me to let you know that he rang Kre Yang's sister, Kra Hilda Brown, on 14 June. Krs Brown said that she had received three letters from her sister, the laat one registered, all strongly urging her to go to Peking. Richara said to her that in view of this he would not wish to try to diusuace her, and that the Ambassador's advice, which had been conveyed to her in his letter of 2 May, had been given in the belief that it represented Mrs Yang's real wishes,

2. Kirs Brown has applied for a visa to go at the end of

July. Curiously she said she had not mentioned Gladys Yang in connection with her application. Richard wished her luck and asked her to lock in at the debassy on arrival in Teking.

Copy to:

CJ Howells Esq HONG KONG

[

RESTRICTED

H L1 Davies

Far sastera Jepartment

(693343) DA. 196639 1,0004 1/71 SUB

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret

Secret.

Confidential

Restricted,

Unclassified

PRIVACY MARKING

M➖ - ➖➖ ---

In Confidence

DRAFT

Letter

To:-

M. J. Richardson

Pekerj

Cc C.3. Howell Hiki

Type 1

From

Telephone No. & Ext.

Department

To issue

Mrs Gladys Yany.

Richard Samuel hay asked me to let

Know that he ray

Rep

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Tartary Brown,

14 June

let you

Yang's sister Thos Hilda

Mas Yang's

This frown said that she

10/% had received three letters from her sister,

in her letter 2 Tay

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Richard said to has that in view

west wish

to try to dissuade her,

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and that the umbessadors

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2. This Brown

end July

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19/6

i wished her luck and asked her to

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In arrive

Then she got there.

Polking

Reference

FEL 14/3

NOTE FOR FILE

30/5

ী

BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED IN CHINA

1. Mrs Hilda Brown, Mrs Gladys Yang's sister, telephoned me this afternoon to say that she was somewhat perplexed by the communications she had received from Mr Addis in Peking and from her sister. Mr Addis had advised her not to go to Peking; Mrs Yang, on the other hand, had said that she would be delighted to see her. Between receiving Mr Addis's letter and that from her sister she had written to the latter saying that she did not propose to go to China this year. She thought that Mrs Yang would now return to the charge with her and press her to come.

2. She wished to discuss the position with

Mr Samuel,when he returned from Peking on leave, and myself. I promised to contact her when

Mr Samuel came to see us. Her telephone number is 959 7285.

30 May 1972

Доб

RBR Hervey

DD 137719 557664 500M 207 GM 343/2

Foreign and Commonwealth Offic

London S.W.1

I ✪ UTF

P.KI, G

12 May 1972

Dan lain

BOOK BY FOREIGNERS WHO HAVE WORKED IN PEKING

1. Thank you for your letter of 29 April concerning Glad's Yang's inquiry about a book written at an official inst tution in Poking.

As you say, Eric Gordon's "Freedom is a word" fite the description. It is also possible that Mrs Yang was thinking of one of the following:-

"Away with all posts", by Joshua Horn,

Nelson, 1970.

"The Cultural Revolution et Peking University"

by Victor Nee, Lonthly Review Press, 1969.

"China Observed" by Colin Huckerras and Neale Hunter,

Pall Mall Press, 1968 (also paperback by Sphere Books)

(Hunter who worked es a teacher in Shanghai

whereas Mɛckorras was in Peking later published another book, "Shenghai Journal".)

Unlike Eric Gordon, the authors of the books listed above t-ke e generally favourable attitude to the Chinese system, and that by Joshua Horn gives particularly glowing praise of Chinese achievemente.

Yours ever

Ken has shown this to me.

P.S.2l believe there was also a boste

a Swis: the worked in the Fireyn lang reyes hustitute. The Swiss Smidary may bars it.

I I mingine you will bear in

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KC Welker

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RESTRICTED

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Reference

14/3

Mr Davies (PED)

GLADYS YANG: REQUEST TO SEE A BOOK WRITTEN BY A FOREIGNER WHO HAD WORKED IN PEKING

Would you please see the attached letter from Iain Orr and my reply. It appears that the Ambassador is considering providing a book of the kind requested to Mrs Yang.

2. Mr Brewer has asked me to mention to you the possibility that the provision of books published outside China, particularly if they contain adverse comments on the Chinese system, could have implications for Mrs Yang's security. We assume that the Ambassador is fully aware of this, but you may wish to add some remarks to my letter before sending it off!

3. It seems appropriate that these papers should be entered FE.

12 May 1972.

KC Walker

Far Eastern Section Research Department

Letter to issue

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DD #15637

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RESTRICTED

KC Walker Esq Research Department FCO

RESTRICTED

BRITISH EMBASSY \PEKING

Fez 14/1

29 APRIL 1972

Dear Ken,

1. When Gladys Yang saw the Ambassador the other day she said that she would be interested in seeing a book which she believed had been written recently by a foreigner working either in the Foreign Languages Institute or for Hsinhua

but news agency. She thought the author's name was Gilbert, was not sure if this was correct. She did not know the title.

The only one Do you have any information about this book? which I can think of recently is Eric Gordon's book"Freedom is a Word," but there may have been another.

Yours even,

I air

RESTRICTED

I C Orr

love

CONFIDENTIAL

930 8440

Fe wils

JM Addio Req ƠMG PEKING

12 May 1972

(2)

888

W0248

ROLFE)

to see file

GLADYS YANG

1. Thank you for your letter of 2 May about your conversation with Gladys Yang at the end of the week before.

We have posted your letter to Mrs Brown. I do not know whether she will now reply. If she does, and if she asks us to forward the letter to you, we shall of course let you have it.

$..

3. I was most interested to read what you had to say about Gladys herself. I knew her quite well mysolf in 1956 and 1957. I remember spending an evening at a house in Peitaiho which she and her husband had rented for spell in the summer of 1956. We talked polities for a very long time; and in a spirit of great seriousness. She was certainly not relaxed then; and I am very glad to know that she is now in the frame of mind you describe. Her ordeal must have at times put her under very great strain.

RK Evans

Far Eastern Department

CONFIDENTIAL

letter (exc) sent

915 SAC

BRITISH EMBASSY

PEKING

Thi Hervey. I think we must pass

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Перепе

you'l

o Comuneor

Dept.) agrae ? ₤2 May 1972

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I shell ccs.

R.E.

Ryans 259

Far Eastern Department

Foreign and Commons:alth Office

нового

Enter

LONDON SWI

Dear Richard,

R.E.

815.

I agree.

87/5.

дерт.

915

1. Gladys Yeng came and had tea with me at my house at the end of last week. I think that the main purpose of her visit was to enlist my support in persuading her sister, Mrs Brown, not to come and visit her this year. This I could do with a clear conscience and complete conviction, and I enclose, with a copy for your files, e letter to her conveying this advice personally from myself.

2. Having known Gladys in Yanking in 1948/49, wher she was rather an intense person, I was surprised how elaxed and composed she now is after the ordeal of five years in detention, most of them in solitary confinement. She is clearly delighted to be back at work and reunited with her husband and to have the prospect of seeing the children again.

She said that the Institute of Foreign Languages is still undergoing the process of struggle, criticism and transformation. She said that the influence of the May 16 Group had been strong there. She would therefore find it difficult having her sister staying here while these processes were going on all round. The Party Secretary had advised against a visit by her sister this year, but had said that a visit next year would be all right. Gladys had written to her sister accordingly but meanwhile had received a further letter from her returning to the charge and urging a visit this year. Mrs Brown was clearly anxious about Gl dys and wanted to be reassured. Gladys had gone back to the Party Secretary who was prepared to sanction a visit this year after all, though with some reluctance. G1 dys thought that in all the circumstances a visit next year would be far more appropriate, and I think she is right.

Three or four times in the course of our talk she referred to the Party Secretary in this way as the arbiter of decisions, rather as someone in different circumstances might refer to the rulings from Farm Street. Apart from this acceptance of Forty authority and discipline, her comments were in general well-balanced and reasonably objective.

CONFIDENTIAL

15.

CCNFIDENTIAL

5. Gladys has been reading a book on the Cultural Revolution by an American who was here for the early stages of it (I forget his name) and asked eagerly if there were any other accounts of this kind. She commented that at the time it had been difficult to tell which was the correct line and which was ultra-leftist or revisionist. Often two factions seemed to be equally correct. I commented that it seemed that some times the decision which was correct was only taken after the event, and she did not dissent. She said that she still did not grasp the full meaning of the Cultural Revolution, and that it would be years before all its implications became clear.

She said that she understood why it was that the Chinese authorities did not allow persons under investigation to communicate with their relatives and friends. When her children had been told of her arrest, each one of them had "drawn a line" under that part of her life and it would have been disturbing for them to receive messages from their mother. All three children were brought up as Chinese speakers, but Gladys said that they had inevitably picked up some knowledge of English from their home circumstances.

The younger daughter wants now to study English at the Foreign Languages Institute, and Gladys hopes that it might be possible for her to come here next year for this purpose and to stay with her. She had wondered if this would be all right but the Farty Secretary had reassured her that it would.

She has not yet mixed much with other members of the Institute but so far as she knows she is the only British subject there, though there are a number of Americans. She has never done any teaching but has only been concerned with translations.

Her main work now to which she is returning, is for the monthly "English Literature", Before the Cultural Revolution she and Hsien-Yi were engaged on full translations of "The Dream of the Red Chamber" and of Seu-me Chien's Li-Shih. Since her release one of her colleagues had returned to her the manuscripts of the translations which had been prescrved in - tact during the Dultural Revolution. It is not possible for them to return to them immediately but they hope that it will be after a few years.

fours ever.

John Add's

ENC

CONFIDENTIAL

J M Addis

Mrs Hilda Brown

7 Sunnydale Gardens Mill Bill

LONDON NU? 3PD

FRITISH EMBASSY

PEKING

7 May 1972

Gladys came to tea at my house at the end of last weeż, She is looking well, relaxed and content. She told me that you were hoping to visit her this year and that she had written to you suggesting that a visit next year would be better. For ng part, if I may, I should like to support that advice. Although Gladys has come through this long and difficult period of trial with so much composure and good balance, she must necessarily now be going through a period of readjustment in relation to Hsien-yi, the children and her work at the Institute. Moreover, the Institute itself in still going through a period of rwörganisation and readjustment. Al: hơngh 1 understand very well your wish to ace Gladys again as soon as possible, I really t: fżk that a visit from you at the present time would cause difficaliis. for her. I would expect that by next year things would have settled down from all points of view so that your visit could take place in better circumstances.

I hope you will excuse this advice from a stranger on such a personal matter. I do not think that Gladys will be keeping in close touch with the Embassy now but she certainly knows that she can come to us at any time.

J M Addis

Mrs Hilda Brown 7 Bunnydale Gardens Mill Hill

LONDON NW7 3PD

27 April 1972

Thank you for your letter of 19 April.

We can see no objection to your agreeing to being interviewed by Woman's Hour about your sister's releano. You may wish to explain privately to the interviewer beforehand that your sister's position is still a delicate one and that for this reason you would prefer not to say very much. I feel sure that the interviewer will respect your wishes.

You may like to have the form of words which Mrs Yang agreed with our Embassy should be used in the event of press enquiries. Mrs Yang was most anxious that nothing should be said beyond this.

You may wish to draw on it accordingly:

"Mrs Yang called at the Embassy on 30 March to renew her passport. She was in good health. She told us that she had been well treated while in detention The conditions under which she had been held were good and the standards of food and hygiene were high. She had now returned to her old flat. After a brief rest she would take up her previous job as a translator at the Foreign Languages Press. She had been received by her friends and colleagues with a warmth beyond her expectations. Her husband had been released at about the same time and had resumed his former job in the Foreign Languages Press. She was extremely happy that everything had turned out the way it had and that she could lead her ordinary life again. She was most grateful to those who had taken an interest in her well being."

If you are asked about the reason for her detention, I think it would be best to reply simply that you are not clear about the background to this.

I understand from our Kabassy that Mrs Yang has now written to you. I am sure she has given you news about the family. I can see no objection to your mentioning that the children have all returned from their various places of work of groet her,

RBR HorvVOY

Far Eastern Department

(285363) Dd. 896639 1,000M 1/71 SUS.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret

Secret.

Confidential. Restricted.

Unclassified,

PRIVACY MARKING

DRAFT LETTER

To:-

Mra Hilda Brown

7 Sunnydale Gardens Mill Hil1

LONDON NW7 3PD

Type [ +

From

Mr Hervey

Telephone No. & Ex

Department

Far Eastern Department

In Confidence

17cw27/4

The Her

Dps to loser

ва

2774

Thank you for your letter of 19 April.

letter

I can see no objection to your agreeing to being interviewed by Woman's Hour about your sister's

release.provided you are as discreet as possible.

many wah

You should perhaps explain privately to the interviewer

الان آنی من

beforehand that your sister's position remaine somewhat delicate and that you are thereford uhwilling to say

would prepes nom

very much.

I feel sure that the interviewer will

respect your wishes,

This Young agreed with

The

You may like to have the form of wards which our

Embassy agreed with

even of

press interest was aroused.

g should be used if-any

Mrs Yang was/anxious

beyond th

that nothing farther should be said and you may wish to draws on its

the bottom yu

"Mrs Yang has called at the Embassy to renew her

on some ccordingly:

passport, and was in good health. She told us

that she had been well treated while in detention.

had bee

Conditions under which she was held were good and

She had

A standards of food and hygiene high.

now returned to her old flat and After a short

Така тр

ime to

rest would resume her previous job as translator

at the Foreign Languages Press. She had been

received by her friends and colleagues with a

yed

warmth which was far beyond her expectations.

-1-

/Ber

Her husband had been released at about the same

time and had resumed his former job in the

Foreign Languages Press. She was extremely

happy that everything had turned out the way it

had and that she could lead her ordinary life

again. She was most grateful to those who had

taken an interest in her well being."

If you are asked about the reason for her detention,

I think it would be best to reply simply that you

verk you

und the

You might add that

are not clear about this.

during the Qultural Revolution a wholly unusual

situation existed and many foreigners were arrestéd.

I understand from our Embassy that Mrs Yang has now

she have

written to you. She has probably given you a

certain amount of news about the family. I can see

no objection to your mentioning that the children have

places of won't

all returned from their various work/to greet her.

