1
.
PART
ΣΙΙΣΙ
File No.
FC 13
سلام
IN.B. The grading of this jacket mus! W the same as that of the highest graded dectament contained in it. The appropriate upgradký slip must be affixed when ever necessary.)
CONFIDENTIAL
FORELEN
OFFICE
TITLE:
Thest
Lust
CLOSED
DEPT. FAR EASTERN
CHINA : FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS
IN - P.Q.S AND LETTERS FROM M. P. S
DEPT.
PUBLIC, ETC.
REFER TO
NAME
P.A.
PA
PA
1.5. rn.
REFER TO
REFER TO
DATE DEPT.
NAME
DATE DEPT.
NAME
DATE
th
---
O
-----BEL
Im
י.
IIII IPI... -
m
i
---
יח
ה
14)
too. Nes
F. Q. Building,
DO NOT RETAIN FILES AND PAPERS UNNECESSARILY RETURN THEM TO REGISTRY FOR B.U. OR P.A.
FILE
OPENED
CLOSED
14·11·67.
FILE No.
FC 13/13
Downkig Strelve,
PART
A.
(N.B. The grading of this jacket must be the same as that of the highest graded document contained in it. The appropriate upgrading xiệp must be affixed when ever necessary.)
CONFIDENTIAL
*I*
CLOSED.
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Acorn House, 314/320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1 Telephone: 01-278 7916
IJO/G
William Rodgers, Esq., MP,
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State,
Foreign Office,
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No 31
6- MAY 1968
F213/73
Read. 2/5.
LONDON.
S.W.1.
780.
84
nu
J
1st May 1968
Dear Mr. Rodgers,
27
In Mr. Braney's absence in Ireland, I am acknowledging your letter of 29th April regarding Mr. Anthony Grey.
Mr. Bradley will, of course, see your letter on his return to
the office.
Yours sincerely,
becky thanked.
вести
Secretary to Mr. Bradley
ju
General Secretary: H. J. Bradley
Deputy General Secretary: T. D. Lucy
LETTER ALSO INTERESE FC 1/42/6
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
{ RECEIVED IN
Acorn House, 314/320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC ARCHIV-SN - A Telephone: 01-278 7916
IJO/G
8-MAY 1968
25th April 1968
nu
FC3 13
William Rodgers, Esq., MP,
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office,
Downing Street,
LONDON.
5.W.L.
Dear Kr. Rodgers,
Rec. and Ack, 26.4.
.... Department for drait y picase.
It does
Ly Council was grateful for your letter of 11th April regarding efforts to obtain access to Mr. Grey as a prelude to his release. indeed seen from the news this week that your representations have had some offect for we note that Sir Donald Hopson has been able to visit Kr. Grey.
You will recall that when we discussed this matter with Mr. Brown and yourself the possibility was raised of the Union making some direct representations to try and speed his release. We agreed not to do anything without consultation with the Foreign Office. Do you now think that there is anything we could usefully do?
I am some to add to your problems, though I imagine you are also aware of what I am now about to write. This concerns Mr. Eric Gordon, a member of ours, who has been missing in China for nearly six months.
Mr. Gordon, who is a British subject (I think of Jewish origin), aged 36 or 37, went to China with his wife, Mrs. Karie Gordon, a British subject of a Ghanese father and English mother, and their son Kim Gordon, aged 12. According to our information the family left Peking on 5th November 1967 for England and have not been heard of since. There is a rumour that they are being "detained" while Mr. Gordon's very extensive notes for a book which he intended writing on the Cultural Revolution in China, are being exhaustively examined. Whether this is so or not I, of course, have no idea.
I would be grateful for anything the Foreign Office can do to locate the whereabouts of the Gordon family. You will readily understand that the disappearance of a member of ours must be a matter of concern.
Yours sincerely,
Jl. J. Bradley.
General Secretary.
General Secretary: H. J. Bradley Assistant General Secretary: T. D. Lucy
1-
[
1
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
- 3 MAY 1968
F213/13 R.14 2/5. Dear Mr. Hayman,
5'4 your street. (82
London Wil.
1st May 1968 Meshes
1. Dr J. Darray. 2. Enter Ja
Japan
3/5-
80
Thank you very
much for
your
letter
to
let
how kind of you
me know the details.
Meedless to
лау
の
was
delighted to hear that Tony had
been
allowed
visitors and immensely
relieved to know
to be in good
that he seemed
health.
since he called that he was
д
getting my letters, I send him the Observer crossword each week and try to keep him up-to-date with the
news
unfortunately there's not
too much lift after the controversial
2
•Thems have been eliminated!
سر
think
of any way
9 could
El you help, do please
те
contact me.
Thank you again for the information with kind regards to this. Hayman and yourself.
sincerely
M
Smiley Mi finan
81
MR. JAMES MURRAY
Mr. Anthony Grey
RELIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
- 3 MAY 1968
F2+3/13
Mr. Jim Bradley, the General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, telephoned this morning. He said that when he and a deputation from the N.U.J. had met Mr. Brown and Mr. Rodgers on 21 February, they had discussed Anthony Grey's detention in China and Mr. Brown had said he would write to Mr. Bradley in three weeks or a month's time about the case. Mr. Bradley said that as Mr. Brown was no longer Foreign Secretary and five weeks had elapsed since the meeting and he had heard nothing, he proposed to write to Mr. Rodgers and we could expect a letter in the next day or so.
WBBW
до
boo
(D.B. Merry) 28 March, 1968.
fr por 45
F13/13
LAT
Lt.
NEKY
REF.
82
раб
pr. 3 2914
29 April, 1968
80
You will by new have heard that Sir Donald Hopasn was allowed to visit Tony Grey in his house in Peking on the afternoon of 23 April. Sir Donald called on Teny with one ether officer from sur Mission . Tony had been given only half an hour's notice of the visit and was clearly very glad to see his visiters. 16 have had a long asconat of the visit from Bir Donald and I am sure you would like to have details.
Bir Donald reports that there has been no shange in Tony's physical appearance and that he looks quite well. Toxy hisself said he was in good health and had had only one stomach disorder in the first three months af his confinement to the house and fer this he had received medical attention,
Sir Donald brought Teny up-to-date on the offerts which had been made to see him and to obtain his release, and told kin what was going on in Peking, Hong Kong and classboro,
el
Tony does not have a radio and was starved He did not know, for example, of the burning of
of paus.
our affios last August.
Tony said he was confined to one room on the ground floor of his house. His food is normal, although It may not have been in the first few months. He still has the servises of his domestic staff and he is permitted to taka szaraiss twice daily in his courtyard for ferty minutes each time. He does not have free ascess to kis belongings upstairs but he has persuaded the guards, af which there are three, to bring down a few books from upstair: He also reocived a parsel from the Hission in Desember which included books. Tony roeɛáves the weekly Peking Review put out by the Chinese Government in English and has also purchased other English books published in China.
Kion Shirley Scdui
57, Terk Street,
London,
I
I am glad to report that Tony has been receiving regularly the letters which you sent him over the past three months
He has also had letters from his mother and from friends in Peking. Es has sent out the eccasional telegram bat has not yet tried sending letters out. Bir Donald encouraged him to give it a try.
His guarda
He says that he
Tony's telephone is still disconnected and the sense of isolation is clearly very oppressive. will not converse with hia in English. has not been visited by any othɛp Chinese officials siner the detention began. In these circumstanous it is ramarkable and encouraging that he has beca able to bʊar up
is well. We shall of amurau be continuing to do all we den to improve his conditions and ta get him out.
(P.T. Haynes)
WOL 31743
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry 13/13 DRAFT
Letter
To:-
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret Secret,
Confidentiat,
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
Miss Shirley McGuinn, 57 York Street, London, W.1.
Type 1 +
From
32
Mr. P. T. Hayman
Telephone No. & BIL
Department
In Couldenes
You will by now have heard that Sir Donald
Hopson was allowed to visit Tony Grey in his
house in Peking on the afternoon of 23 April.
Sir Donald called on Tony with one other officer
from our Mission. Tony had been given only half
an hour's notice of the visit and was clearly
very glad to see his visitors. We have had a
long account of the visit from Sir Donald and I am sure you would like to have details.
Sir Donald reports that there has been no
change in Tony's physical appearance and that
he looks quite well. Tony himself said he was
in good health and had had only one stomach
disorder in the first three months of his con-
finement to the house and for this he had
received medical attention.
Sir Donald brought Tony up-to-date on the
efforts which had been made to see him and to
obtain his release, and told him what was going
on in Peking, Hong Kong and elsewhere. Tony
does not have a radio and was starved of news.
He did not know, for example, of the burning of
our office last August.
Tony said he was confined to one room on
the ground floor of his house. His food is
normal, although it may not have been in the
first few months. He still has the services
of his domestic staff and he is permitted to
/take
take exercise twice daily in his courtyard for
forty minutes each time. He does not have free
access to his belongings upstairs but he has
persuaded the guards, of which there are three,
to bring down a few books from upstairs. He
also received a parcel from the Mission in
December which included books. Tony receives
the weekly Peking Review put out by the Chinese
Government in English and has also purchased
other English books published in China.
I am glad to report that Tony has been
receiving regularly the letters which you sent
him over the past three months. He has also had
letters from his mother and from friends in
Peking. He has sent out the occasional telegram
but has not yet tried sending letters out.
Donald encouraged him to give it a try.
Sir
Tony'a telephone is still disconnected and
the sense of isolation is clearly very oppres-
eive. His guards will not converse with him in English. He says that he has not been visited
by any other Chinese officials since the deten-
tion began. In these circumstances it ie
remarkable and encouraging that he has been
able to bear up so well. We shall of course be
continuing to do all we can to improve his
conditions and to get him out.
out.
Вн
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
WIEL SI-ND
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry F4311
F43/13 | DRAFT
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret,
Confidential,
Restricted. Unclassified,
PRIVACY MARKING
To:-
Letter
Type 1 +
Kie-Shiny McGuinn
57 York 87- London W!.
W
w.to
From
Mr.
. T. Hay-an
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
You will by now have heard that Sir Donald
allmed to wait
Hopson #as
+
іки вить важные
- Tony Grey/in Peking
on the afternoon of 23 April. Sir Donald
called on Tony with one other officer from our
Mission. Tony had been given only half an
hour's notice of the visit and was clearly very
We have had a long
gled na hie visitors. ફાય
account o" · e visit from Sir Donwld and I am
wont like to have defending
Bure you will.
✨
newalusions.
7. Sir Don la reports that are ins been no
change in Tony's physical ovenrance it at he
look quite well.
Tory himself srb. 2
3 in
good health api ħad ú only on tormal
+
-
*in
ire First three nont' a n
Zouge nd for tida be h
Attention.
J. Sir Donald
Grogy-lia, Long
aies brought Tony up t
which had been made
what was going an
rolean", and told Nim
the efforts
and to obtain
in Peking,
Hong Kong and elsewhere.
MAT
radio a wea atırvatist
for example, of the
-
TH
f
said he au con^i
said he * confim to
ground floor of his team,
Good io
mən mi, m-though it may not love been in hẹ
Fat
first few months. He still
wave services
of his domestie stoff 1 4 13
is rernitted to
take exercise tice daily in 18 courtyard
for forty minutes each time. He Joea not
have free access to is belongings upstairs
but he has merauaded the guards, of which
there are tree, to bring down a few books
from upstairs. He also received a parcel
from the Kission in December which included
books. Tony receives tie weekly Peking
Review put out by the Chinese Government in
English and has also purchased other English
books published in China.
52 I am glad to report at Tony ìws been
receiving regularly tie letters which you
sent him over t wat n ven month.
1180 111 auguriem
BAB
from his mothers aust letters/from rienie in
Peking. The swmply feer nie netima i spOSPO
to ive been coaowbat intemnupsod
onjoyed the Con lettera skick he got.
He had
sent out the occasional telegram but has not
yet tried sending letters out.
encouraged him to give it a try.
Sir Donald
Tony's telephone is still disconnected
and the sense of isolation is clearly very oppressive
been underlined by te
the thras gnaade,
kekbed Torzy since the
detention began. In these circumstances it
We shall of
is remarkable and encouraging that he hes
been able to bear up so well.
course de continuing to do all we can to get
his out.
His quasely will
with bein
English. He says that he bows what ha waited by aut
othe
Chrine officials sant
Lun
to improve Condition ammat
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
¦ RECEIVED IN |
ARCHIVES N-
79
Mr. Hayman
Mr. Anthony Grey
F413/13
You will recall that Miss Shirley McGuinn, friend of Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter correspondent detained in Peking, wrote to you about him last September.
2. We have now had a long account from Sir Donald Hopson of his visit to Mr. Grey on 23 April (attached).
3. Miss McGuinn has clearly been a devoted friend, and it might be a nice gesture if you were to write to her now.
4.
5.
A draft letter is attached.
Reuters should already have spoken to Miss McGuinn on the telephone.
+
Jane Umay
(James Murray) 25 April, 1968
Вн
হই
25/4
Jas pa
pa 29/4
M.F.P
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Registry Fa
F413/13.
No.
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted.
Open.
Draft.
Minute
.om:
write to
you
about Lim last Sefter bent
Xurray
Hayman
panya 24/7
Insert Telephone No. & Ext.
when appropriate.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
- 3 MAY 1968
F213/13.
Mr Aninony Gray.
You will reuse that
that you
79
** tatel.
Ma
Miss Shirley McGuinn, Triend of
Anthony Grey, the Reuter correspondent
detained in Peking.le have now had a
long account from Sir Donald Hopson of his visit to Grey on 23 pril(attached)
Пт
to
I think it likely that you will wish
write to Mies koguing. e. À draft letter is
attached.
Reuters shanke already have spoken to
бытову
the telephone.
The The Suima on
3. Miss Me Swinn hans bearly bewo
были
devotare frince, and it might be
nice gesture if you
bur hunt
khme
to write to
Прив
F13/13.
Jaya 45
2
78
1
EN CLAIR
PRIORITY FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
LNO 415
UNCLASSIFIED
GREY.
29 APRIL 1968
(F)
FOLLOWING IS TAKEN FROM HANSARD COLUMN 80 OF 25 APRIL:
CHINA (MR, ANTHONY GREY).
MR. ELDON GRIFFITHS: ASKED THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN
AFFAIRS IF HE WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT THE INTERVIEW THE BRITISH
CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN PEKING HAD RECENTLY WITH MR. ANTHONY GREY,
MR. WILLIAM RODGERS: THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN PEKING WAS PERMITTED TO VISIT MR. GREY IN HIS HOUSE FOR 20 MINUTES ON 23RD APRIL. HE TOLD SIR DONALD THAT HE WAS IN GOOD HEALTH. HE CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SERVICES OF HIS DOMESTIC STAFF ALTHOUGH HE IS CONFINED TO ONE ROOM IN HIS HOUSE, HE TAKES EXERCISE TWICE DAILY AND HAS BEEN RECEIVING SOME LETTERS,
THE WORST ASPECT IS MR. GREY'S ISOLATION, HE HAS THREE GUARDS IN HIS HOUSE, NONE OF WHOM WILL TALK TO HIM IN ENGLISH. HE SAYS THAT HE HAS NOT BEEN VISITED BY OTHER CHINESE OFFICIALS.