-2-

сво

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

01-950 7285

SOON

24/4

Jury (twath

Enes ply

7 Sunnydale GarDENS

MILL HILL

London NW7 3PD

19 April 1972

FEL

Dear Her. Hervey

Thank

you for your

letter 27

27 April,

کرتے

2414

giving me the confidential information about

my sister, Gladys Yang's, interview with the British Consul in Peking.

I have been asked by the Editor

Woman's Hour & say a few words about

の

Gladys' release. You have stressed that she is

anxious not to have the details of her case

made public, but I believe that she would

objection to our publicising the

have no obj warm reception she received an

returning home,

< the

The wou

shes her

• his husband have been

way

Jeen

fully re-instated. On the detention I would limit myself to saying that she had expressed the cultural revolution, but that her

criticisms 1

conditions had beth good & her health was good Throughout. I could also mention the children.

whether

I would be glad of your advice as t

you should take place, <. if so, what

Think The Woman's Hour interview

what may safely be

said. The purpose would be just & ressoure his feners that the outcome has been ever Lappier than we could have hoped.

Yours sincerely

Hilda Brown

To: R.B.R. Hervey, For Eastern Dept. Foreign & Commonwealth

office.

John Gorst Esq "P

House of Commons

Lond on

SWIA OAA

13 April 1972

Many thanks for your letter of 10 April about *rs Gladys Yang.

It was most kind of yo. to write. Mrs Yang's release gave me particular satisfaction as it occurred in the last few days of my time as Head of Far Eastern Department. We have heard from Peking that she had a most satisfactory home-coming with her husband, who had been released a week earlier, waiting to seat her.

JAL "organ Cultural Relations Department

JOHN GORST, M.P.

HOUSE OF COMMONS" LONDON SWIA OAM

enter FExpa

Koth April, 1972.

13.4

Dear My Morgan,

141)

This note is just to say how appreciative I am of your advice and guidance over the

case of Mrs. Gladys Yang.

As I am sure you will be aware, her brother and sister were delighted at the successful result, which I have no doubt owes a great deal to vour own assistance.

I do not know whether Mrs. Brown has been in touch with you, but I gather she has already received a telegram from her sister in China, and is contemplating applying for a visa if she gets any

indication from Mrs. Yang that a visit would be welcomed.

With many thanks.

Ack sent. ....Youus siiaul,

Mim

{

(C.R.Dear). John Gorge

would you like to reply

John Morgan, Esa.,

yourself? Óv

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, wo Lear

(Far Eastern Department) ou prefe: me Downing Street,

R.M. Evans

12/4.

enuwe

You

behalf?

CYPHER CAT A

RECEIVERĀNI DENTIAL

REGISTRY No. 52

FM PEKING 1843252

10 APR 1972

1413

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY

TO ROUTINE FCO TELEGRAM NO. 2910F 19 APRIL.

MY TELNO 259: GLADYS YANG,

1. MRS YANG CAME BACK TO THE EMBASSY ON AFTERNOON OF 7 APRIL TO COLLECT HER PASSPORT. ROTH CONSUL AND I WERE OUT OF THE OFFICE AT THE TIME BUT HEAD OF CHANCERY WHO SAW HER THOUGHT SHE LOOKED WELL. SHE SEEMED TO HAVE RECOVERED FROM HER ORDEAL REMARKABLY QUICKLY, SHE WAS RATHER HOARSE, BECAUSE SHE SAID SHE HAD BEEN TALKING NON-STOP FOR THE PAST WEEK: OTHERWISE HER

SPEECH WAS NORMAL.

2. SHE SAID THAT ALL HER CHILDREN HAD PEEN HOPE TO SEE HER AND THAT THEY WERE WELL AND HAPPY, HER 2 SONS ARE WORKING IN FACTORIES: HER DAUGHTER, THE YOUNGEST, IS HOPING TO GO TO UNIVERSITY IN THE AUTUMN

SHE HAD BEEN TOLD SHE COULD REST FOR

AS LONG AS SHE WANTED BEFORE PESUMING HER JOB AT THE PRESS RUT SAID SHE INTENDED TO GO BACK SOON. SHE HAD WRITTEN TO HER SISTER AND BELIEVED THE CHINESE WOULD NOT OBJECT TO HER COMING CUT TO PEKING TO STAY FOR A WHILE, SHE SAID SHE WOULD PURSUE THIS POSSIBILITY BY CORRESPONDENCE AND DID NOT EXPECT TO NEED ANY ASSISTANCE FROM US. SAMUEL ASSURED HER NEVERTHELESS THAT WE WOULD GIVE ANY HELP IF SHE OR HER SISTER WANTED. IT AND PROMISED TO CONTACT HER SISTER WHEN HE RETURNED HOME ON LEAVE IN MAY,

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3573

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requested. I apstogose for the delay.

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N°259

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IN CONFIDENCE

Mrs H G Brown 7 Sunnydale Gardens London NW7

7 April 1972

I am writing to confirm what John Morgan, who has now left Far Eastern Department, told you on the telephone before Easter about your sister Mrs Gladys Yang's release from detention.

When Kra Yang called on the British Consul in Peking on 30 March to renew her passport which had expired in 1968, she was able to give him some information about the conditions of her detention and her release, She said in partfèular that she wanted her relatives and friends in Britain to be reassured about her health, and the conditions of her detention, and how happy she was at being able to resume her former work. anxious not to have details of the case made public.

She emphasised, however, that she was most specifically warned against this by the Chinese authorities.

She had been therefore ask you to regard the following as being for the information of your family and your sister's close friends only.

May I

When Mrs Yang called on the Consul she looked in good health although she spoke slowly and seened slightly dazed. her release she had obviously found difficulty in taking in the

In the two days since great changes in China and the world outside since her detention nearly 4 years ago. She was very surprised at the amount of public interest in her case in this country when the Consul informed:.her of this.

She told him that she returned home to her old flat at the Foreign Languages Institute on 28 March. She received a welcome, warz beyond her expectations, from her colleagues and friends. flat was filled with flowers and had been repainted.

The that this was a bourgeois way to welcome someone home but was told

She commented that the Farty had ordered it. Her husband had been released a week earlier. They were both to resume their old jobs and her husband had been told that he would receive his old salary. was told that this too was arty policy. of their children had already joined then on their way to Peking from Manchuria and Hupei.

and the other two ware

Mrs Tang said that one

/Mrs Yang

IN CONFIDENCE

Her standarda

Mrs Yang said that the reason for her detention had been "passing information to an enemy". The case rested on the letters she wrote home during the height of the Cultural Revolution, particularly when her husband was under attack. included information "not published in the People's Daily".

These lettera conditions of imprisonment were, she said, very good; of food and hygiene were high. She was held in solitary confinement at a location in Peking which she was unable to identify. Apparently the Chinese regard this as better treatment than imprisonment in the company of others. her gaolers had intimated to her on several occasions that she

During recent months would soon be released.

Mrs Tang said that she had been informed in the Spring of 1971 of the death of your mother. received from the outside world during her imprisonment.

This was the only message she will recall that our mission in Feking first asked the Chinese You authorities to pass this news to Mrs Yang in November 1970, shortly after your mother's death. The Chinese did not, however, confirm that they had done so until November 1971. kowever that the news was passed to her in April as foreshadowed

It seems probable in Mr Denson's letter of 8 April 1971 to you.

Mrs Yang said that she intended to revert to her former pattern of life in Peking. She would prefer, for understandable reasons, not to be seen to be in close contact with our Embassy.

IN CONFIDENCE

RBR HervRY

Far Eastern Department

1995 100 M000'1 609968 PC (EDESBR)

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top-Secret.

Secret.

-Confidential,

Restricted.-

Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

DRAFT LETTER

To:-

in Capitone Type 1 +

Сардана

Mrs, frown,

7 Sunnydale Gardens,

Loudon N. 10.7.

From

Mr-Evans

Telephone No. & Ext.

Department

------------

In Confidence

Refem

CC [silent] THE EM

Peking.

onfirm what

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I have just taken over as Head of Far Eastern

هد

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that before Eenw stow your sites wish to know that your sister

relcam fromée dutertestin

детет

Mrs Gladys Yang called on the British Consul

No Ma

Yong

in Peking on 30 March to renew her passport which

had expired in 1968, he was able to give him

some information about the conditions of her

detention and her release. She said in particular

that she wanted her relatives and friends in

Britain to be reassured about her health, and the

conditions of her detention, and how happy she

She

is at being able to resume her former work.

emphasised, however, that she anxious not

to have details of the case made public. She

had been specifically warned against this by the

afe May 1

wok you

Chinese court I must ask you therefore, for your

gister's gaket

intomatini

regard the following as

Efor the

confidential to your family and your sister's

close friends,mly.

When Mrs Yang called on the Consul she looked in

good health although she spoke slowly and seemed

slightly dazed. In the two days since her

release she had obviously found difficulty in

taking in the great changes in China and the

world outside since her detention nearly 4 years

/ago

ago.

She was very surprised at the amount

of public interest in her case in this country

when the Consul informed her of this.

She told him that she returned home to her old

flat at the Foreign Languages Institute on

28 March. She received a welcome, warm beyond

her expectations, from her husband, her colleagues

and friends. The flat was filled with flowers

and had been repainted. She commented that

this was a bourgeois way to welcome someone home

but was told that the Party had ordered it.

husband had been released a week earlier.

Her

They

are both to resume their old jobs and her husband

had been told that he would receive full back pay

and that he would continue to receive his old

salary, which was very

He was told that this

too was Party policy. Mrs Yang said that one

of their children had already joined them and the

other two were on their way to Peking from

respectively Manchuria and Hupei.

Mrs Yang said that the reason for her detention

had been "passing information to an enemy"

home

The case rested on the letters she wrote to her

family during the height of the Cultural

Revolution, particularly when her husband was

under attack. These letters included

information "not/published in the People's Daily".

Her conditions of imprisonment were, she said,

very good; standards of food and hygiene were

/high

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

high. She was held in solitary confinement at a

location in Peking which she was unable to identify.

Apparently the Chinese regard this as better treatment than imprisonment in the company of others. During

recent months her gaolers had intimated to her on

several occasions that she would soon be released.

You will no doubt be particularly interested to

Mrs Yong said in at the hand beag hear that your sister was informed in the Spring

was/Informed

of 1971 of the death of your mother.

This was the

only message she received from the outside world

during her imprisonment. You will recall that

our mission in Peking first asked the Chinese authorities to pass this news to Mrs Yang in November. 1970, shortly after your mother's death.

The Chinese did not, however, confirm that they had

was passed to

that the news Fruste to join

Pod Danson's

+9715 you

done so until November 1971. It seems probable

ker in April 1 cp the Damon kepest when

an Loveshadowed in

8 AM wf. Mrs Yang has said that she does not wish to have

too-muck confact with too much contact with the British Embassy in future,

She intends to revert to her former pattern of

She

This

life in Peking.

prefer

for

undergrond the

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THE TIMES

29 MAR 1972

Cha

PER

Mrs Gladys Yang, now aged 53, British molher of three, who was freed by the Chinese yesterday. The picture dates from before her detcution in 1968.

Mrs Yang free and home again in Peking

Peking. March 28-Mrs Gladys Yang returned to her home in Peking today after being detained for almost four years by the Chinese authorities.

Mo Yang, an Englishwoman married to a Chinese school teacher, was arrested during the Cultural Revolution in 1968, sines when she has been held incomunicado. It is not known where she was dotripod.

The British Embassy said today that it was not planning to sond anyone to visit or see Mrs Yang unless she made contact and asked il to do so.

Three other British subjects arrested during the Cultural Rev. olution are still being hell. They dire Mir Elsie Epstein, Mỹ Michael Shapiro and Mr David Crook. They worked as translators 10 Peking

The Chinese have so far refused to allow British diplomats to see them, but Mrs Yang's relossa is soon as a further stop forward in

the improvement of Sino-British relations after the decision two weeks ago to exchange ambassa dors.

It follows the freeing of two American prisoners_lasi Decem- Britons, two ber. The three Americans and several other for eigners are still being held by the Chinese bat the number of people in juls has dropped sharply since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1969.

Mr John Addis, Britain's new his 粥道 present

A Canton Ambassador,

letters of credence

either tomorrow or Thursday, the British Embassy disclosed inday. The louers will be accepted by Me Tung

Pi-wu. the 86-year-old acting Chairman of the People's Republic, who is spending the winter in the soubern city.

Mr Addis will be the only Western ambassador accredited to Peking who speaks Chinese and i

served

China twice has before. Reuter.

Кир

& Enter

HF Tayler, Esq., 19 Clarence Road, Wroxall,

Ventnor,

Isle of Wight.

5 April, 1972.

It was most kind of you to write your letter of 31 March about your sister, Gladys Yang.

I was also delighted to hear of her release, particularly as the news came through during my last few days as Head of Far Eastern Department.

(по Потдам

teleplumed This Brown on 27/3 to inform her).

(J A L Morgan)

(=)

Jorn.

You wil

yourself

Richero.

414.

garciyacive

سين

Telephone

jentnor 974 852874

J. Morgan Esq. Foreign Office.

Dear Mr. Morgan,

19 Clarence Road,

Wroxall,

Ventnor,

10 (19)

Isle of Wight.

31st March 72

enth FEa per

Gladys Yang.

ack sert

Rejoicing in the good

news

بدی

5.4

that she is " Happily home & all is well aher which she cabled, I wish to express the deep gratitude the family for your good offices securing her release. It is

how thankful we

hard to

to you ;

say

we are

After her long residence with the Chinese I suspect they felt

that her detention was an

was an internal

Telephone

entnor 874

19 Clarence Road,

Wroxall,

Ventnor,

Isle of Wight.

matter. Some people here might forgive you for sharing this

I greatly appreciate your

view.

sustained efforts on her behalf, a feeling which extends to Mr. John Denson and others if you can

blease extend

to pass

thanks to them.

It had very kind of you on news as quickly you did. We are all very grateful.

My sister Hilda Brown tells

that

you

are

moving to another

Department. May I wish,

success in it.

Yours sincerely, HF Tayler.

you

all

IMMEDIATE

CYPHER CAT. A

FM PEKING 322712Z

PESTRICTED

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AP GOPY

TO IMMEDIATE F C O TELEGRAM NO. 259 OF 30 MARCH INFO

ROUTINE HONG KONG

MIPT

GLADYS YANG

MRS YANG HAS CALLED AT THE EMBASSY TO RENEW HER PASSPORT AND WAS IN GOOD HEALTH. SHE TOLD US THAT SHE HAD BEEN WELL TREATED WHILE IN DETENTION. CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SHE WAS HELD WERE GOOD AND STANDARDS OF FOOD AND HYGIENE HIGH.