WE SHALL, OF COURSE, CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO SECURE AN IMPROVEMENT IN MR. GREY'S CONDITIONS AND HIS EARLY RELEASE. HIS DETENTION
REMAINS INDEFENSIBLE.
SOSPA
FILES
7.0.
F.E.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
NEWS DEPT.
EXAN
GNATU
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
FC 12/13.
* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)..
T‒‒‒‒‒............ILIILII
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
(Date)...2 AP
Top Secret
Secret
Copida
Kestricted
Unclassified
Flash
Priority
Cousine
Despatched 133.3
78
mikkhak namquam--------------
DE PARIETALII HELA LA
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
En Clair.
Cod Cypher
Draft Telegrøn to:-
Perging No. 415 (Pate) 29/4.
And to:-
[Sec
Security classification" -if any
[
if any
Privacy marking ]
[Codeword-if any].
Addressed to
telegram No......
And to
46
---
---Tak Kebakara
[Peking?
repeated for information to
(date)
Saving to......
.....................``` ------ ~‒‒‒‒ILILJJI➖➖➖LLINJILL
Repeat to:-
Grey.
Taken
Following вугрі is прокатать
uppi
from Hansard
exper
commn 80 of
Saving to:-
25 April: [A
insist
امة محمد
Distribution:- File
FED. Consular. News Dept".
Copies to:-
Jm. 29/4
י..-.
WEIL $1-743
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
FZ13/13 चित्र
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret
Secret
Confidential. Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
DRAFT Letter
To:-
Type 1 +
From Mr. Rodgera
Telephone No. & Ext.
Journalists,
H. J. Bradley, Esq., General Secretary,
National Union of
Acorn House,
314/20 Gray's Inn Road, W.C.1.
Department
In Confidence
You will recall that, when I wrote to you
on 11 April about Mr. Anthony Grey, I said that
I would let you know of any progress.
The
2. You will know that since I wrote we have
in the event made a little progresa.
Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, Sir Donald Hopson,
was able to visit Mr. Grey for twenty minutes
on the afternoon of 23 April. You will have
péen in the press the accounts of the visit
that were relayed by correspondents in Peking
whom Sir D. Hopeon briefed. There is nothing
further of substance I can add. I need hardly
say we were immensely relieved to learn that
Mr. Grey was in good health and bearing up very
well under his ordeal. You may have seen my
statement in the House of Commons on 25 April
in which I said that we shall continue to do
all we can to secure an improvement in Kr. Grey's
conditions and his early release.
визед
29.4.
Mr. Samuel
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
- 1 MAY 1968
F413113
76
Flag A (76
Mr. Anthony Grey
In his letter of 11 April to Mr. H. J. Bradley,
General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists,
Mr. Rodgers said that he would report any progress that
was made in the case of Mr. Anthony Grey.
2. Mr. Bradley will have read in the press about the
visit of Sir Donald Hopson to Mr. Grey on 23 April; but
Mr. Rodgers may wish to follow up with a short letter.
I attach a draft.
3.
Humay Jaan Umney
(James Murray) 29 April, 1968
Jum 1/5
19
Written Answers
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
25 APRIL 1968
Mr. J. Idwal Jones asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on recent outbreaks
of foot-and-mouth disease,
Written Annivers
of the East Midlands Economic Planning Council to succeed the late Mr. George Deuring, C.B.E.
Mr. Shore I am pleased to say that Sir Mark Henig has accepted my invita-
tion to serve as Chairman of the Econo- mic Planning Council.
CHINA (MR. ANTHONY GREY)
Mr. Eldon Griffiths asked the Secre-
Mr. Cledwyn Hughes: At the end of February and beginning of March there was a period of three weeks in which no outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease occurred. Since then there have been 20 outbreaks. All were in that part of the West Midlands which was most heavilytary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will infected at the time of the recent epidemic. Of these outbreaks, 12 occurred on farms which had previously had the discase, and eight were on farms not previously infected.
make a statement' about the interview the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking had recently with Mr. Anthony Grey,
Mr. William Rodgers: The Chargé d'Affaires in Peking was permitted to visit Mr. Grey in his house for 20 minutes on 23rd April. He told Sir Donald that he was in good health. He continues to have the services of his domestic staff although he is confined to one room in his house. He takes exercise twice daily and has been receiving some letters.
It is disappointing but not unexpected that the disease continues to show itself in the infected area. Almost half a mil- lion animals had to be slaughtered because they were infected or were in contact with infected animals. The virus multiplies rapidly in host animals and a great weight of infection was left behind in this comparatively small part of the
The worst aspect is Mr. Grey's isola country which is still heavily stocked, tion. He has three guards in his house, This appears to be a resistant strain of
none of whom will talk to him in Eng- the virus and even the most careful dis.lish. He says that he has not been infection cannot be guaranteed to remove
visited by other Chinese officials. it entirely from every part of the whole area of infection. Everything possible is possible is being done to minimise the risk of fresh outbreaks on restocked farms and to pre- vent the spread of disease when outbreaks
occur.
The great need now is to stamp out the virus immediately it appears and before it has an opportunity to multiply itself again. It continues to be of the greatest importance that farmers. particularly those in the infected area, should exer- cise the greatest care and vigilance and vigilance and report any suspicious symptoms in their animals with no loss of time. Members of the public should not go on to farm land in the infected arca unless it is
absolutely necessary and after obtaining
the farmer's consent.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS East Midlands Economic Planning Council (Chairman)
Mr. Marquand asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will announce the appointment of a chairman
22 K 43
-
We shall, of course, continue our efforts to secure an improvement in Mr. Grey's conditions and his early release. His detention remains indefensible.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Disbled Persons (Vehicles)
Minister of Health in view of the fact that Sir W. Bromley-Davenport asked the many disabled people eligible for Minis- try of Health vehicles find them unsuit-
able for various reasons and could make use of ordinary motor vehicles or vans, in what circumstances he will arrange for able to these disabled people at a reduced such vehicles dr vans to be made avail-
price.
Mr. K. Robinson: I have no powers at present to sell vehicles to disabled persons. Given the necessary powers which the Health Services and Public Health Bill is designed to provide, any extension of the present vehicle services for the disabled will be governed by pre- vailing economic conditions.
75
FED?S
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
29 APR 1968
FC13/13
:
DATE.25 4:68
50 w
COL....
VOL ...7.6.3.....
Bpm 27/4
PREVIOUS REFERENCES
F213/13
W
74.
Flag A
Peking telegram No. 1 of 1 Jamiary
Flag B
Flag C
Flag D
Foreign Office telegram to Peking No. 31 of 7 January
P.Q. by Mr. Royle 20 December, 1967
P.Q. by Mr. Royle 21 December, 1967
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
1.
Action against N.C.N.A. in London
I am prepared to consider any action which would help
Kr. Grey's position. I do not at this stage wish to commit
myself about the precise form such action might take.
2.
Exchange of Kr. Grey for the N.C.N.A. Prisoners in
Hong Kong
I hope hon. Kembers will remember that the two N.C.N.A.
reporters in Hong Kong were sentenced by due process of law.
Mr. Grey has been held under house arrest as an arbitrary
of political retaliation. Since, however, the Chinese have
chosen to link the case of Mr. Grey with that of the two
N.C.N.A. reporters, I do not exclude the possibility of some
arrangement, such as an exchange, being arrived at.
(1069) DEA32453 3m 2/47 G.WB.LAL. Gp.363
FL13/13 (24+
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for ORAL answer on
22 January
FED
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
74.
Noon on Thune 18/1
U* Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey); To ask
the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action he is now taking to obtain the release from house detention of Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuter's correspondent in Peking; and if he will make a statement.
π. Lizwan Rooyen.
22 January, 1968.
We are trying in a number of ways to secure Mr. Grey's
release and, as a first step, consular access to him. Although Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has made numerous representations to the Chinese authorities, I regret that, none has so far proved successful. I can assure the House
that we remain extremely concerned about the treatment of
She to Mr. Grey and will continue to do everything peesire to help
him.
F13/13. 0.74
FOLIO (3)
13
Ze
3-
PREVIOUS REFERENCES
Flag A P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 20 December, 1967
Flag B P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 21 December, 1967
Flag C P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 22 January, 1968
Flag D P.Q. by Mr. Whitaker, 16 February, 1968
P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 21 February, 1968
39) Flag E
53
Flag F Suspended P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 26 February, 1968
DL135779 Op.863
24
F413/13
476+
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for WRITTEN answer on 25 April, 1968
F.E.D.
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
Mr. Eldon Griffiths (Bury St. Edmunds): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he will make a statement about the interview the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking had recently with
Mr. Anthony Grey.
MR. WILLIAM RODGERS
The Chargé d'Affaires in Peking was permitted
to visit Mr. Grey in his house for 20 minutes on
the 23rd of April. Sir Donald Hopson has reported
that there has been no change in the physical appearance of Mr. Gray and He told Sir Donald that
He
he was in good health. Mr. Grey continues to have
the services of his domestic staff although he is
confined to one room in his house. He takes exercise
twice daily and has been receiving some letters.
The worst aspect is Mr. Gray's isolation. He has three guards in the house, none of whom will kt
converse with him.in English. He says that he has
not been visited by other Chinese officials.
We shall of course continue our efforts to
secure an improvement in Mr. Grey's conditions and his early release. His detention gehan adefensible.
Maand by
In thirdgens
Ja pezzy
nsor
Mr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
!
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
AR ROB
F413/13
73
?3)
Full details of the visit to Mr. Grey on 23 April were
given by Sir Donald Hopson to correspondents in Peking at
the press briefing after the visit, and have appeared in the
British press.
2. Despite the desirability of brevity in the statement,
I think it should be sufficiently detailed to underline the
rigours of Mr. Grey's confinement but to confirm
3.
(a) that he is in reasonable health of body and mind;
and
(b) that he has not been "brainwashed".
I attach a draft statement accordingly.
June
Грину
(James Murray) 25 April, 1968
Phulkarison 25/4
13. pm 20/4
72
J
I
·
L
:
Reference.
Enlin
J24/4
DAILY TELEGRAPH 24/4
Cuttino dated
2 4 APR 1968
BRITON HELD
9 MONTHS IN
PEKING ROOM
By DAVID OANCIA
PEKING, Tuesday.
MR. ANTHONY GREY,
the Reuter's correspon dent who has been kept kept prisoner in one room of hid house in Peking for nine months, spoke today for the first time about his captivity.
He said that he spent 22 hours and 40 minutes of every day in the room, which has an adjoining bath. The door was always open so that three guards could keep a constant watch on him.
He was allowed into a court- yard for two 40-minute periods of exercise each day and he was completely out of touch with many world developments.
He did not even know that the British office in Peking was sacked and burned last August.
Mr. Grey, who was confined by the Chinese in retaliation for the conviction and sentencing of Chinese correspondents in Hong Kong, revealed these facts in à 21-minute meeting with Sir Don- ald Hopson, the British Chargé d'Affaires, and Mr. John Weston, Second Secretary of the British office in Paking.
The meeting constituted the Årst consular access that the British office has had with the correspondent since his arrest on July 21st, 1967, It took place in the dining room of Mr. Grey's house, under a poster which said: "Down with A. Grey."
Radio forbidden
Mr. Grey said that he had been given about 20 minutes advance notice of the meeting. which was supervised by three officers as well as the regular guards.
He save only a glimpse of his struggle against the loneliness of solitary confinement. He was ni permitted to use a radio,
His contact with his family and friends appeared to be improving Puring, the last three months, hẻ
hi Sad received letters from a friend In England.
"kte jooked good," said Sir Donk was provided Wement
~spondenca with an acri şi The distinz. "* Hò saif MU
. 19
-
RECEIVED IN [ARCHIVES No.31
2 APR 1968
FC13/13
Nothing TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES N. 5
I APR 1968
213/13
My Marren
Restor
Enter
71
Minutes
Mr. Anthony Given
9 Mumk
Mi-Long in
merely reverting to his plemons position and reflecting a cerram
a
amoralemma in Rantaro attitude.
on the
hand may teansi
mar provicity man damage
enamus of acum bor on the othal
then are nagged by
a desali
for something to be done, probably
45
Wom
like to name
you
A
word with
Mr. Long so
immy we
сним
reassur
the 'official'
that the
Mr Righs that
Rentus attitude so
which anges
Jon Denom
7/iv
Inbasion made.
Del 18
Cir #fut Ja pa 2214
70
Registry No.
F413/13.
DRAFT
Top Secret, Secret.
Confidential. Restricted. Unclassified.
Staff in Confidence.
c.c. Mr. Haydon
(Revs Dept.)
To:-
Letter
Type 1 +
From
Mr. Rodgers
General Secretary
Telephone No. & Ext.
+
Mr. H. J.
H. J. adley,
Kational Union of
Journalists,
Acorn Souse,
314/320 Gray's Inn Road,
Lonion, ...0.1.
Kr Mthong Grey
Department
Thank you for your letter of 28 March.
I have delayed reply hi
I have delayed replying in the hope that
I should .. ve some dephite news for you. We
have continued to ly all possible pressure
to the Chinese to obtain access to Kr. Grey
as a prelule to his release. I summoned the
Chinese hargé d'Affaires to the Foreign
Office on 5 April to protest about the
traitent of Eritish subjects in China, in
articular the Chinese failure to give us
inform tion about and access to them. I made
particular reference to Mr. Grey and stressed
that the British Government had always
regarded the case with the utmost gravity.
We have reason to think that our
representations are having an effect nd I
hope to be able to report to you very soon
that progress has been made. In the meantime,
may I once again ask for your forbearance on
the question of publicity.
(8635) D4033274 300m. 10/66 G.W.B.14. Gş.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
나
ᅡ
203 FC13/13
Foreign Office
London SW1
(77
A
From The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
29 April, 1968.
J
Jm
Ma Bradley
·
You will recall that, when I wrote to you on 11 April about Mr. Anthony Grey, I said that I would let you know of any progress.
You will know that since I wrote we have in the
You
event made a little progress. The Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, Sir Donald Hopson, was able to visit Mr. Grey for twenty minutes on the afternoon of 23 April. will have seen in the press the accounts of the visit that were relayed by correspondents in Peking whom Sir Donald Hopson briefed. There is nothing further of substance I can add. I need hardly say we were immensely relieved to learn that Mr. Grey was in good health and bearing up very well under his ordeal. You may have seen my statement in the House of Commons on 25 April in which I said that we shall continue to do all we can to secure an improvement in Mr. Grey's conditions and his early release.
n Sübsch
Julia Rodgers
William Rodgers
H.J. Bradley, Esq.,
General Secretary,
National Union of Journalists,
Acom House,
314/20 Gray's Inn Road,
LONDON, W.0.1.
Ра
P.a sex fo
176
Foreign Office
SW.1
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
F213/13.
11 April, 1968.
RECEIVED IN
ES No.31
Jo8
L
Thank you for your letter of 28 March.