SHE HAD NOW RETURNED TO HER OLD FLAT AND AFTER A SHORT REST

WOULD RESUME HER PREVIOUS JOB AS TRANSLATOR AT THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS. SHE HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY HER FRIENDS AND

COLLEAGUES WITH A WARMTH WHICH WAS FAR BEYOND HER EXPECTATIONS,

HER HUSBAND HAD FEEN RELEASED AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME AND HAD RESUMED HIS FORMER JOB IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS. SHE WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY THAT EVERYTHING HAD TURNED OUT THE WAY IT HAD AND THAT SHE COULD LEAD HER ORDINARY LIFE AGAIN. SHE WAS MOST GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO HAD TAKEN AND INTEREST. IN HER WELL BEING.

ADDIS

FILES

F.E.D.

CONSULAR DEPT

NEWS DEPT

MR WILFORD

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

RESTRICTED

LATIEDIATE

CYPHER CAT A

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CONFIDENTIAL

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الله

Enter

X.C

良

Mr Bat

30/3

TO INMEDIATE FCO TELEGRAM NO. 25" OF 30 MARCH INFO ROUTINE see.

TO HONG KONG.

MY TELEGRAM NO 212:

GLADYS YANG,

FEC 14/3

ARS YANG CALLED ON CONSUL AT-THE EMBASSY THIS MORNING.

SHE LOOKED IN GOOD HEALTH, SPOKE SLOWLY, AND SEEMED A LITTLE

PAZEG.

SHE SAID SHE HAD RETURNED HOME ON TUESDAY TO HER FLAT AT THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS WHERE SHE HAD BEEN WARMLY WELCOMED FEYOND HER EXPECTATIONS BY HER FRIENDS AND COLLEACUES.

THE FLAT

*A PEEN PALUTED AND WAS FILLED WITH FLOWERS. WHEN SHE COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS A BOURGEOIS WAY TO WELCOME SOMEONE HOME THE ANSWER CAME BACK THAT IT WAS DONE ON THE ORDERS OF THE PARTY, HER HUSBAND WAS THERE TO GREET HER. HE HAD REEN RELEASED A WEEK EARLIER. BOTH WERE TO HAVE THEIR OLD JOBS BACK AND HER HUSBAND HAD ALREADY BEEN TOLD THAT HE WOULD BE PAID THE SAME SALARY AS BEFORE (WHICH WAS VERY HIGH) AND WOULD RECEIVE FULL BACK PAY. WHEN HE DEMURRED AT THIS HE WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PARTY POLICY. ONE OF MRS YANG'S CHILDREIFAS ALREADY JOINED THE FAMILY, THE OTHER TWO (OKE IN MANCHURIA AND ONE IN HUPEI) ARE ON THEIR

WAY TO PEKING.

3. MRS YANG TOLD US THAT SHE HAD BEEN DETAINED FOR ''PASSING INFORMATION TO AN ENEMY''. THIS CONSISTED OF THE CONTENTS OF LETTERS SHE HAD WRITTEN TO HER FAMILY DURING THE TURMOIL OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION, PARTICULARLY WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS UNDER ATTACK WHICH INCLUDED MATTERS 'NOT PUPLISHED IN THE PEOPLE'S DAILY''. SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD BEEN KEPT IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT SOMEWHERE IN PEKING (SHE DID NOT KNOW WHERE): IN CHINESE EYES THIS AMOUNTED TO BETTER TREATMENT THAN BEING IMPRISONED IN THE CCMPANY OF OTHERS. SHE SAID THAT HER CONDITIONS OF IMPRISONMENT WERE VERY GOOD. STANDARDS OF FOOD AND HYGIENE WERE HIGH

THE MAIN REASON FOR MRS YANG'S VISIT WAS TO RENEW HER

ALTHOUGH PASSPORT (C 171112) WHICH EXPIRED ON 19 SEPTEMBER 1968. SHE SAID THAT SHE WOULD BE HAPPY TO GREET THE AMBASSADOR (WHO

SINCE IS IN CANTON TODAY) WHEN SHE CAME TO COLLECT HER PASSPORT, THEY KNEW EACH OTHER PERSONALLY, SHE WAS NOT ANXIOUS FOR TOO MUCH CONTACT WITH THE EMBASSY IN THE FUTURE.

SHE WOULD REVERT TO HER FORMER PATTERN OF LIFE IN PEKING.

CONFIDENTIAL

17.

CONFIDENTIAL

5. SHE WAS VERY SURPRISED AT THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST BOTH IN

PAPLIAMENT AND IN THE PRESS WHICH CONSUL TOLD HER HER CASE

HAD AROUSED. SHE ASKED HOW MANY OTHER FRITISH SUPJECTS WERE STILL

RETAINED IN CHINA AND SAID THAT SHE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED MPS

EPSTEIN'S CASE TO AROUSE GREATER INTEREST THAN HERS, BUT MADE NO FURTHER COMMENT. IN 2 DAYS SHE HAS CLEARLY BEEN UNABLE TO

TAKE IN THE GREAT CHANGES IN CHINA AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD SINCE THE DAY SHE WAS DETAINED NEARLY 4 YEARS AGO. SHE KNEW, HOWEVER OF OUR ELEVATION TO AN EMBASSYAND WONDERED WHETHER IF IT HAD

ANYTHING TO DO WITH HER RELEASE.

MIGHT BE A FACTOR.

CONSUL SAID HE THOUGHT IT

6, KRS YANG SAID THAT HER GAOLERS HAD INTIMATED TO HER ON

SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING RECENT MONTHS THAT HER RELEASE WAS

IMINENT, THE ONLY MESSAGE FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD SHE HAD RECEIVED WAS NEWS OF HER MOTHERS DEATH, IN THE SPRING OF 1971 I.E. 18 MONTHS AFTER IT OCCURRED AND ABOUT 6 MONTHS FEFORE CHANG WEN-CHIN

CONFIRMED TO DENSO THAT THE MESSAGE HAD BEEN TRANSMITTED.

ALTHOUGH MRS YANG IS ANXIOUS FOR HER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN BRITAIN TO BE REASSURED ABOUT HER HEALTH, THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SHE WAS IN DETENTION, AND HER CONTENTMENT AT BEING ABLE TO RESUME HER FORMER WORK, SHE IS ANXIOUS NOT TO HAVE DETAILS OF THE CASE MADE PUBLIC AND HAD BEEN SPECIFICALLY TOLD NOT TO BY THE COURT.

SHE THEREFORE ASKED US TO PESPECT WHAT SHE HAD TOLD US AND TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC ONLY ON THE LINES OF MIFT. WE SAID WE WERE PREPARED TO AGREE,

st. SEE THEREFORE MIFT.

ADDIS

FILES

F.E.D.

CONSULAR DEFT

NEWS DEPT

MR WINFORD

(REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

--2-

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr John Addis, CMG PEKING

FEC 14/3

Despatched 28/3

160

28 March 1972

MRS GLADYS YANG

1. As you can imagine your telegram No 234 gave us all great pleasure.

2. I should be grateful if a suitable moment arose, if you could give Gladys Xang my personal sincerest good wishes. I should also like you to tell her of the death last year of Ian Stevenson. As assistant in this department, and an old friend of hers, he took a great deal of trouble over the various representations about her case.

J▲ L Morgan

Far Eastern Department

DWNFO 148/27

LIM 590/27

00 FCO

for information

GR 25

CYPHER CAT A.

FM PEKING 2787452.

RESTRICTED

RECEIVED IN

**YN8.50

Ec FEC 14/0

ADDRESSED TO IMMEDIATE FCO TELNO 235 OF 27/3/72.

FOLLOWING FOR COMMS DEPARTMENT.

MY TELNO 234. GLADYS YANG.

PLEASE PASS IMMEDIATE HONGKONG

ADDIS

NNNN

Telmo 234 repeated

Епить Cemme Diept.

requested

CONFIDENTI RECEIVED IN

FLASH

CYPHER CAT A.

PEKING 2757257

CONFIDENTIAL

REGISTRY Nɔ. J2

27 MAR 1972

Facule

TO FLASH FCO TELEGRAM NO. 234 OF 27/3/7?.

MY TELNO 212: GLADYS YANG.

1. CHANG WEN-CHIN, DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN EUROPEAN

AND APERICAN DEPARTMENT OF THE MFA, GAVE ME NEWS OF PRS YANG THIS MORNING WHEN I CALLED ON HIM TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF BILATERAL QUESTIONS ( DETAILS OF THE REST OF OUR DISCUSSION WILL FOLLOW

IN LATER TELEGRAMS).

2. WR CHANG, READING FROM A PREPARED STATEMENT, SAID THAT MRS YANG HAD COMMITTED OFFENCES AGAINST CHINESE LAW.

INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HER WAS NOW COMPLETE.

BECAUSE SHE HAD DISPLAYED THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IN CONFESSING HER CRIMES, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAD DECIDED TO BE LENIENT AND TO RELEASE HER. SHE WOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETURN HOME TOMORROW TUESDAY 28 MARCH.

3. MR CHANG SAID THAT THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE OTHER THREE

CASES WAS CONTINUING AND THAT HE WOULD INFORM ME WHEN THERE WAS FURTHER NEWS.

HE HOPED IT WOULD BE SOON.

THE CHINESE WILL EXPECT US TO MAKE THIS MESSAGE PUBLIC

AND I AM WARNING THEM, AS A MATTER COURTESY, THAT YOU MAY USE THE INFORMATION CHANG GAVE ME WHEN REPLYING TO MR WOODNUTT'S PO

FOR ORAL ANSWER LATER TODAY.

I ALSO PROPOSE TO GIVE THE REUTERS' CORRESPONDENT SHORT ADVANCE

NOTICE THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO BE MADE. THOUGH MR

CHANG SAID NOTHING ABOUT IT I WOULD NOT EXPECT MRS YANG TO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN RESUMING CORRESPONDENCE WITH HER FAMILY IN

ENGLAND ONCE SHE HAD BEEN RELEASED.

ADDIS

FILES

F.E.D.

CONSULAR DEPT

NEWS DEPT

PARLIAMENTARY UNIT

MR WILFORD

CONFIDENTIAL

Oral Answers

27 MARCH 1972

entes apa SM

Oral Answers

sigued an agreement with the Indonesian subversive attacks on the territory of

Goverment on 18th November. be happy to publish figures of aid OFFICIAL REPORT.

I will I will in the

Mr. Paget: Would not the hon. Gentle- man agree that the development of back. ward countries depends to a great degree on the extent that they inspire confidence in individual traders and investors and that the way in which, in Tanzania and various other countries, assets have been expropriated without compensation does little good to the developing countries?

Mr. Royle: I agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman that expropriation without compensation does little good to any developing country.

Following are the figures:

£1-46 million

UNITED KINGDOM AID TO INDONESIA The figures for the past few years are:

1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

---

£2:52 million

£2-45 million £3.50-£4 million (estimated)

Liberation Movements (United Nations Assistance)

27. Mr. Biggs-Davison asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about material assistance given by United Nations specialised agencies or other organs of that body to libera- tion movements: and whether he will specify the movements concerned and the amount and nature of the assistance received.

Mr. Kershaw: In several resolutions, which the United Kingdom has opposed, the General Assembly has urged the specialised agencies to give moral and material assistance to the liberation movements involved in Southern Rhodesia, South West Africa and the African territories under Portuguese under Portuguese administration, Small sums of money have been given to refugees and educa- tional institutions sponsored by libera- tion movements in the territories of neighbouring African States.

Mr. Biggs-Davison: Has my hon. Friend no word of condemnation? Is it not intolerable that United Nations agen- cies and our money should be used for aggression, particularly in view of the Assembly's resolution that the territory of one State should not be used to launch

RECEIVES IN

another State?

Mr. Kershaw: As I have said to my hon. Friend, we voted against these reso lutions and we consider that action to channel aid to liberation movements through the United Nations specialised agencies is tantamount to condoning violence as a means of achieving political aims. We do not support that.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon: If these racialist Governments in Southern Africa rest on violence to deny human freedom and dignity, why is it wrong for United Nations agencies to take this stand and, in particular in the case of South Africa, which is in direct violation of inter- national law over the occupation of Namibia, why is it wrong for the United Nations to take this stand towards it?

Mr. Kershaw: We consider it is uncon- stitutional for an international organisa- tion to give support to any movement within a territory in circumstances where that movement has been declared unlaw- ful by the acknowledged Government of the territory. There is no lack of oppos. tunities to contribute, to which objection cannot be taken, such as the United Nations education and training pro- gramme for South Africa, which provides higher education for South African exiles and to which the United Kingdom is a principal contributor at £50,000 a year.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins: Can my hon. Friend confirm that none of this money is being used for the purchase of arms? Can he also tell the House how much money is being given to the organisation for the liberation of the satellite States of Russia?

Mr. Kershaw: I cannot answer the last question because it is not my responsi- bility. As far as we can make out, the amount of money is about 400,000 dol- lars, but there may be something else of which we do not know.

Mrs. Gladys Yang

29. Mr. Woodnuti asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in establishing the whereabouts in China of Mrs. Gladys Yang, a British subject, from whom relatives have not heard since 1968; and if he will instruct the British

DATE

27 land

COL. 26-28

VỚ

8.3

283

Oral Answers

27 MARCH 1972 Embassy in China to request the Chinese Government to permit Mrs. Yang to write to her brother and sister in England.

The

Mr. Anthony Royle: i am glad to inform the House that our Ambassador in Peking was informed earlier today that Mrs. Yang would be allowed to return to her home tomorrow. Chinese official also told the Ambassador that investigation into the other three cases relating to British subjects was con- tinuing and that he would inform the Ambassador when there was further news. He hoped it would be soon.

Mr. Woodnutt : May 1 thank my hon. Friend for that very satisfactory reply? Is he aware of the immense relief that this will bring to the relatives of Mrs. Yang who have been so desperately worried over the last four years and who would wish to thank him, his Department and my hos. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. Gorst) for their painstaking efforts? Would he also agree that it is in these acts of human kindness that the Government of China can best improve the already improving relation- ship between our two countries?

Mr. Royle: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks and particularly for his tribute to the efforts of officials,

both here and in Peking, to secure the release of Mrs. Yang. I also believe that he and my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North played a considerable part in reaching this satisfactory conclusion. It is a most encouraging development coming so soon after our agreement to exchange ambassadors.