I have delayed replying in the hope that I should have some definite news for you. We have continued to apply all possible pressure to the Chinese to obtain access to Mr. Grey as a prelude to his release. I summoned the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires to the Foreign Office on 5 April to protest about the treatment of British subjects in China, in particular the Chinese failure to give us information about and access to them. I made particular reference to Mr. Grey and stressed that the British Government had always regarded the case with the utmost gravity. We have reason to think that our representations are having an effect, and I hope to be able to report to you very soon that progress has been made. In the meantime, may I once again ask for your forbearance on the question of publicity.
H.J. Bradley, Esq.,
General' Secretary,
Acorn House.
William Rodgers
National Union of Journalists,
314/320 Gray's Inn Road,
LONDON, W.0.1.
мны pa
18/4
י
60/4
Mr. Sander
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN
IVES N. 31
F213/13
Flag A
1
Mr. Anthony Grey
I attach a draft reply to the letter of 28 March from
Mr. Bradley, General Secretary of the National Union of
Journalists.
Flag By 2. When Mr. George Brown received a deputation from the
National Union of Journalists on 21 February he said that
he would like to be given a further three or four weeks to
try and make progress over the case. If this was not possible
there might be no alternative to publicity. Mr. Bradley agreed
to discuss the matter further before launching any public
campaign.
3. Since additional visits have been made by N.C.N.A. in
Hong Kong to their colleagues and to other "patriotic"
journalists in prison, we have every hope that access will
be granted soon to Mr. Grey. Publicity at this stage might
prejudice our chance of obtaining success, particularly since
New China News Agency agreed with the Hong Kong authorities
to respect the confidential nature of the talks. (If the
question of the connexion with Mr. Grey is raised by the press
in Hong Kong, the authorities intend to say that the case was
not considered there, but that the visits reflect the improved
atmosphere in Sino-Hong Kong relations.) I had hoped to delay
a reply to Mr. Bradley until we had confirmation that we would
/get
CONFIDENT IAL
CONFIDENTIAL
2
get access to Mr. Grey, but since this has not been possible,
we shall have to stall.
4. We have been in touch with Mr. Gerald Long of Reuters
who has also agreed that they will say nothing for the
moment and do what they can to discourage any journalist
who wished to publicise the case.
Your Munny
(James Murray) 10 April, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
WAEL SI 2421
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry 13/13.
No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret Secret.
Confidential,
Restricted.
Unclasified.
PRIVACY MARKING
Copy to:
In Confidence
Mr. J. Murray
p... Man
1/4
DRAFT
Letter
To:-
K. Ames, Esq.,
(and others),
Inter hotel, Aleron,
Prague.
55
Type 1 +
From
Mr. Haydon
68
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
News (PC)
Thank you for your letter of 17 March
about Mr. Anthony Grey.
The Foreign Secretary, is greatly
concerned about Kr. Grey as was his
predece. sor. We have made strenuous efforts
to obtain both his release and consular access
to hims so far, unfortunately, without
8136668. On the day on which Mr. Grey was
detained (21 July 1967), Mr. Rodgers,
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the
Foreign Offios, lodged a strong protest with
the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London, and
demanded his immediate release and immedia te
consular s00888, A parallel protest was n de
by the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking.
Both protests were rejected. Apart from this
over a dozen formal approaches hurve been made
to the Chinese with a view either to release or
consular access, Besides these formal
representations, there have been repeated
telephone calls to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs in Peking none of which has produced a
favourable response from the Chinese.
As the
Chinese arrested his in retaliation for the
arrest and imprisonment of Heush P*ing, a
journalist employed by the New Chinu News Agency
in Hong Kong, his case is closely connected wit
wider issues of Bino-British relations which we
are pursuing with the Ghiness, In the meantime
we shall continue to press for consular sc0988
/to
to Er, Gray and for his release.
On 21 February, Ir. George Brown vent
over the case in detail with a deputɛtion from
the Comell of the Nutional Union of
Journalista..
As you will realise, publicity is e
double-edged weapon in our relations with
the Chinese.
So far both Reuters and
ourselves have felt that publicity would be
more likely to harm Mr. Grey than to persunde
the Chinese to release him. However, if our
efforts to help him continue to yield no
results, publicity may become inevitable,
and we should certainly do not rule it out as
a line of action,
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
E13/13,
67
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.I
10 April, 1968
66
Thank you for your letter of
8 April enclosing messages for delivery to Mr. Anthony Grey in Peking. These have now been despatched to the Chargé d'Affaires.
LAST
KEF
NEX1
나.
66
(J. B. Denson)
Far Eastern Department
Gerald Long, Esq.,
General Hangesht
Reuters
85 Fleet Street,
London, I.C.4.
pr.
E
VEEL SI-ZON
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
G
67
Registry 3/13
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
DRAFT
To:
Geraw Long Esq,
Reux
Type 1 +
From
No. & Ext.
Departme
Thank you for your
letter of 8 Apus enclosing
mi.
messages for delivers Ms. Anthony Grey in
in Petry,
There have now bun Suparmer to the Chango
*Affario
Mr John Boyd Denson OBE
Far Eastern Department
The Foreign Office
Downing Street
SW1
REUTERS
8 April 1968
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
1 1 APR 368
FC13/13
to
Dear Mr Denson
I was most grateful to you for your telephone call this morning and for the news that you might possibly be on the point of obtaining consular access to Mr Anthony Grey in Peking.
I enclose herewith three messages: one from Mr Grey's mother, one from Mr Grey's colleagues on Reuters staff in London and the third from myself and the Reuter management. If it is possible I would be most grateful if these messages could be passed to Mr Grey.
Yours sincerely
Geold Lay.
LAT
KEF.
NEZI
67
Ha.
$47.
Mr
Myshim the ope
I win acknowlige after the despai
The Pelegloom
John Jensen ไม่ Ju pm 16/4
Gerald Long General Manager Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060
Ed (166)
·
Tel & the
Mr. Murray /r
CONFIDENTIAL*
Reference.
Mr. Anthony Grey
IVED IN WES N..
1 | APR 1500
F213/13
F21319/173)
On receiving aking telegram No. 289 I #elephoned Mr. Gerald Long of Reuters, in the absence of Kr. Chipp. I told him that it now seemed possible that consular access would be granted to Mr. Grey fairly soon as satisfactory arrangements had been made for additional visits to be paid to N.C.N.A. representatives and "patriotic journalists" in Hong Kong. It would however be dangerous to count our chickens before they are hatched. I suggested that he might like to consider messages from Reuters and from Mr. Grey's mother and indicated that we would be willing to transmit them. Mr. Long said he would be in touch with me again very
goon.
2. Mr. Long also raised the question of publicity about Mr. Grey and said he was still not convinced that the best course was to keep quiet. He agreed however that we should wait until it had been possible to visit Mr. Grey and then review the matter again. I undertook to ask Mr. Rodgers to arrange a meeting with Mr. Long in the fairly near future.
Copies to:
Mr. Samuel
Mr. Smart
Mr. Boyd
Jam Jenson
(J. B. Denson) 8 April, 1968
Jaz pa 14/4
CONFIDENTIAL
F13/13
CONFIDENTIAL
CYPHER/CAT A
IMMEDIATE FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TELNO 349
9 APRIL 1968 (FED)
64
Jumpa mpy
CONFIDENTIAL
ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NO. 349 OF 9 APRIL
REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG,
YOUR TELEGRAM NO 289.
FOLLOWING ARE TEXTS OF MESSAGES FROM MR GREY'S MOTHER,
MR. GERALD LONG AND REUTERS' LONDON STAFF TO BE DELIVERED IF A VISIT IS POSSIBLE.
HELLO, MY DARLING TONY, IT IS WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH YOU AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS, WE ARE SO PLEASED THAT THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO REACH YOU. WE ARE ENJOYING OUR FIRST EFFORT IN THE HOTEL TRADE IN PERTHSHIRE. JUNE AND THE BOYS ALL SEND THEIR LOVE. I HOPE YOU ARE RECEIVING MY PARCELS WITH A FEW PERSONAL ITEMS WHICH I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY.
WE ALL HOPE THE AUTHORITIES WILL LOOK KINDLY ON YOUR CASE AND LET YOU REJOIN YOUR FAMILY WHO ARE MISSING YOU SO TERRIBLY.
ALL MY LOVE DARLING, MUM,
I AND MY COLLEAGUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REUTERS SEND YOU WARMEST GREETINGS ON THE OCCASION OF THIS FIRST CONTACT THROUGH CONSULAR CHANNELS. WE REALISE THAT TO OUTWARD APPEARANCE LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE BUT ASSURE YOU THAT AND MY COLLEAGUES CONSIDER YOUR SITUATION DAILY AND HAVE BEEN SATISFIED SO FAR THAT THE CONSTANT CONTACTS WHICH WERE TAKING PLACE OFFERED THE BEST HOPE OF IMPROVING YOUR SITUATION, WE EAGERLY AWAIT FIRSTHAND NEWS OF YOU. MEANWHILE WE CAN ONLY WISH YOU STEADFAST COURAGE AND ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL ACT IN ANY WAY TO SECURE YOUR RELEASE WHICH REMAINS OUR SOLE OBJECT.
WARMEST GREETINGS FROM ALL YOUR COLLEAGUES IN LONDON EDITORIAL. YOU ARE CONSTANTLY IN OUR THOUGHTS AND THE NEWS TE ARE ALL WAITING FOR IS THE APPEARANCE OF THE TONY GREY BYLINE AGAIN. IN THE MEANTIME, KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND LETS HOPE IT WON'T BE LONG NOW.
SOSFA
FILES
F.E.D.
CONFIDENTIAL
8
9/44
tu༢!༣H
2.
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
F213/13
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should reach addressee(s)
(Date) ate);
Despatched...
世
12
TTT
Top-Secret Secret Confidential
Emergency Immediate
Unclassified
En Clair. Code- Cypher
Draft Telegram to:-
Pexing
No........
(Date)
And to:-
349
+ LLAFALL‒‒‒‒
9/4
[ Security_classification
[Codeword-if any]
Addressed to
Confientid
PATIENTS su madr
--------‒‒‒‒‒‒÷-euteun-➖➖➖
Peking
telegram No.....
349
(date) 9 Aflic
+idator--------- BLAGADENOMINA++|+|----------------------------muurst
Hong Kong
And to
repeated for information to
➖➖ ➖➖➖ ➖➖ ➖ITEITEN +
PHILHAR
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Repeat to:-
Hong Kong
Saving to:-
642.
Saving to
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖---------
Your
relegram
No. 289
HEYS.
Following are fears of med
from A Catin's
[C] REUTERS
mother,
मिन
Mit Grove
Distribution:
Files
Long
and Renters' Loquent
Im
tim dekvaard of
a
visiti
75
F.ED
розо
possion.
Copies to:-
[HERE HiSET TEXTS / of 3 MESRATES ATTACHED
M
Masque
Tony Grey:
REUTERS
8 April 1968
с
Fe13/13 63
आउ
..ED IN "VES No 31
Në
11 APRI008
Fe13/13
Warmest greetings from all your colleagues in London Editorial. You are
constantly in our thoughts and the news we are all waiting for is the appearance of the Tony Grey byline again. In the meantime, keep your chin up and lets hope it won't be long now,
Jesper 16/4
при
Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060 Telex 21638
Mr Anthony Grey Peking
B
REUTERS
8 April 1968
F12/13 (62)
FIVED IN
-
HIVES N■.31 1 1 APR 1968
F=13/13
I and my colleagues in the management of Reuters send you warmest greetings on the occasion of this first contact through consular channels. We realise that to outward appearance little has been done but assure you that I and my colleagues consider your situation daily and have been satisfied so far that the constant contacts which were taking place offered the best hope of improving your situation. We eagerly await firsthand news of you. Meanwhile we can only wish you steadfast courage and assure you that we will act in any way to secure your release which remains our sole object. ect
Build
!
lierald
Long
پال
Ja pm 16/4
ры
Gerald Long General Manager Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060
F=13/13 161
8 April 1968
MESSAGE FROM MRS GREY TO ANTHONY GREY
A
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
Îi muli wood
F213/13
We
Hello, my darling Tony. It is wonderful to be
able to make contact with you after all these months.
are so pleased that this message has been allowed to
reach you.
We are enjoying our first effort in the hotel
trade in Perthshire. June and the boys all send their
love. I hope you are receiving my parcels with a few
personal items which I know you will enjoy.
We all hope the Authorities will look kindly on your
case and let you rejoin your family who are missing you
so terribly.
All my love darling, Mum
Jor. fm. 16/14
UNCLASSIFIED
(PEK/2)
1
..Ar..
F413/13.
Dear James;
60,
Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires,
PEKING.
25 March, 1968.
I see in the parliamentary report of the Times for Thursday 21 March an answer by the Secretary of State to questions from Anthony Royle and others on the Watt and Grey question. It would be very helpful
if you could telegraph to us en clair the text of similar questions and answers in future. We would not normally want to be consulted about the draft reply but we should like to know as soon as possible what Ministers say on these questions.
Your
шел
Ласи валом
James Murray, Esq., C.M.G.,
Far Eastern Department.
Noted.
развити
(P. CRADOCK)
Mr Dejene in synimi op рия
Enty
panada 1/4
I
Flag A
informed it's
↑ I hausk
incluat at
to but that
Lin realit
If te ats Lletak ke , refer to
it,
Goodinto to Slice amper
of at looks
productive
Mr. Samuel
RESTRICTED
MR. ANTHONY ROYLE, M.P.
į RECEIVED IN
WES No.31
APR 1968
F2 13/13
F.ED
59
Mr. Royle has deferred his Parliamentary Question about
Mr. Anthony Grey until 18 March. He has agreed to Mr. Rodger's
suggestion that he discuss the case with me (at 4.30 p.m.
tomorrow), but he has stressed that he cannot consider himself
in any way tied, as a result of talking to me, regarding possible
After seeing me, he is to call on
action in the House.
Mr. Rodgers.
2. I attach a memorandum which sets out chronologically
under two headings the principal representations which we
have made to secure access to Mr. Grey and his release. I
propose to go through this with Mr. Royle and would see no
objection to giving him a copy. I should, however, be grateful
for your viewe.
3. If Mr. Royle's main aim is to help Mr. Grey, he may decide
again to postpone his Parliamentary Question or withdraw it
completely, provided he is satisfied that we are doing as much
as we can. We run the risk on the other hand that he will not
be satisfied, and will disclose information given in confidence
to the press.
This is a risk which I think we must take.
4. The Commonwealth Office have had considerable dealings
with Mr. Royle over Hong Kong and found him sympathetic and
co-operative. They have suggested that when Mr. Rodgers sees
him again, he may wish to make the point that since it is
clear that progress on Mr. Grey depends on a suitable quid
/pro
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
2-
pro quo in Hong Kong and not action in London, publicity
may cause pressure to mount for the kind of concessions in
Hong Kong which we could not safely make. If it seems
necessary the Commonwealth Office would be prepared to
recommend one of their Ministers to speak to Mr. Royle on
This line, the specifically Hong Kong aspects of the case.
to be effective, will depend on our having first convinced Mr. Royle that punitive action against N.C.N.A. in London
would not be helpful. (Both the Hong Kong aspects and the
risks of punitive action against N.C.N.A. here will of
course be covered in the departmental briefing of Mr. Royle.)