Mr. Gorst: May I add my congratula- tions to those of my hon. Friend particu- larly for the persistent and unremitting efforts which have been made by the Foreign Office? May I put two questions? Is this not a significant example though it may be a small one of the way in which relations have improved since the exchange at ambassadors? Secondly, can my hon. Friend say whether it will be possible now for the relatives of Mrs. Yang either to correspond with her or to obtain visas to visit China if they so desire?

Mr. Royle: I agree with my hơn. Friend's first remarks. We do not yet know whether Mrs. Yang wishes to leave China. There may be difficulties about

19 G 22

Oral Answers

this since her husband and children are Chinese. Our representations have been directed towards obtaining consular access and securing her release from detention. Certainly we will be happy to give any help we can to members of her family who may wish to try to obtain visas.

United Nations Fund for Population Activities

30. Mr. Dormand asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for further assis- tance to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities.

Mr. Wood: I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 13th March to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dame Joan Vickers). [Vol. 833, c. 22-3.]

Mr. Dormand: Is the right hon. Gen- tleman aware that the £550.000 proposed for 1972-73 is a reduction of almost one- third of the £750,000 which was agreed for 1971-72? Is this not a disgraceful decision on the part of a Government which pretends to be interested in the problems of increasing population? Is the Minister further aware that Resolution 2815 of the United Nations of December last year invited those Governments which could do so to increase their con- tribution on a voluntary basis? Would it not be better, following that, for the Government to be increasing rather than decreasing their contribution?

Mr. Wood: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it might be regrettable if the amount had been reduced but I have announced that it will be £850,000 next year as against £750.000 this year.

Mr. Oram: While warmly welcoming the fact that the British contribution is

1 to be increased, may I urge the Minister to use his influence to ensure that the money is spent not on the production of more and more learned reports from more and more conferences on the sub- ject but upon the implementation of ject practical programmes, particularly in the rural areas of developing countries?

Mr. Wood: 1 entirely share the hon. Gentleman's wish. I want to see this money used practically as far as possible and for the kind of objectives which he has in mind.

27th March 1972

*C. Mr Mark Woodnutt (Isle of Wight): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affiars, what

progress has been made in establishing the whereabouts in China of Mrs Gladys Yang, a British subject, from whom relatives have not heard since 1968; and if he will instruct the British Embassy in China to request the Chinese Government to permit Mrs Yang to write to her brother and sister in England.

NO. 29

MR ANTHONY ROYLE

I am glad to inform the House that our Ambassador in

Peking was informed earlier today that Mrs Yang would be

allowed to return to her home tomorrow. The Chinese

official also told the Ambassador that investigation into

the other three cases relating to British subjects was

continuing and that he would inform the Ambassador when there

was further news. He hoped it would be soon.

(13009) Dxd532910 5m 10/69 G.W.B.La. Gp.863

REFERENCES

АЗО

Mr Royle's oral reply to Mr John Gorst

Press cutting from "The Times"

24 January 1972

2 March

1972

Mr Royle's written reply to Mr John Gorst

13 March

1972

Secretary of State's Statement

13 March

1972

EFFORTS FOR RELEASE

a tim s

I should like to pay tribute to the efforts of officials both here and in Peking to secure Mrs Yang's release from

This is a most encouraging development coming so soon after our Agreement to exchange Ambassadors.

detention.

READONS FOR MRS YANG'S DETENTION?

The Chinese Government have given no reason for

Mrs Yang's detention. We have continued to press them

for information on this point. They told our Chargé

d'Affaires in April last year that she was in good health

but that her case was still being investigated.

IS MRS YANG A BRITISH SUBJECT?

She Mra Yang was born in China of British parents,

has not, so far as we know, renounced her British nationality

and is therefore a British subject.

IF HER HUSBAND IS CHINESE WILL THEY BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE CHINA?

3. We do not know whether Mrs Yang wishes to leave China.

There may be difficulties about this since her husband and

children are Chinese. Our representations have been directed

to obtaining consular access and securing her release from

detention.

/WHAT OTHER BRITISH SUBJECTS

WHAT OTHER BRITISH SUBJECTS ARE STILL DETAINED IN CHINA?

There are three other British subjects believed to be

detained in China

Mrs Epstein, Mr Shapiro, and Mr Crook.

They have been detained since 1967 and 1968.

WHAT ABOUT CONSULAR ACCESS?

5. The Chinese Government have told us that it is illegal

under Chinese law for persons under investigation to be

visited or to receive letters or parcels; and they have

consistently declined to give details of the whereabouts of

prisoners.

WHAT ABOUT MRS YANG'S MOTHER?

6. Our Chargé d'Affaires was told on 17 November that

Mrs Yang had been informed, in response to requests from

us, of her mother's death.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

27th March 1972

for ORAL, answer on

FED.

The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by

286

Lio

29 Noon Tuesday 21/3

*C. Mr Mark Woodnutt (Isle of Wight): To ask the Secretary

of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made in establishing the whereabouts In China of Mrs Gladys Yang, a British subject, from whom relatives have not heard since 1968; and if he will instruct the British Embassy in China to request the Chinese Government to permit Mrs Yang to write to her brother and sister in England.

Mr. Anthony Riyle

As-by-Hon Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of

of Foreign and Com

State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs told by Hon Friend

AS I TOOL Bhe Home

the Member for Honden-North on 13 March, we shall continue to do

all we can to secure the release of the 4 British subjects still

Our than Charge & Affaires

detained in China.

Har Ambuss with

HM Ambassador/raised Mrs Yang's case with the Chinese authorities on 31 January. I have asked him to take

the matter up again with the Chinese Government as soon as

possible.

Vol 833 be: 20w

AR!

(12000) D4.634901 2,500 2/69 G.WBLtd. Gp.863

(13907) D4.532910 5m (0/69 G.W.B.1d. Gp.463

REFERENCES

Statement by the Secretary of State

Prime Minister's oral reply to Mr Dalyell

Mr Dalyell's article in the "Scotsman"

Mr Dalyell's letter to the "Times"

13 March 1972

15 February 1972

15 March 1972

20 March 1972

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

HAVE THE CINESE YET APPOINTED AN AMBASSADOR?

1. No request for agrèment for a Chinese Ambassador has

yet been received.

WHAT WILL BE THE BENEFITS OF AN EXCHANGE OF AMBASSADORS?

2. It will place our diplomatic representation on a level

Should

with that of other countries. It will give us greater

access to the top level leadership of the Chinese Government,

which will be particularly important now that China is a

permanent member of the Security Council. It should lead

to increased commercial, political and cultural exchanges.

WHY HAVE WE AGREED TO WITHDRAW THE CONSULATE FROM TAIWAN?

My pin. Kon. Imad 3. As told the House on 13 March, when early last year

we resumed discussions with the Chinese Government about an

exchange of ambassadors we told them that if agreement was

reached we would withdraw the Consulate from Taiwan.

maintenance and staffing of the Consulate have been the

subject of regular review in common with other posts abroad.

The

14.

China (Exchange

13 MARCH 1972

Following is the communiqué : COMME STOLI ON THE AGREEMENT BETWITS THE GOVERNMENT OF THE Propil's RepID= LIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED Kisha or GREAT BRETAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND on an ExchANGE OF AMBASSADORS,

Both confirming the principles of mutuat respect for sovereignty and teritorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal fluirs and equality and mutual benen, the Govern ment of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom have decided to raise the level of their respective Diplomatic Representives in each other's capitals from Chargés d'Ailaires to Ambas- sadors as from 13th March, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom, acknowledge the position of the Chinese Gov- ernment that Twan is a province of the People's Republic of China, have decided to remove, their official representation in Taiwan on 13th March, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom recognise the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Govern- ment of China.

The Government of the People's Republic of China appresites the above stand of the Government of the United Kingdom.

CHINA (EXCHANGE OF AMBASSADORS)

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home): With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I wish to make a statement.

Discussions with the Government of the People's Republic of China about an exchange of ambassadors have been successfully concluded and a communiqué on this matter was signed today in Peking.

When early last year we decided to resume discussions with the Chinese Government on this subject we told them that if an agreement on an exchange of ambassadors was reached we would be prepared to withdraw our consulate from Taiwan. This we shall now do.

With your permission. Mr. Speaker, I shall circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the communiqué which we have agreed with the Chinese Govern-

mert.

Mr. Healey: First, 1 express to the right hon. Gentleman how glad we are on this side of the House that the chargés d'affaires will now be raised to the status of ambassadors, and we ex- press the hope that this step will inuu-

17 0 20

of Ambassa·lors)

gurate an increasingly friendly period co-operation with China, both falutis, ly and economically.

Do the Government maintain the tion, taken by the British Governant at the Cairo conference, that Taiwan is a part of China? Has he any plaas for visiting China himself in the near fate? Will he consider urgently the possit dity of sending an official trade mission to China?

Sir Alee Douglas-Horie : I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his general welcome for this movs. The right hon. Gentleman asks whether Taiwan is part of China. I would express the posi- tion as follows: the Government of the United Kingdom acknowledge the posi tion of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China. Both the Govern- ment of the People's Republic of China and Taipeh maintain that Taiwan is a part of China. We held the view both at Cairo and at Potsdam that Taiwan should be restored to China. Thar view has not changed. We think that the Taiwan question is China & internal atfair to be settled by the Chinese people tilem- selves.

I should be glad to go to China but I could not go in the immediate future because, I am afraid, my programme is. too heavy.

Sir D. Walker-Smith: Does my right hon. Friend expect that these arrange ments will expedite procedures in the case of arrests of British subjects in the Republic of China in future, if such should arise? Secondly, what in pre- tice will be the arrangements for locking after British interests in Taiwan in future?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: The Austra lians have kindly agreed to look alter British interests in Taiwan. As for ex- pediting procedures in relation to people who are still in Chinese custody. I think that this new agreement will create a better climate in which we can talk to the Chinese.

Mr. Pardoe: I welcome this announce- ment. Bearing in mind the British Gov- ernment's recognition of Taiwan as a province of the Peenie's Republic of China, may I ask the right hon. Gentie- man whether he has had or intends to

unia 13. Hauch

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833

Mr Wilford

africa

Parliamentary office

RESTRICTED

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: MRS GLADYS YANG

1. I submit a draft reply to Mr Mark Woodnutt's Parliamentary

Question for oral answer on 27 March. Notes for Supplementaries

are also submitted.

2. Mr Mark Woodnutt MP and Mr John Gorst MP accompanied Mrs Yang's

brother and sister to the Chinese Embassy on 1 March. They presented a petition signed by 20,000 people urging that Mrs Yang should be

Mr Gorst told the press allowed to correspond with her family.

afterwards that they were received with "inscrutable rudeness",

added that the thaw between China and the United States did not seem

to have reached this country yet. Mr Woodnutt announced that he

would be tabling a question on the subject.

3. Mr Addis raised the case of the 4 detained British subjects

on 31 January with the head of the West European Department of the

Chinese Foreign Ministry. No new information was forthcoming.

Mr Addis has been instructed to raise this question again as soon as possible. He is seeking an interview this week with the Head

of Western European Department in the Chinese Foreign Ministry to discuss this and a number of other problems outstanding following

the exchange of ambassadors.

If any further information is available before 27 March I

shall submit again.

/5.

---

5. The draft reply has been cleared with the Embassy in

Peking.

20 March 1972

cc:

Mr Logan Consular Dept

SALMug

J A L Morgan

Far Eastern Department

21/

1017

951

Oral Answers

24 JANUARY 1972

China

12. Mr. Gorsi asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that there will be no change in the status of the British Mission in Peking until further information on the case of Mrs. Yong. who is detained by the Chinese Gover- nient. has been made available to the British Chargé d'Affaires.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Royle): We shall continue to do all we can to obtain Mrs. Yang's release. As regards the status of our mission in Peking, our discussions with the Chinese Government are continuing. We have made it clear that there are no obstacles on our side to an exchange of ambassadors. It would not be helpful to our improving relations, or to Mis Yang's case, to introduce preconditions at this stage. We have left the Chinese Government in no doubt of the continu- ing public concern about Mrs. Yang and the three other British subjects who have been detained for so long in China,

Mr. Gorst: I wank my hon. Friend for the tenacity which he and the Foreign Office have shown over a period of more than a year on this subject. Will be now instruct our chargé d'affaires, who I understand has taken up his post today, to place this important case high on his list of priorities and to secure more infor- mation for my constituent about her sister?

Mr. Royle: This is certaintly one of the subjects on which we hope to make progress if an agreement on an exchange of amabassadors is reached. In the mean- time we are continuing our efforts to obtain Mrs. Yang's release from deten- tion and certainly our chargé d'affaires on arrival in Peking will again raise the subject with the Chinese authorities.

Mr. Dalyell: As to the exchange of ambassadors, why do we have to pursue American policy on Taiwan, a policy which incidentally, among other thing, is against British national interest?

Mr. Royle: I did not know that we were pursuing American

American policy

policy on Taiwan. Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the Nationalist authorities

10 C

Oral Auswers

·952

on Taiwan. We maintain a consulate in Tamsui, but that consulate has dealings only with the local provincial authorities.

Mr. Healey: Is not the only obstacle to the exchange of ambassadors, which I was glad to hear the hon. Gentleman say was Her Majesty's Government's objective. the refusal to confire the deci sion taken by Sir Winston Churchill et the conferences at Cairo and Poisdana that Taiwan was part of China? Given that the roling that the status of Taiwan was undetermined was made 20 years ago, is it not time for Her Majesty's Govern- ment to recognise the fact and pursue Britain's interests in this matter??

Mr. Royle: These are among the many matters now under discussion with the Chinese Government. I think the right hon. Gentleman will understand that it would not be helpful to go into them in detail while these discussions with the Chinese Government are in progress.

Nuclear Disarmament Conference

15. Mr. Booth asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonscaltlı Affairs what progress has been mude towards the convening of the live-Power nuclear disarmament conference proposed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics last June.

54. Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Sec. retary of Sinte for Foreign and Common- wealth Affairs what progress has been made towards the convening of the five- Power nuclear disarmament conference proposed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Anthony Royle: None. Sir. China made it clear in July last year that she would not attend such a conference. The proposal has now been overtaken by dis- cussions in the United Nations General Assembly on a world disarmament con- ference.

Mr. Booth: As no progress has been made towards the live-Power nuclear dis-

armament conference, would the Minister agree that it is now urgent that we pro- ceed to a European security conference on the basis of the Finuish Government's proposal? Would he assure the House that Britain will not be seen to be drag- ging her feet or acting as a stumbling block in the path of a European security

DATE..241.22.

COL. ...9.5.1....

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$29.

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Chinese legation rejects petition about detainee

The Chinese 1 egation in i ondan refused yesterday to accept a peti- tian, supported by 20,000 signa- tures, from the brother and sister of a British subject, Mrs Ciladys Yang, who is being detained in China.

The petition urged that Mrs Yang, aged 53, should be allowed to correspond with her family. An Oxford graduate. Mrs Yang went to China in 1940

Mrs Hilda Brown, a former college lecturer, of Mill Hill, Lon- don, and her brother, Mr Harold Taylor, a teacher from the Isle of Wight, were accompanied to the legation by their MP, Mr John Gont (C, Hendon. North), and Me Mark Woodnutí (C. Isle of Wight).

After less than eight minutes in the legation. Mr Görst said: "Wo were received with incredible frigidity and inscrutable rudeness. The thaw between China and the United States certainly does not keen to have hit this country yet."

Mr Woodnutt said he would be tabling a motion to the Foreign Secretary shout the petition,

Reference The Times. 2 March 1972.

Written Answers

13 MARCH 1972

agreement remain confidential until rati- fication by the participating countries, This process has not yet been completed.

[Vol. 828, c. 392-3.]

Member's Letter

Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give an assurance that a detailed reply giving answers to each of the ques- tions on malters for which he is respon- sible contained in the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, in his letter of 8th February, 1972, will be sent within the next 10 days.

Mr. Ridley: I have already informed the hon. Member that I shall in due course give him the answers to the ques- tions sent with his letter of 8th February when these can be got without excessive time and effort.

Personal Washing Facilities

Mr. Edward Bishop asked the Secre- tary of State for Trade and Industry which provisions in the emergency powers restricted the use of heating of water for personal washing in industry; and what representations he has received.

enter & fa

Written Answers

143

advisory and information services lur engineering management, an enlarged programme of courses and conferences, an increased engineering content in its exhibitions and new publications on engineering design. As has already been announced, the council will shortly be strengthening its senior staff by the appointment of an officer to be respon sible for the expansion of its engineering activities.

In view of the changing balance of its activities, my right hon. Friend has agreed that the Council of Industrial Design should change its title to "The Design Council" as from 1st April, 1972.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Mrs. Gladys Yang

$5. Mr. Gorst asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. whether he will make a further statement on the prospects of release for Mrs. Gladys Yang in the light of the improved relations between China and the West following President Nixon's recent visit to Peking.

Mr. Anthony Royle: The agreement on an exchange of ambassadors, which my right hon. I'riend announced in his statement this afternoon, reflects the im- provement of our relations with China. In the light of this improvement we hope soon to secure the release of theist British subjects detained in China-in-

to do all we can to achieve this.

Mr. Ridley: No such restriction was specifically imposed but directions were issued under Section 17(2) of the Emerg- ency Regulations, 1972, to a large num- ber of medium-sized industrial consumers prohibiting the use of electricity, except for certain listed purposes. on specified days of the week. Smaller industrialcluding Mrs. Yang. We shall continue consumers were subjected to rola dis connections by electricity boards on two high risk days each week. This arrange ment was operated under the special authority granted under Section 17(1) of We have the Emergency Regulations. received no representations about the use of electricity for the heating of water for personal washing in industry.

Council of Industrial Design (New Activities)

Mr. Bishop asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new engineering design activities are planned by the Council of Industrial Design; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley: The Council's present plans for expansion include new design

17 #10

European Economic Community

Mr. Spearing asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT all treaties and ancillary treaties of the Communities entered into prior 10 22nd January. 1972. as defined in Schedule 1. Part 1(7) of the European Communities Bill, together with the reser- ence to where the text of that treaty can be found and the subject of its contents.

Mr. Rippon: 1 would refer the on Member to my answer to the hon. Mem- ber for Farnworth (Mr. Roper) on 10th February. A list at the beginning of Volume 1 of the series of "Treaties and related instruments of the European

Ci...13 Nam -500 200.

833

China (Exchange

13 MARCH 1972

than have items concerning the Church of England coming before the House? I know that it is the established Church but is it not time that a Select Com-

mittee had a look at the procedure of raising questions of this kind and other matters relating to the Church of England? We are not all members of the Church of England-right hon, and hoa. Members may be Methodists or Roman Catholics, for example, and we may have Moslems in the House sooner or later. In these circumstances, is it not time we had a look at the whole issue? Could we not have a Select Committee to go into the matter? I say this as a member of the Church of England. It is about time we got away from the archaic prac tice of having such items discussed in this House.

Mr. Speaker: The hon. Gentleman has raised this as a point of order. I make no comment on the substance of the matter. It is not for me but for other people to consider.

CHINA (EXCHANGE OF AMBASSADORS)

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home): With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House. I wish to make a statement.

Discussions with the Government of the People's Republic of China about an exchange of ambassadors have been successfully concluded and a communiqué on this matter was signed today in Peking.

When carly last year we decided to resume discussions with the Chinese Government on this subject we told them that if an agreement on an exchange of ambassadors was reached we would be prepared to withdraw our consulate from Taiwan. This we shall now do.

With your permission. Mr. Speaker, I shall circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of the communiqué which we have agreed with the Chinese Govern-

ment.

Mr. Healey: First, I express to the right hon. Gentleman how glad we are on this side of the House that the chargés d'affaires will now be raised to the status of ambassadors, and we ex- press the hope that this step will inau

$220.

17 D 24

13 Harch.

31-35

833

of Ambassadors)

gurate an increasingly friendly period of co-operation with China, both politically and economically.

tion, taken by the British Government Do the Government maintain the posi-

at the Cairo conference, that Taiwan is a part of China? Has he any plans for visiting China himself in the near future? Will he consider urgently the possibility of sending an official trade mission to China?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his general welcome for this move. The right hon. Gentleman asks whether Taiwan is part of China. I would express the posi tion as follows: the Government of the United Kingdom acknowledge the posi tion of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China. Both the Govern- ment of the People's Republic of China and part of China. We held the view both Taipeh maintain that Taiwan is a

at Cairo and at Potsdam that Taiwan should be restored to China. That view has not changed. We think that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair to be settled by the Chinese people them. selves.

I should be glad to go to China but I could not go in the immediate future. because, I am afraid, my programme is too heavy.

Sir D. Walker-Smith: Does my right hon. Friend expect that these arrange- ments will expedite procedures in the case of arrests of British subjects in the Republic of China in future, if such should arise? Secondly, what in prac tice will be the arrangements for looking after British interests in Taiwan in future?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: The Austra- lians have kindly agreed to look after British interests in Taiwan. As for ex pediting procedures in relation to people who are still in Chinese custody. I think that this new agreement will create a better climate in which we can talk to the Chinese.

Mr. Pardoe: I welcome this announce- ment, Bearing in mind the British Gov- ernment's recognition of Taiwan as province of the People's Republic of China, may I ask the right hon. Gentle- man whether he has had or intends to

China (Exchange

13 MARCH 1972

of Ambassadors)

have any discussion about the long-term had better be put to the Minister future of Hong Kong?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: That question does not arise.

Mr. Gorst: Is my right hon. Friend's statement likely to improve the chances of my constituent's sister, Mrs. Gladys Yang, who has been in detention for four years in China, being released or at least allowed to communicate with her family? Might it expedite her release from

this so-called investigation which the Chinese authorities say her case is being subject to at the moment?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: As I think my hon. Friend knows, we have done all we can to achieve Mrs. Yang's release. My reply to him is the same as my reply to my right hon, and leamed Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, East (Sir D. Walker-Smith), that we must not raise hopes in these matters, but we hope that the new climate will lead to the possibility of further talks on this subject.

Mr. Dalyell: I am delighted. First, First, may I pay tribute to a number of Foreign Office officials here in London and in Peking whose skilful spadework have made this agreement possible, in particular Mr. Joha Denson, a former chargé d'affaire, whose mastery of the Chinese language gave him great esteem in Peking but who had to retire, unfor- tunately, a little early from that post, owing to temporary ill-heath.

May 1 ask the right hon. Gentleman whether we can now get on to the subject of the possibility of B.O.A.C. having a direct air route to Peking? If we are to have the technical and trading relation- ships which many of us would like to see, it requires an easy exchange of people, particularly in, for example, the nuclear power and motor industries or in many other trade sectors which might now scem to be possible.

Sir Alee Douglas-Home: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his tribute to officials. who have been very good in this matter. I did not tell the House in my statement, but Mr. John Addis, who is well quali- fied for the post, will be our first Ambas- sador in Peking. Of course we want the best possible communications with the People's Republic, but the hon. Gentle man's question about B.O.A.C. and trade

17 0 24

concerned.

Sir Gilbert Longden: While welcoming my right hon. Friend's statement, may ask whether he has any information as to the wishes of the people of Taiwan proper other than the Chinese Nation- alists there?

Sir Alec Douglas-Elome: I do not have any indication of the wishes of the people of Taiwan. I can only repeat what I have said indeed, I cannot add to what I said to the right hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey)-that we think that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair to be settled by the Chinese people. This is in accordance with the views which the British Government took both at Cairo and at Potsdam.

Mr. Pavitt: Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that, in addition to the trade links which we used to have with

China, there were wide links between the British co-operative movement and the industrial co-operatives in China, which were fostered by Sir Stafford Cripps during war-time and which lasted for some years until Chiang Kai-shek lost power? Will the right hon. Gentle- man look again at this area of contact between the British people and the Chinese people through trade unions, co- operatives and other people's organisa tions in helping to achieve future friend- ship and understanding?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: We look to all opportunities of contact between the British and Chinese peoples.

Mr. Tilney: Although our trade with Taiwan is small, may I ask my right hon.

1 Friend for an assurance that the with- drawal of our consulate-general from Taiwan will not prevent our trade con- tinuing with Taiwan?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: I hope that will be so. Our consul was never accredited to the Government of Taiwan. He was accredited to the local provincial authorities. I hope that the trade will increase. West Germany, for example, rapidly increased her trade in Taiwan without consular representation.

Mr. Walters: Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the need to give the maximum support to British industry as

13 MARCH 1972

Northern Ireland

[MR. WALTERS.] soon as possible in its endeavours to enter The Chinese market before the United States, whose foreign policy has been so infinitely more dilatory than ours, moves in?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home: We shall certainly give any support we can to our industry in relation to trade with China. Lately there have been signs that industry is interested, and so are the Chinese Government.

Following is the communiqué : COMMUNIQUE ON THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF THỊ Prople's REPUB LK OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNTILD KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON an ExchangE OF AMBASSADORS.

Both confirming the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ron-interference in each other's internal affairs and equality and mutual benefit, the Govern- ment of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom have decided to raise the level of their respective Diplomatic Representatives in each other's capitals from Chargés d'Affaires to Ambas- sadors as from 13th March, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom, acknowledge the position of the Chinese Gov- ernment that Taiwan is a provinco of the People's Republic of Chim, have decided to remove their official representation in Taiwan on 13th March, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom recognise the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Govern- ment of China.

The Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates the above stand of the Government of the United Kingdom.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Mr. McManus: On a point of order. I have already given you notice, Mr. Speaker, of my intention to ask leave to move the adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the pur- pose of discussing a specific and impor- tant matter that should have urgent con- sideration, namely,

*the peace proposals of the 1.R.A."

This is a specific matter because the de- mands are clear and unmistakable. They are: the immediate withdrawal off the streets of British troops; a declaration by the British Government that troops will eventually be withdrawn: a declaration of intent that the Irish people have the right to determine their own future with-

11 D2

Northern Ireland

out outside interference; the uncondi- tional end of internment; absolute politi- cal amnesty: and the abolition of Stormont.

This is an important matter not only because these demands indicate that the I.R.A. desires peace and justice and not only because the IR.A. has demon- strated that it has absolute control of its own forces-the North has had the quietest weekend for years-but mainly because these are the demands not just of the IR.A. With a few varia- tions here and there, these are the basic demands of the entire anti-Unionist popu- lation of the North of Ireland. From that population now comes one united clear and unambiguous voice saying that these are the basic demands of that population. The Governmem have no excuse for saying that they are confused or uncertain about the demands. The position is crystal clear.

The matter is urgent.

It could not

be more urgent, for two reasons. At mid- night tonight the three-day truce ends, and unless there is a positive response from the Government we may assume that violence will recommence. If that happens, all the world will see more. clearly than ever before that responsibility for the violence rests where it has always rested-on the shoulders of this Government.

Finally, it is a most urgent mallor, because if the initiative that the Govern- ment propose to take, already seven months too late, does not meet those basic demands and contains only a few paltry concessions, the unanimous, united and unambiguous answer from the minority will be, "No".

Rev. Ian Paisley: On a point of order-

Mr. Speaker: No point of order can arise at this moment.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone (Mr. McManus) for giving me notice of his intention to make his application to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and im- portant matter which should have urgent consideration, namely,

"the peace proposals of the IRA

My ruling bears no relation to and is no comment on the merits or otherwise

IMMEDIATE

CYPHER/CAT A

FM PEKING 2003357

CONFIDENTIAL

DESK BY 2009A77

CONFIDENTIAL

FD RCSLED IN

REGISTRY No. 12

2 0 MAR 1972

FEC 14/3

TO IMMEDIATE FCO TELNO 212 OF 20 MARCH.

YOUR TELNO 171

GLADYS YANG.

} HAVE NOTHING TO ADD.

2.. I WILL CERTAINLY RAISE MRS YANG'S CASE, TOGETHER WITH

THOSE OF THE OTHER 3 BRITISH DETAINEES, WHEN I SEE

CHANG WEN-CHIN.

ADDIS

FILES

FED

CONS D

ER WILFORD

CONFIDENTIAL

FFFFF

Way

PRIORITY

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

RECEIVED IN

REGISTRY No. 52

FM FCO 171715Z

20 MAR 1972

CONFIDENTIAL.

FEC14/3

TO PRIORITY PEKING TEL NO 171 OF 17 MARCH,,1972.

MRS. GLADYS YANG,

1. MR. MARK WOODNUTT MP HAS PUT DOWN THE FOLLOWING PARLIAMENTARY -

QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER ON 27 MARCH.