Jan tenang
(James Murray) 12 karch, 1968
L
Алина
Re
帖
RESTRICTED
CONFIDENTIAL
MR. ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS
REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CHINESE
On the day on which Mr. Grey was detained (21 July,
1967), Mr. Rodgers, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
at the Foreign Office, lodged a strong protest with the
Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London, and demanded his immediate
release and immediate consular access. The protest was
rejected. ▲ parallel protest was made on 22 July by Mr. Hopson,
the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking.
2. Since then a very large number of démarches have been
made to the Chinese about Mr. Grey. The principal ones are
summarised below under two headings:
3.
(a) Efforts to effect his release by means of an
exchange with New China News Agency journalists
in prison in Hong Kong;
(b) Efforts to obtain consular access to him in
return for additional visits by N.C.N.A. repre-
sentativea to N.C.N.A. and other communist
journalists` imprisoned in Hong Kong.
Not included in the list are details of telephonic
reminders from our mission in Peking to the Chinese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs that they were still awaiting replies
about Mr. Grey. (The mission would not in every case report
such reminders to London.) In general, however, it can be
said that on every occasion since his detention on which
official business has been transacted, the case of Mr. Grey
has been raised on our side.
CONFIDENTIAL
/4.
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
Efforts to negotiate Mr. Grey's Release
4.
31.8.67
In a letter to the Chinese Foreign Minister, Ch'en Yi,
the Foreign Secretary indicated that he might be able
to arrange the release to China of N.C.N.A. journalists
imprisoned in Hong Kong in exchange for the release
of Mr. Grey. No answer has been received.
31.12.67 The Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, Mr. (now Sir) D.
Hopson, on instructions made an informal suggestion
8.2.68
to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that
Mr. Grey be exchanged for Hsueh P'ing, an N.C.N.A.
reporter imprisoned in Hong Kong -
Mr. Cradock, Counsellor at the Mission in Peking,
repeated on an official basis the offer to exchange
Mr. Grey for Hsueh P'ing-
1.3.68
Sir D. Hopson raised the proposed exchange again
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The reply
5.
was that his suggestion had been noted but that
there was no news yet.
Efforts to Obtain Consular Access to Kr. Grey
29.7.67
Mr. Hopson's request of 22.7.67 for consular access
was refused by the Chinese on the grounds that no
formal visits by the N.C.N.A. had been allowed to
the three N.C.N.A. journaliste imprisoned in Hong
Kong. (Under prison regulations one visit per
month by relatives and friends was allowed to
prisoners under sentence and two a month to those
on remand.)
CONFIDENTIAL
/2.8.67
CONFIDENT IAL
- 3 -
2.8.67
19.8.67
Mr. Hopson informed the Chinese Ministry of
Foreign Affairs that special visits would be
allowed to N.C.N.A. journalists imprisoned in
Hong Kong as soon as access to Mr. Grey was
granted.
A member of the staff of the British Mission
was refused admission to Mr. Grey's house.
20.8.67 The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said
that the situation had changed since the offer
of 2.8.67 (presumably because of further arreste
and action against communist newspapers in Hong
Kong) and threatened further measures against
Grey unless the British (in Hong Kong) attitude
changed. On 22.8.67 the British Mission was burnt .7
30.9.67
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after being
informed that two N.C.N.A. officials had visited
Haush P'ing, failed to reply to repeated telephone
calls for consular access to Mr. Grey.
22.12.67 N.C.N.A. requested permission to send two officials
to visit N.C.N.A. and other communist reporters
and to deliver clothing and foodstuffs to them.
They were told that prison regulations require
that such visits be made only at the request of
the prisoner.
31.12.67 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that if the
request of 22.12.67 was met, they "might consider
CONFIDENT IAL
/allowing
CONFIDENTIAL
-
4
-
28.1.68
allowing the British Office to send personnel
to visit Gray".
was
Sir D. Hopson/informed by the Chinese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs that the Hong Kong authorities
must make formal arrangements for responsible
officials to visit N.C.N.A. correspondents and
other communist journalists at the Chinese New
Year; after satisfactory arrangements had been
made the Chinese "could consider arrangements
for an official British officer to visit Grey".
31.1.68 Mr. Cradock informed the Chinese Ministry of
Foreign Affairs that special visits by N.C.N.A.
representatives could be made to the N.C.N.A.
journalists in prison on 2 February on the clear
understanding that there would be immediate consular access to Mr. Grey. (N.C.N.A. in Hong
Kong did not in the event accept the invitation to present themselves at the prison.)
8.2.68
1.3.68
Mr. Cradock explained that it would be difficult
for us to issue entry visas to the United Kingdom
for N.C.N.A. about which the Chinese were pressing
us, unless something was done about Kr. Gray.
The Chinese said that the issue of visas was
irrelevant to Mr. Grey's case.
After further consultation with the Governor of
Hong Kong, Sir D. Hopson informed the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs that we would allow additional
/visite
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
- 5-
visits to N.C.N.A. and "patriotic journalists"
imprisoned in Hong Kong by their employer
accompanied by either another official of the
journalist's own newspaper or by a member of
N.C.N.A.; detailed arrangements should be made
between N.C.N.A. and the Hong Kong authorities.
8.3.68 Lọ Kuei-po, Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign
Affairs, informed Sir D. Hopson that N.C.N.A.
in Hong Kong had been notified of our proposals.
He awaited a report that satisfactory arrangements
for visits had been made. Only after receiving
it could he agree to a visit to Mr. Grey.
Far Eastern Department,
Foreign Office.
12 March, 1968.
CONFIDENTIAL
29.3.
Kr. Samuel
6
1.4.68
Kr. Haydon
RECEIVED IN [ARCH#V-5 No.31
4- APR 1968
FC13/13
58
Mr. Anthony Grey : Letter from Correspondente
Mr. Haydon has asked for advice on how to reply to a
letter from newspaper correspondents stationed in Prague
about the plight of Mr. Anthony Grey in Peking.
2. I agree generally with the line he suggests, though I have some doubts about the advisability of asking for bright
ideas.
3.
I attach a draft.
James Mamang.
(James Murray) 29 March, 1968
Reference
Mr Anthony Gay
a
(W58 daft eph from
*C13/13.
M. Deara
I attach
M. Hayden
correspondent
to the page
Mart A Chall
پڑے
I have amended Yo
anni
кото
Specifying the varium appoems too
precisely.
Jim Dun
Thank
|
you.
Видать
Rand
Est-Pun
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Acorn House, 314/320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1 Telephone: 01-278 7916
IJO/G
William Rodgers Esq, MP,
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office,
Downing Street,
LONDON.
S.W.1.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES N. 31j
3- APR 1968
FC13/13
28th March 1968
Rec. and Ack, 29.3. ..FED:
nu
for cafu rey RECEIVED IN
Dear Mr. Rodgers,
#VES NG 31
1
Mr. Anthony Grey
You will recall that when Mr. Brown and yourself and colleagues were kind enough to meet us on 21st February to discuss the plight of Mr. Grey, Reuters' correspondent in Peking, it was agreed that we should leave the matter for three or four weeks while an unnamed possibility for securing his release was considered.
is.
passes.
We would be grateful if you could tell us what the present position As you know our concern on his behalf is deep and it grows as time
·
Yours sincerely,
11
1 J. Bradley.
General Secretary.