QUOTE TO ASK THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN ESTABLISHING THE WHEREABOUTS IN CHINA OF MRS. GLADYS YANG, A BRITISH SUBJECT, FROM WHOM RELATIVES HAVE NOT HEARD SINCE 1968 SEMICLN AND IF HE WILL INSTRUCT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN CHINA TO REQUEST THE CHINESE

COVERNMENT. TO PERMIT MRS, YANG TO WRITE TO HER BROTHER AND SISTER

IN ENGLAND UNQUOTE,

2. WE PROPOSE TO RECOMMEND A REPLY ON THE FOLLOWING LINES:

QUOTE AS MY HON FRIEND THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS TOLD MY HON FRIEND THE MEMBER FOR HENDON NORTH ON 13 MARCH, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF THE 4 BRITISH SUBJECTS STILL DETAINED IN CHINA. HM AMBASSADOR RAISED MRS. YANG'S CASE WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON 31 JANUARY, I HAVE ASKED HIM TO TAKE,- THE MATTER UP AGAIN WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AS SOON AS

POSSIBLE. UNQUOTE,

3. A SUITABLE TIME TO RAISE THE QUESTION AGAIN MIGHT BE WHEN YOU CALL ON CHANG WEN-CHIN (YOUR TEL NO 200).

4. WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMMENTS BY 0900 GMT 20 MARCH.

DOUGLAS-HOME.

FILES

FED

CONS D

MR WILFORD

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Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret

Séchet

Confidencial

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Inclassified

PRIORITY MARKINGS

Silash Immediate Priority

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidense

(Date)

* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should

Despatched

reach addressee(s)

1873

0416

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CONFIDENTIAL 7152

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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Draft Telegram68-

Pekin

No. 171.

(Date) 17/.3.

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[Codeword-if any]

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ILIJIP'TILLJI...................... JOYILOVANILJ➖➖

Mr Mark Woodnutt MP has put down the

following Parliamentary Question for oral answer

on 27 March.

"To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign

and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has

been made in establishing the whereabouts

in China of Mrs Gladys Yang, a British

subject, from whom relatives have not heard

since 1968; and if he will instruct the

British Embassy in China to request the

Chinese Government to permit Mrs Yang to

write to her brother and sister in England."

We propose to recommend a reply on the

following lines:

"As my Hon Friend the Farliamentary Under-

office for Foreyn mad fo

Commonweath Aftoty Secretary told my Hon Friend the Member

......

CONFIDENTIAL

for Hendon North on 13 March, we shall continue

to do all we can to secure the release of the

4 British subjects still detained in China. HM Ambassador raised Mrs Yang's case with the

Chinese authorities on 31 January. I have

asked him to take the matter up again with

the Chinese Government as soon as possible."

.A suitable time to raise the

question/mi

question/might be when you call on Chang

Wen-chin (your tel No 200).

We should be grateful for your

comments by 0900 GMT 20 March.

CONFIDENTIAL

410382)_IN_192005°154m (77 sorts) 1/6820,W,B,Lid. Cạ.243

17.3

丁

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

13 MARCH 1972

Written Answers agreement remain confidential until rati- fication by the participating countries. This process has not yet been completed.

Vol. 828, c. 392-3.]

Member's Letter

Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give an assurance that a detailed reply giving answers to each of the ques- tions on matters for which be is respon- Bible contained in the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, in his letter of 8th February. 1972, will be sent within the next 10 days.

Personal Washing Facilities

Mr. Edward Bishop asked the Secre tary of State for Trade and Industry which provisions in the emergency powers restricted the use of heating of water for personal washing in industry; and what representations he has received.

enter & fia

Written Answers

143

advisory and information services to engineering management, an enlarged programme of courses and conferences, an increased engineering content in s exhibitions and new

new publications engineering design. As has already been announced, the council will shortly be strengthening its senior staff by the appointment of an officer to be respon sible for the expansion of its engineering activities.

In view of the changing balance of its activities, my right hon. Friend has agreed that the Council of Industrial Design should change its title to "The Design Council" as from 1st April, 1972.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Mrs. Gladys Yang

55. Mr. Gorst asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the prospects of release for Mrs. Gladys Yang in the light of the improved relations between China and the West following President Nixon's recent visit to Peking.

Mr. Anthony Royle: The agreement on an exchange of ambassadors, which my right hon. Friend announced in his statement this aftemoon, reflects the in- provement of our relations with China. In the light of this improvement we hope soon to secure the release of these British subjects detained in China-un- Mrs. Yang. We shall continue to do all we can to achieve this.

Mr. Ridley: No such restriction was specifically imposed but directions were issued under Section 1712) of the Emerg- ency Regulations, 1972, to a large num- ber of medium-sized industrial consumers prohibiting the use of electricity, except for certain listed purposes, on specilied days of the week. Smaller industrialcluding consumers were subjected to rota dis- connections by electricity boards on two high risk days each week. This arrange ment was operated under the special authority granted under Section 1701) of We have the Emergency Regulations. received no representations about the use of electricity for the heating of water for personal washing in industry.

Council of Industrial Design (New Activities)

Mr. Bishop asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new engineering design activities are planned by the Council of Industrial Design; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley: The Council's present plans for expansion include new design

17 F 15

European Economic Community Mr. Spearing asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwè 'Th Affairs if he will list in the OFFICAL REPORT all treaties and ancillary treaties of the Communities entered into prior 10 22nd January. 1972, as defined in Schedule 1, Part 1(7) of the Europ... Communities Bill, together with the te er- ence to where the text of that treaty can be found and the subject of its contents.

Mr. Rippon: I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Mem- ber for Farnworth (Mr. Roper) on 19th February. A list at the beginning o Volume 1 of the series of "Treaties N related instruments of the Europea

... 13. March For low-

833

13th March 1972

improved relations between China and the West following President Nixon's recent visit to Peking.

NO 55

MR ANTHONY ROYLE

The agreement on an exchange of ambassadors, which my

right honourable Friend announced in his Statement this

afternoon, reflects the improvement of our relations with

China. In the light of this improvement we hope soon to

secure the release of those British subjects detained in

China including Mrs Yang. We shall continue to do all

we can to achieve this.

―

POSSIBLE

Supp.

flom

MR. GORST.

FEC 14/3

REFERENCES

PQ ir Royle's oral reply to Mr John

Gorat

C PQ

Press cutting from "The Times"

The Secretary of State's oral raly to ir Dalyell and Sir G labarro

MRS YANG

dan

:of

24 January 1972

2 March 1972

6 March 1972

The agreement I have announced exchange of Ambassador reflects

ects the

коре боти

to sacre

improvement in out refations with China. In the light

this improvement / we hope the release of these British subjects detained in China including Mrs. Yang. We shall continue to do all we

where this.

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

REASING FOR 1ĪRS YAMBUS FENEN SEMI?

can t

1. The Chinese Goverhent have given no reason for

Mrs Tang's detention. We have continued to press them for information on this pint. They told our Chargé d'Affaires

in April last year that she was in good health but that her

case was still being investigated.

IS MINS MAIG A BRIDES I SUDI VAN?

2. Mrs Yang was born in China of British parents. She has

not, so far as we-how, renounced her British nationality

and is therefore a British subject.

IF HR HUSBAND IS/CHINESE WIKI, A * BE ALLOTED JO TERATO

3. We do not how whether rs Yang wishes to leave China.

There may be difficulties about this since her husband and

children are Chinese. Our representations have been directed

to obtaining consular access and securing her release from

detention.

TAAR DIGN BRIJEVI SUL DAS AND SAILE DIZAIN NA PRIMA?

4. There are three other British subjects believed to be

detained in Ching

Mrs Epstein, Hr Shapiro, and Mr Crook.

They have been detained since 1967 and 1968.

WHAT

THAT AFTER CUISULA : ACCESS?

5. The Chinese Government have told us that it is illegal

under Chinese law for persons under investigation to be

visited or to receive letters or parcels; and they have

consistently declined to give details of the whereabouts of

prisoners.

WRITTEN

for DRAE answer on13th March 1972

reach the Parkainentury Office through your Under-Secretary by

10an. Mahelay 13/3

*C Mr John Gorst Glondon, North): To ask the Secretary of State for Foroi;;n anl Commonwealth Affairs, whether ho will make a further statomont on the prospots of rolcase for Mrs Gladys Yang in the light of the improvod rolations botroen China and the Wout following President Nixon's recent visit to Poking.

Mr. Anthony Royle.

The agreement on an exchange of ambassadors which my of-hon-Friend his

announced in Statement this afternoon, reflects

the improvement of our relations with China. In the

light of this improvement we hope soon to secure the

release of those British subjects detained in China

including Mrs Yang. We shall continue to do all we can.

to on chain thin. I

(10000) D4.634901 2,500 2/6 Q.W.B.LM. Gp.363

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Mr. Logan

2 draft

answers

are

submitted

use

this

the first for reached wally before the Statement,

the second should the

Question

writtere.

до

Metrowell

13/3

No. 55

יד

any

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

WRITTEN

for BRAK Mawer os

...13th March 1972

EE Dk 2

The draft reply should reach the Parliament.ury Office through your Under-Secretary by

1 Can. Mathclay 13/3

*C Mr John Gorst (ilendon, North): To ask the Sucretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he will make a further statemont on the prospects of release for Mrs Gladys Yang in the light of the

improved relations botwoen China and the West following Président Nixon's recent visit to Peking.

Mr. Anthony Royle.

The agreement on an exchange of ambassadors which ot-hon-Firend

has

announced in Statement this afternoon, reflects

the improvement of our relations with China. In the

light of this improvement we hope seen to secure the

release of those British subjects detained in

including Mrs Yang.

We shall continue to do

China ›

to a chriswn this. all we can

(12000) (4,6347901 2,500 2/69 O.W.ALM. Gp.863

Ohhored by Aktored

Mr. Royle

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

for ORAL answer on13th March 1972

FED

The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by

10an Monday 13/2

*C Mr John Gorst (Hendon, North): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he will make a further statement on the prospects of release for Mrs Gladys Yang in the light of the improved relations between China and the West following President Nixon's recent visit to Peking.

Mr. Anthony Royle.

As I have said before we welcomed President Nixon's visit to China as a means of improving understanding

in the world. We would hope that the improvement in our

own relations would lead to the release of the remaining

detained British subjects including Mrs Yang. We shall

to achieve thes

continue to do all we cant Our Chargé d'Affaires last

discussed this matter with the Chinese authorities on

31 January.

(12800) DL634901 2,500 2/69 GWELN. GR.BI

Mr Wilford

Parliamentary Office

CONFIDENTIAL

ST. AVEL IN

R... ¡RY No.50

14 MAR 1972

FEC 14/3

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION:

MRS GLADYS YANG

1. I attach two alternative draft replies to Mr John Gorst's

Parliamentary Question for oral answer on 13 March. Parlia-

mentary Office consider it unlikely that the question will be

reached. The written reply therefore takes account of the

Statement on Exchange of Ambassadors which the Secretary of

State is to give at 3.30 pm. The oral reply which, if reached,

would be given very shortly before the Statement must perforce

ignore the fact that agreement has been reached. Notes for

Supplementaries are attached.

2. Ministers have privately encouraged Mr Gorst to ask

questions about Mrs Yang at regular intervals. This provides

us with useful ammunition to demonstrate to the Chinese that

there is continued Parliamentary and public interest in her case.

3. Mr Gorst and Hr Mark Toodnutt HP accompanied Mrs Yang's

brother and sister to the Chinese Mission on 1 March. They

presented a petition signed by 20,000 people urging that Mira

Yang should be allowed to correspond with her family. Mr Gorst

told the press afterwards that they were received with "inscru-

table rudeness". He added that the thaw between China and the

United States did not seem to have reached this country yet.

/4. Mr Addis

1 CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Addis raised the case of the 4 Detained British

subjects on 31 January with the head of the West European

Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. No new information

was forthcoming. We shall certainly take the matter up again

in the near future, now that the exchange of ambassadors

is agreed.

10 March 1972

SAL Morgan

J AL Morgan

Far Eastern Department

CONFIDENTIAL

137

13.

REFERENCES

PQ Mr Royle's oral reply to Mr John

Gorst

24 January 1972

A O

Press cutting from "The Times"

2 March 1972

The Secretary of State's oral rely to Mr Dalyell and Sir G Nabarro

6 March 1972

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

LASNIS FOR MRS YANG'S DEMENRION?

1. The Chinese Government have given no reason for

Hrs Yang's detention. We have continued to press them for

information on this point. They told our Chargé d'Affaires

in April last year that she was in good health but that her

case was still being investigated.

IS MRS YANG A BRITISH SUBIACT?

2. Lirs Yang was born in China of British parents. She has

not, so far as we know, renounced her British nationality

and is therefore a British subject.

IF HER HUSBAND IS CHINESE WILL ↑ EY BE ALLOWED TO DEAVE CHINA?

3. We do not know whether Mrs Yang wishes to leave China.

There may be difficulties about this since her husband and

children are Chinese. Our representations have been directed

to obtaining consular access and securing her release from

detention.

THAN OTHER BRIZISH SUBJECTS ARE STILL DEFAINED IN CHINA?

4. There are three other British subjects believed to be

detained in China

Mrs Epstein, Hr Shapiro, and Mr Crook.

They have been detained since 1967 and 1968.

/WHAT

WHAT ABOUT CONSULAR ACCESS?

5. The Chinese Government have told us that it is illegal

under Chinese law for persons under investigation to be

visited or to receive letters or parcels; and they have

consistently declined to give details of the whereabouts of

prisoners.

Cite

DAILY TELEGRAPH

25 FEB 1972

LETTERS PLEA

FOR WOMAN

HELD IN CHINA

Relatives of Mrs Gladys Yank. 55, a British subject de lained by the Chinese since July, 1968, are to present a peti- tion containing 20.000 signatures to Mr Pei Tsien-Chang, Chinese Charge d'Affaires in London. asking 10 be allowed to exchange letters.

The petition has been ganised by Mrs Yang's brother. Mr Harold Tayler, and his sister, Mrs Hildi Brown.

Mrs Yang. ■ graduate of Somerville College. Oxford, went to China in 1940 where she married a Chinese student she met at Oxford. He was arrested with her. Their three grown-up children, a son and two daughters, are believed to be living in Pellug.

Aller years of silence the Chinese Government admitted last April that Mrs Yang and three other detained Britons were well, but still under investigation." The other three are Mrs Elsie Epstein, arrested with her American husband; Mr Michael Shapiro, $7, former Commnuist councillor at Step- ney and a translator in Peking: and Mr David Crook, employed by the Chinese Government in Peking, who were all detained In 1967.

عراقي

می کسم

Ente

THE GUARDIAN

F2 MAR 1972

Chinese

refuse petition

BY MALCOLM STUART

The Chinese thaw does not appear to have reached this side of the Atlantic. Yesterday the Chinese Legation in London refused to accept a pelítion of 20,000-signatures urging that a British-born woman, aged 53, who has been held in custody for four years, should be allowed to write to her family.

Hrs Gladys Yang, a graduate of Somerville College, Oxford, went to China in 1940 to marry

■ Chinese student she had met at university. Mr Yang was arrested with her during the TO Cultural Revolution." Their grown-up family, a son and two; daughters, are believed to be living in Peking, but üey have not been in contact with Eng- lish relatives.

The petition, collected over five months, was taken to the legation in London yesterday by Mrs Yang's brother and sis ter, Mrs Hilda Brown, a former college lecturer from Mill Hill, North London, and Mr Harold Tayler, a teacher froin the Isle of Wight. They were accom- panied by their MPs, Mr John Gorst and Mr Mark Woodnutt.

'Inscrutable *

In fact, they spent less than eight minutes in the legation and came out still clutching the petition. We were received with Incredible frigidity and in- scrutable rudeness by a junior official," said Mr Görst. "The thaw between China and the United States certainly doesn't seem to have reached this country yel

"We were told that people who are under Investigation for having broken the law are not allowed to write or receive letters. The only advance is that this is the Arst indication that Mrs Yang has not actually been convicted of anything."

It was only with great diß. culty that the British Legation in Peking was able to establish that Mrs Yang had been arrested, and only a few pieces of information have reached her family since then. Mrs Yang vialled Britain before the " Cul- tural Revolution" and spoke of her sympathy for Chairman Mao's regime.

"We are not asking that she should leave China, we are not even asking for her release, merely that she should be able to write to her brother and sister," said Mr Gorst. "All we can do now is to post the peti. tion to Chou En-lai."

CNS 1/3

Keep

141 1

From the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London S.W.1

6 March, 1972

Alec Douglas-Home has asked me to reply

to your letter of 28 February enclosing a letter, which I return, from your constituent Mr. Thompson about the detention of Mrs. Gladys Yang by the Chinese authorities.

You will no doubt have seen press reports that John Gorst and Mark Woodnutt accompanied Mrs. Yang's brother and sister to the Chinese Mission here on 1 March. They presented a petition signed by 20,000 people urging that Mrs. Yang should be allowed to correspond with her family. According to the reports the Mission's response was unhelpful.

We have, I regret to say, met with similar reactions from the Chinese side to the frequent approaches we have made in this case, as in so many others concerning British subjects detained in China in recent years. We believe Mrs. Yang was detained as long ago as 1968. Although we continued to ask the Chinese for information about her, they did not confirm her detention to us until April 1971. They then informed us that her case was being investigated but that she was in good

/health.

Ꮀ

- 1

health. Since then we have continued to press for further information but the Chinese have provided

none.

As you will know from my replies to questions in the House we are continuing to do all we can on Mrs. Yang's behalf. ‡ told John Gorst on 24 January for example that our new Chargé d'Affaires, who took up his post on that day, would again be raising the matter with the Chinese authorities. He did so shortly afterwards during his introductory calls on the Chinese Foreign. Ministry. Mr. Addis specifically mentioned Mrs. Yang, explaining that he had known her well for many years. This gave him a personal interest in her case. The Chinese official concerned noted the enquiry, but on that occasion gave no further information about Mrs. Yang or the three other British subjects detained.

We shall of course continue our efforts to obtain her release from detention. As I told John Gorst on 24 January we hope that this is one of the matters on which we expect to make progress if agreement on an exchange of ambassadors is reached.

William Whitlock Esq., M.P.,

House of Commons,

London,

S.W.1.

- 2 -

Anthony Royle

(885363) Dd. 896639 1,000% BITI SEN.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

2014/3

DRAFT LETTER

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Sourc

-Secret:-

-Confidential.

Restricted

Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

.In Confidence

To:-

Mr W Whitlock MP House of Commona

SW1

Type 1 +

From

Mr Royle

Telephone No. & Ext,

Department

Alec Douglas-Home has asked me to reply to your

letter of 28 February enclosing a letter, which

return, from your constituent Mr Thompson about

the detention of Mrs Gladys Yang by the Chinese

authorities.

You will no doubt have seen press reports that

John Gorst and Mark Woodnutt accompanied Mrs Yong's

brother and sister to the Chinese Mission here on

1 March. They presented a petition signed by

20,000 people urging that Mrs Yang should be

allowed to correspond with her family. According

to the reports the Mission's response was unhelpful.

We have, I regret to say, met with similar

reactions from the Chinese side to the frequent

approaches we have made in this case, as in so many

others concerning Briti-h\subjects detained in

China in recent years. We believe Mrs Yeng WAS

detained as long ago as 1969, Although we continued

to ask the Chinese for information about her, they

did not confirm her detention to us until Aṛril 1971.

They then informed us that her case was being

investigated but that she was in good health.

Since then we have continued to press for further

/information

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

information but the Chinese have provided none.

As you will know from my replies to questions

in the House we are continuing to do all we can on

'ra Yang's behalf. I told John Gorst on 24 January

for example that our new Cherré d'Affaires, who took

up his post on that day, would again be raising the

matter with the Chinese authorities. He did so

shortly afterwards during his introductory calls on

the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Mr Addis specifically

mentioned Mrs Yang, explaining that he had known her

This cave him a nersonal

well for many years.

interest in her case.

The Chinese officiel concerned

noted the enquiry, but on that occasion gave no further

information about Mre Ian or the three other British

subjects detained

We shall of course continue our efforts to obtain

her release from detention. As I told John Gorst on

24 January we hope that this is one is one of the

matters on which we expect to make progress if

"Freement on an exchange of ambassadors is reached.

Mr unfore

Mr Jozen

CONFIRE TIAL

순

MP'S LETTER: MRS GLADYS YANG

Mr Allian Whitlock MP has written to the Secretary of

State enclosin~ a letter from a constituent M" Thompson about

Mrs Gladys Yang, one of the four British subjects det÷ined in

China.

2. We have not been able to trace the wireless programme to

which fir Whitlock's constituent refeng. 1 petition presented

by John Goret MP and Mr Mark Woodnutt MP to the Chinese Mission

on 1 March on Mrr Yang's behalf achievei some publicity in the

preen. I attech a cutting from the "Times" of 2 March.

By way

of background, News Department informed correspondents that I'r Addi¬

had reised the subject with the Chinese Ministry of Forgism Affairs

on 31 January. It is nosaible that this may have been the origin

of the radio report which Kr Thompson mentions.

I submit a draft reply.

3 March 1972

cc: Frs Wallace

Consular Department

CONFLENATAL

SALMorgan

J A L Morgan

Far Eastern Department

tim

Chinese legation rejects petition about detainee

The Chinese Legation in London refused yesterday to accept a peti- tion, supported by 20,000 signa- tures, from the brother and sister of a British subject, Mrs Gladys Yang, who is being detained in China.

The petition urged that Mrs Yang, aged 53, should be allowed to correspond with her family. An Oxford graduate, Mrs Yang went to China in 1940

Mrs Hilda Brown, a former college lecturer, of Mill Hill. Lon- don, and her brother. Mr Harold Taylor, a teacher from the Isle of Wight were accompanied to the legation by their MPs, Mr John Gorst (C, Hendon, North), and Mr Mark Woodnutí (C. Isle of Wight). After less than eight minutes in the legation, Mr Görst said: "We received with incredible fridity and inscrutable rudeness.. The thaw between China and the United States certainly does not. seem to have hit this country yet."

Mr Woodnull said he would be tabling a motion to the Foreign Secretary about the petition.

Reference The" "Times" 2 March 1972.

DO (76539. 140609 500M 7,71 GH 344;1

00000

FROM WILLIAM WHITLOCK, M.P.

TR.

[REGISTRY No. JOUSE OF COMMONS

- 1 MAK 1972

FEC 14/3

LONDON, S.W.1

28th February 1972.

Den & Aler.

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 23

29FX1412

GK | You/G

I shall be grateful if you will give the

enclosed communication from Mr.A.N.S. Thompson,

Nottingham

your attention

and send me a reply which I can forward to

my constituent.

Please acknowledge.

Ilham Buttock

Rt.Hon. Sir Alec Douglas-Home, KT., M.P., Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

munowledgement 29/2

Secretary of State

has not Seci?

Counulan Department for

draft reply from Me Kershaw.

Que

Dd. 568100/10M/5,70/P.P. 28969

29/2.

H.C.91B

[

i gormon Kide

Mapperley

Nottingham. 24 Jeb. 72.

Whitlock M.P.

House of Commons.

Dear Mr. Whitlock,

I have just heard on the ractio

that some moves are afoot in Peking to secure the

releass

this. Gladys Yang: may

I ask

you

-give any support you can to achieving This end? - I am sure that you will be doing so already.

I knew her well in Oxford just before the wax- her husband was there as well: she was a charming & gentle lady, I fully committed to serving the people of a country which she already knew well, inespective of politics.

With

personal best wishes

Yours sincerely

lins Thompson. (Mr.).

(i.c. Careers, Econs. Politics as Nottingham

High School).

RC Samuel Esq PEKING

RESTRICTED

Despatched

23/2 AR

FEC 14/3

23 February 1972

MRS GLADYS YANG

1. You might like to know that Mr John Gorst MP and Mr Mark Woodnutt MP intend calling at the Chinese Office on 1 Maroh with Gladys Yang's brother and sister.

2. They are going to show the Chinese the petition to Chou En-lai with 19,000 signatures and ask whether the Office would like to transmit it to Peking. When the Office refuse they will tell them that it is being sent direct by post. They have informed the Chinese in writing of their intention and been told on the telephone that a meeting cannot be arranged but that Mrs Yang is in good health. The MPs are alerting the Press Association and will try to secure as such publicity as possible.

RESTRICTED

JA L Morgan

Far Eastern Department

951

Oral Answers

24 JANUARY 1972

Chira

12 Mr. Gurst asked the Secretary of Slate for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that there will be no change in the status of the British Mission in Peking until further information on the case of Mrs. Yang, who is detained by the Chinese Govern- ment. has been made available to the British Chargé d'Affaires.

Mr. Gorst: I thank my hen. Friend for the tenacity which he and the Foreign Office have shown over a period of more than a year on this subject. Will he now instruct our chargé d'affaires, who I understand has taken up his post today, to place this important case high on his list of priorities and to secure more infor mation for my constituent about her sister?

Mr. Dalyell: As to the exchange of ambassadors, why do we have to pursue

American policy on Taiwan, a policy which incidentally, among other thing, is against British national interest?

Mr. Royle: I did not know that we were pursuing American policy Taiwan. Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the Nationalist authorities

10 #

Oral Answers

952

on Taiwan. We maintain a consulate in Tamsui, but that consulate has dealings only with the local provincial authorities.

Mr. Healey: Is not the only obstacle to the exchange of ambassadors, which I was glad to hear the hon. Gentleman say was Her Majesty's Government's objective, the refusal to confirm the deci- sion taken by Sir Winston Churchill at the conferences at Cairo and Potsda that Taiwan was part of China? Given that the ruling that the status of Taiwan was undetermined was made 20 years ago, is it not time for Her Majesty's Govern ment to recognise the fact and pursue Britain's interests in this matter?

Mr. Royle: These are among the many natters now under discussion with the Chinese Government. I think the right hon. Gentleman will understand that it would not be helpful to go into them in detail while these discussions with the Chinese Government are in progress.

Nuclear Disarmament Conference

15. Mr. Booth asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been mude towards the convening of the five-Power Buclear disarmament conference proposed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

last June.

54. Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Sec- retary of State for Foreign and Common- wealin Affairs what progress has been made towards the convening of the five- Power nuclear disarmament conference proposed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Anthony Royle: None. Sir, China made it clear in July last year that she would not attend such a conference. The proposal has now been overtaken by dis- cussions in the United Nations General Assembly on a world disarmament con-

ference.

Mr. Booth: As no progress has been made towards the five-Power nucicar dis-

armament conference, would the Minister agree that it is now urgent that we pro- ceed to a European security conference on the basis of the Finnish Government's proposal? Would he assure the House that Britain will not be seen to be drag- ging her feet or acting as a stumbling block in the path of a European security

DATE 24.172.

COL....951.

VOL.

.४३१.

24th January 1972

*C. Mr John Gorst (Hendon, North): To ask the Secretary

of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he wil give an assurance that there will be no change in the status of the British Mission in Peking until further information on the case of Mrs Yang, who is detained by the Chinese Government, has been made available to the British Chargé d'Affaires.

NO. 12

MR ANTHONY ROYLE

We shall continue to do all we can to obtain

Mrs Yang's release. As regards the status of our mission

in Peking, our discussions with the Chinese Government

are continuing. We have made it clear that there are

no obstacles on our side to an exchange of Ambassadors.

It would not be helpful to our improving relations or to Mrs Yang's case, to introduce pre-conditions at this stage.

We have left the Chinese Government in no doubt of the

continuing public concern about Mrs Yang and the three oth

British subjects who have been detained for so long in China.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

for ORAL atlan January 1972

FEA 221

The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by

"All

Noon Tuesday 18/1

*C. Mr John Gorst (Hendon, North): To ask the secretary

of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affalis, if he will give an assurance that there will be no change in the status of the British Mission in Peking until further information on the case of Mrs Yang, who is detained by the Chinese Government, has been made available to the British Chargé d'Affaires.

Mr. Anthony Royle

We shall continue to do all we can to obtain

Mrs Yang's release. As regards the status of our

mission in Peking, our discussions with the Chinese

Government are continuing.

We have made it clear

that there are no obstacles on our side to an exchange

of Ambassadors. It would not be helpful to our

improving relations or to Mra Yang's case, to introduce

pre-conditions at this stage.

We have left the Chinese

Government in no doubt of the continuing public concern

who have been

about Kre Yang and the 3 other British subjects w

detained for so long in China.

(13523) D643721 3mm 1/70 G.WB Lud. Op.263

RESTRICTED

CYPHER CAT. A

7%.

PEKING 310435Z.

RESTRICTED

FEC 14

TO ROUTINE F C O TELEGRAM NO. 51 OF 31 JANUARY INFO HONG KONG

AND WASHINGTON.

1. DURING AN INTRODUCTORY CALL ON THE HEAD OF CONSULAR DEPART-

MENT THIS MORNING I MENTIONED THE CONTINUING CONCERN IN BRITAIN

ABOUT THE FOUR BRITISH SUBJECTS STILL DETAINED IN CHINA.

I TOLD MR CHANG THAT I HAD KNOWN MRS YANG PERSONALLY SINCE 1948, WHICH GAVE ME AN ADDED INTEREST IN HER CASE. WE HOPED

IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THEM

AND TO TRANSMIT MESSAGES FOR

THEM TO THEIR RELATIVES IN BRITAIN.

2. MR CHANG INDICATED THAT THE MATTER COULD BE PURSUED ON

SOME OTHER OCCASION BUT MADE NO SUBSTANTIVE COMMENT. HE SAID

NOTHING ABOUT CONFRONTATION PRISONERS IN HONG KONG.

ADDIS

FILES

FED

CONS D

SKO

MR WILFORD

/REPEATED TO HONG KONG & WASHINGTON/

RESTRICTED

رہی

Mr Forrester

Félegy

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: MRA GLADYS YANG

Your minute of 18 January below; I attach additional

supplementaries as requested by Mr Rayle together with 2

covering trade mittere.

19 January 1972

60 MP Wilford

J A L Mory INEL

Par Eastern Department

PQ_Mr Royle's written reply to

Mr Adley 9

9 November 1971

13 WITH TAIWAN

12. Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the Nationalist

authorities on Taiwan. He maintain a Consulate in Tamani, bet

the Consul only has dealings with the lemì provincial

anthorities.

HÄSTIONS OP.

REKIONTY OVER TAIWAN

13. These are among matters at present under discussion with the Chinese Government. Ef pressed? It would not be

helpful to ge inte these matters now while discussions with

the chinese Government are still in progress.

JOT OUR TRADE 3) CHINA FORIC O

AFFECTED AP HÀ DO.

14. I repeat that I de met think that it would be helpful to

go into these matters 20V.

DOES NOT CUR FOLICY TOWARDS

PUT

15. There is no evidence that our experts to Taiven are

affested.

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE

MEMORANDUM

From PRIVATE SECRETARY

M. Morgan.

My Royle wonders whether he ought not to

home supplementary

167

amcevers

dealing with

our commubite

on Taiwan, and the station of Taiwan, in case dimension

on this question ranges further than expected. Cond your department provide, plane?

ния былая

147-23 192535/341699 200 pads 1/64 Grj.TIT

Mr Elford

offic

Parliamentary Office

CONFIDENTIAL

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: MRS GLADYS YANG

1. I attach a draft reply together with Notes for Supplementaries to Mr John Gorst's Parliamentary Question

for oral answer on 24 January.

Ministers have privately encouraged Mr Gorst to ask

questions about Mrs Yang at regular intervals.

This

provides us with useful ammunition to demonstrate to the Chinese that there is continued Parliamentary and public

interest in her case.

3. It would not be practicable to give an assurance on the lines sought by Mr Gorst. We have consistently main-

tained that there are no obstacles on our side to an

exchange of Ambassadors. British subjects still detained in China as a pre-condition at this stage would be likely to bring the negotiations for an Ambassadorial exchange to a halt. If the negotiations

are successful, we shall be in a stronger position to press for the release of Mrs Yang and the 3 other British subjects.

Mr Addis will raise the case of the 4 detained British

subjects soon after he arrives in Peking at the end of this

month.

To introduce the release of the

17 January 1972

cc:Consular Dept Sir S Tomlinson

CONFIDENTIAL

JALMngen

JAL Morgan

Far Eastern Department

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REFERENCES

PQ Mr Royle's oral reply to

Mr John Gorst

PQ Mr Royle's written reply to

Mr John Gorst

12 AH

2 August 1971

13 December 1971

PQ The Prime Minister's oral

reply to Mr Pardoe

14 December 1971

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

PROSPECTS FOR MRS YANG'S RELEASE IF AMBASSADORS ARE EXCHANGED?

1. This is certainly one of the subjects on which we

would hope to make progress if agreement on an exchange of

ambassadors is reached. In the meantime we are continuing our efforts to obtain her release from detention.

PROSPECTS FOR EXCHANGE OF AMBASSADORS?

2. We are anxious to make progress but agreement has still

to be reached on certain points.

THAT ARE THOSE POINTS?

Details of our discussions with the Chinese Government

are confidential.

FILL THE NEWY BRITISH CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES, MR ADDIS, FAKE UP KRS YANG'S CASE?

4. This is one of the matters he will discuss with the

Chinese Government after his arrival in Peking at the end

of this month.

WHEN WAS THE MATTER LAST RAISED?

5. On 17 November by our former Chargé d'Affaires during

his farewell call at the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

He was

told that the Foreign Ministry would let us know as soon

/as there

as there was any further information about Mrs Yang's case.

REASONS FOR MRS YANG'S DELENTION?

6. The Chinese Government have given no reason for

Mrs Yang's detention.

We have continued to press them for

information on this point. They told our Chargé d'Affaires

in April last year that she was in good health but that her

case was still being investigated.

IS MRS YANG A BRINISH SUBIECAS

7. Mrs Yang was born in China of British parents. She

has not, as far as we know, renounced her British nationality

and is therefore a British subject.

IF HER HUSBAND IS CHINESE WILL WHEY BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE CHINA?

8. We do not know whether Mrs Yang wishes to leave China.

There may be difficulties about this since her husband and

children are Chinese. Our representations have been directed

to obtaining consular access and securing her release from

detention.

THAT OTHER BRIFISH SUBJECTS ARE STILL DETAINED IN CHINA?

9. There are three other British subjects believed to be

detained in China Mrs Epstein, Mr Shapiro, and Mr Crook.

They have been detained since 1967 and 1968.

WHAT ABOUT CONSULAR ACCESS?

10. The Chinese Government have told us that it is illegal

under Chinese law for persons under investigation to be

visited or to receive letters or parcels; and they have

consistently declined to give details of the whereabouts of

prisoners..

/11.

WHAT ABOUR WRS YANG'S MOTHER?

11. Our Chargé d'Affaires was told on 17 November that

Mrs Yang had been informed, in response to requests from

us, of her mother's death.

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

RELATIONS WITH TAIMAN

12. Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the Nationalist

authorities on Taiwan. We maintain a Consulate in Tamsui, but

the Consul only has dealings with the local provincial

authorities.

AUESTIONS OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER TAIWAN

13. These are among matters at present under discussion with the Chinese Government, If pressed. It would not be

helpful to go into these matters now while discussions with

the Chinese Government are still in progress.

WILL NOT OUR TRADE WITH CHINA BE AFFECTED IF WE DO NOT REVIK. OUR FOLICY ON CHINA AND TAIWAN?

til. I repeat that I do not think that it would be helpful to

go into these matters now,

DOES NOT OUR POLICY TOWARDS PEKING MEAN THAT WE ARE PUTTING OUR EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AT RISKY

15. There is no evidence that our exports to Taiwan are

affected.

جات

1031

Oral Auswers

2 AUGUST 1971

Mc. Godber: That questica ilus.cates the danger of jumping io conclusions. It is quite wrong to assume that this resolu- tion is mandatory. The hoa, Gentleman will recognise that the arrangement to which he refers was entered into by a Government of which he was a member.

Middle East

18. Mr. Mayhew asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held between the French and British Gov- ernments to restart negotiations for a general settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Mr. Godber: We are in constant touch | with the French Government, as with other Governmculs concerned, about the developing situation in the Middle East.

Amb Republic.

Oral Answers

I would not wish to

comment on the wider issues the bon! Gentleman has raised.

Cuina (Mrs. Gladys Yang)

20. Mr. Gorst asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further action he has taken 10 obtain information from the Chinese Government about the circumstances and whereabouts of Mrs. Gladys Yang.

Mr. Anthony Royle: Mrs. Yang's detention has been raised with the Chinese Government on many ocasions. Our chargé d'affaires in Peking was informed in April that she was in good health but that he case was still under investigation. The Chinese Government have been left in no doubt of our con- cern at her detention. We shall continuo to do all we can to secure hor release.

Mr. Mayhew: Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the proposals for Mr. Gorst: I appreciate the efforts an interim solution seem to have failed which have been made by my hon. Friend and that in the meantime Israel's actions of behalf of my constituent's sister, Mrs.. in Jerusalem and Gaza, which are widely Yang. Is not the situation extremely | deplored, are making a peaceful settle unsatisfactory? My hon. Friends will ba ment more difficult? Will he therefore aware. I hope, that I have already get together with the French Government addressed two Questions on this subject in order to try to make further progress during the last 12 months and that I on a general settlement along the lines of have actually visited the chargé d'affaires the American peace proposals, which are in this country and that all we are faced almost universally agreed?

with is prolonged investigation

any improvement in relations between Does this not constitute difficulties imped- answers From The Chinese authorities. this country and the Chinese Republic?

Mr. Godber: I share the hon. Genticing man's concern to make progress in this matter and his disappointment that we have not made it yet. But I cannot share his view that the interim proposals of the United States Government have failed. Discussions are still continuing, and we must give time to make clear whether those negotiations succeed or not.

Mir, Royle: I agree with my hon. Friend that the situation is very unsatis- factory. As I have said, I shall continue to make our deep concern clear to the Chinese Government. The maller was mentioned informally to the Chinese Mis- Mr. Kaufman: Does not the right hon.sion in London on 29th July by a repre- Gentleman agree that it would be as well sentative of the Foreign and Common to persuade the various Arab Govern wealth Office. ments to stop fighting among themselves in order to put them in a posture to nego fiate peace with Ismel? Will he tako steps to interview the various Jordanian terrorists who have crossed into the rela tive peace of Israel and ask them who they would like to negotiate on their behalf?

Mr. Godber: The Question on the Order Paper, as I understood it, related to specific discussions which were going on, largely between Ismael and the United Israel and the United

RECEIVED I R.GUTAYA

Australia

26. Mr. Moyle asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the future of Angio-Australian rela-. tions,

Mr. Rippon : 1 have every confidence that Angio-Australian relations will con- finue to be as close and cordial in the future as they hava bota' in the past.

1.2. lingust

10820

822

نهادات

HANSARD

13 DECEMBER

Vo $29 No 30 COL. 1)

WRITTEN ANSWER

Mrs. Gladys Yang

20. M. Gorst asked the Secretary of Stale for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further state- ment with regard to the situation of Mrs. Gladys Yang, who is under investigation by the Chinese Government and thoughit to be held in detention.

Mr. Anthony Royle: As I told the House on 2nd August. Mrs. Yang's detention has been raised with the Chin- .ese Government on many occasions. Our charge d'affaires in Peking was informed in April that Mrs. Yang was in good health but that her case was still under investigation. He was told on 17th Nov- ember that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would let us know as soon as there was any further information on her case. We shall continue to do all we can to secure her release. Vol. 822, c. 1032.]

•

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420 822 1971

•

255

Oral Answers

14 DECEMBER 1971 believe what the hon. Gentleman has in mind is that the Economic Development Committee for Mechanical Engineering, which is only one part of the engineering industry, made a forecast about short- term trends in mechanical engineering, Mechanical engineering is only part of The total, but is included in the overall engineering forecasts. It is those that

maller.

BUROPEAN ECONOMIC

COMMUNITY

Q2. Mr. Kaufman asked the Prime Minister whether he will delay his signa- ture of the treaty of accession to the European Economic Community until satisfactory arrangements have been worked out for trade between the Euro- .pean Economic Community and an inde

pendent Rhodesia.

The Prime Minister: No, Sir. There is no connection between our accession to the European Economic Community and an eventual Rhodesian settlement.

Mr. Kaulinan: Is it not absurd for the Government to lament the damage done to Rhodesian exports by sanctions and *then to seek to replace those sanctions by a common external tariff? Would it not be more consistent for the Govern- ment either to abandon their attempt to drag an unwilling Britain into the Com- mon Market, or to call off their shameful 'deal with the

the Rhodesia Front-or, preferably, both?

The Prime Minister: No, Sir, there is

no connection between them.

As for

a Rhodesian settlement, the hon. Gentle man is fully aware that the next stage is to await the carrying out of the fifth principle, which is to be put to all the Rhodesian people. 1.

Mr. Evelyn King: Would it not be a good thing if, for the first time in seven years, the Prime Minister were to con centrate on the simple objective of advancing the coonomic prosperity of the Rhodesian people?

The Prime Minister: The House has debated this matter and can form its own judgment. The extent to which the lot of Africans and others in Rhodesia can be improved is an important aspect, but we must now await implementation of the fifth principle.-

Oral Answers

CHINA

Q3. Mr. Pardoe asked the Pime Minister if he will seek 10 pay an official visit to the People's Republic of China. The Prime Minister: I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Pardoe: Is the Prime Minister aware that China's recent emergence as a fully fledged work! Power 'prepared to play her part in the concourse of nations is not only a great turning point in history but offers a massive opportunity and that, in spite of President Nixon's visit, there are real limitations to an improvement in relations between the United States and China? What action does the Prime Minister intend to take to ensure that this opportunity for a real leap forward' in Sino-British relations does not go by. the board?

The Prime Minister: Successive British Governments have been aware of tho points that the hon. Gentleman has made. It was a Labour Government who recog nised Peking in 1950. I am glad to say that relations with Peking have improved considerably in the last year and that we are discussing the question of our diplomatic

representation with the

Chinese Government,

Mr. Gorst: Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, nevertheless, that the sister of one of my constituents has been im- prisoned or detained in China without any information being given to her family

and that such treatment of former British

subjects does nothing to enhance a possible improvement in relations be tween this country and China?

The Prime Minister: Of course, there are these difliculties and we should like to sort them out. The talks that we are

having at the moment may be helpful in that way.

Mr. Maclennan: What progress has been made with what Mr. Chou en Lai the alteration of our diplomatic relations, described as a major stumbling block to namely, the attitude of the British Gov- ernment towards the future of Taiwan?

The Prime Minister: This is a matter that we are discussing with Mr. Chou en Lai's Government.

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WRITTEN Dieswet

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Talven

M. Adey asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's relations with Taiwan.

Mr. Anthony Royle: Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the Nationa list authorities on Tiawan. We do, how- ever, maintain a consulate in Tamsui which has dealings with the Provincial authorities.