General Secretary: H. J. Bradley Deputy General Secretary: T. D. Lucy
enter 21 MAY
4/4
7
Fa3/13
656
For draft eft.
25
Manolo
По делува Me Shearland
on the
Something mis suggervarm Mr. Haydo
together with over
Попу его анімоб
Sauron Mukmin
www Nartine Umm
What ve
the NV JWM
Most fard to
Should be widen
Mr. Murray, Sefentemmate.
F.Ed.
MR. ANTHONY GREY
IMMEDIATE
RECEIVED IN ¡ARCHIVES N. 31
20 MAR 1968
F213713
+
I should be grateful for advice on how to reply to the attached letter from newspaper correspondents stationed in Prague about the plight of Mr. Anthony Grey in Peking.
2.
We could make one or two points.
First, we scarcely
need to draw the attention of the Secretary of State to Mr.
Anthony Grey's plight; he is only too well aware of it as
was his predecessor. Second, both Reuters and ourselves
have believed that it would probably not be in Mr. Grey's interest to publicise his situation. Third, if any of
those who signed the letter have any bright ideas, we should
be delighted to hear them and would be glad if they would
write or call to tell us what they are.
copies to:
Private Office;
P.S. to Ir. Rodgers;
Kr. Howard Smith, Northern Dept.
Haydon)
25 March, 1968.
eaty
minedulely
ины
25/3
INTERHOTEL
Aleron
TELEF: 24 57 41-49, INTERURB. 24 57 45
PRAHA TELEGR. ALCRONOTEL - TELEX 414
200 APPARTEMENTS
GARAGE
:obin Jayden req.
Head of News Department. -oreign office.
Downing St.
London......1.
Sir,
LAST
REF
KETI
168
17th.
A
March 1968.
ደ። IVED IN
me, No 31
120 MAR 2008
FC13/13.
F
I
the undeŝigned newspaper correspondents at present
in Prague, take this opportunity of strongly urging you to draw the attention of the ecretary of State to the fate of our colleague, nr. Anthony Grey, deuter correspondent in Peling, who has been in solitary confinement under house arrest since summer 1967 and urging equally strongly that some fresh di:lomatic initiative should be taken on his account.
..e remain,
Yours etc.
на
Kenneth me. The conomist.)
Di
(
(
Carly prompton Sunday xpress.)
Richard Davey (the Lines }
Is The Dougall
ian "duougall
Colin fazon.
în DaysON
、 2.0.0.)
(Daily Axpress )
tark Meredith Reuter )
Donald mccullu
、 Sunday ines /
、 d.d.k.}
fundit Schulz Jaily telegraph,
&
نيا
(
Anne Sharpley'、 Evening Standard.}
Desa revisan ( the vines ) 9,
Jorge Vijl 00:50
vine A Daily Tail)
Geofen Mor home (The Guardian)
Jir Alec Douglas - home.
House of Commons
J....1.
55
-
54
537
Mr. Deason: Mr. Muray:
Reference
RECEIVED !
ARCHIVES No 31
Mr. Anthony Royle
Please see Mr. Royle's
6 play A
рада
2.
He is to
1 5 MAR 1968
F213/13
to fle
letter at
Mr.
4.30 on Wednesday,
at 4.30
Murray at
13 March to discum M. Grey,
Lon. Tweek.
Nday MAN 7 2573. 17/
ро
P
Липа
22/3
.A.
Yes
安
Am
and will subsequently
не
M. Rodger.
Mene n.6. his second paragraffe-
not too clarming, really
3. This letter does not need
aply
RA
M. Rodger
M. Royle is to se
60
Corn
Marki A. Hall 14/3
The drugs put up uni seam.
addition to cover the conversatio with Lo Kuei- po. Do yo
comu
to the muting on
The proviment edirm
with me
Within.
count the hives Ma
for go mumise to the That Room.
ize Jon Densen
53
(9849) D4812552 Juu 2/67 G.W.3.Lx£ Gμ863
F213/13
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for ORAL answer on
FEJ
The draft reply should5*3
reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
Noon on heads. 21/2
U Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey): To ask the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, why he has failed to help successfully Mr. Anthony Gray who has been detained incommunicado in his house in Peking for seven months.
26th February, 1968
What
have been trying, for some months,
in a number of different ways, to
secure consular access to Mr. Grey as
a prelude to his release. These
attempts have so far failed because
the Chinese on their side ho.ve
remained totally unco-operative
shell continue my efforts until-
progress is maie.
f.".
Mr.Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
P
RECEIVED ARCHIVES Ne
1 5 MAR 1968
F213/13
Parliamentary Question by Mr.Royle:
the Reuters' Correspondent in Peking
52
This is the fourth question Mr. Royle has asked
about Mr. Grey since 20 December. We know from
articles he wrote in the press during the Christmes
recess that Mr. Royle considers that the Foreign
Office has been dilatory about furthering Mr. Grey's
case and it can be expected that he will try to make
much of the fact that there has been no apparent
progress since his question of 20 December.
2. The difficulty is that if we mention in public
the fact that we have offered to exchange Mr. Grey
for the New China News Agency prisoner (or prisoners)
in Hong Kong, this will only lessen the changes of
such an exchange oeing achieved. We are therefore
forced to give the impression of having done less
than we have in fact tried to do. We are still
awiting a reply from the Chinese to the questions
put to them on 7 February about their future intent-
ions towards Mr. Grey and their reactions to the
official suggestion of an exchange.
Via
/3.
3. We have been discussing with the Chinese author-
ities their demands for special visits to Communist
prisoners in Hong Kong, which they link to consular
visits to Mr. Grey. But in view of the present state
of negotiations it would be helpful not to mention
this in the House.
4. It is quite clear that Mr. Royle will continue to
ask questions and seek publicity about Mr. Grey until
the latter is released. Since such questioning could
produce a situation in which it became hrder to work
for Mr. Grey's release, I think there would be much
advantage in Mr. Royle being seen privately by a
Minister so that he could be told in confidence what
we are trying to do for Mr. Grey and what difficulties
were being met.
5.
I attach a draft reply and draft supplementaries.
I do not know M: Royle,
but provided he to
Jama Umy.
reasonably discret
//
(James Murrey)
21 Feoru ry,1968
/ Su
much advantage and for risks
in speaking to homin
m
as recommended.
#
and when the time
Comas
for publicity
hr
could entit his help in this abso.
Philkerson
#hwary 21. 1968.
PREVIOUS REFERENCES
Flag A
Flag B
Flag C
Flag D
· E
P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 20 December, 1957
P.Q. by Mr. Royle, 21 December, 1967
P.. by Mr. Royle, 22 Janu.ry, 1968
P.2. by Mr. Whitaker, 16 Feoru ry,1968
-Thr. Rayle 21 February, 1968
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
Retaliation against NCNA in London
My sr. Lon. Friend is
→ prepared to consider any action which would
help Mr. Grey's position. He downot at this stage wish to commit him
action might take.
about the precise form such
2.
Exchange of Mr. Grey for the NCNA prisoners Hon; Kong.
I hope that Hon. Members will remember that
NONA reporters imprisoned in Hong Kong were sentenced
by due process of law. Mr. Grey has been held under house arrest as an arbitrary act of political retalia-
tion. Since, however, the Chinese have chosen to link
the case of lir. Grey with that of NCNA reporters in
Hong Kong, I do not exclude the possibility of some
arrangement, such as an exchange, being arrived at.
I
IT
I
}
Fe13/13
Mr J. Murray
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
11 March, 1968.
11 Manute.
37
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
1 5 MAR 1968
F213/13
Mr Mr Hall
I am writing to confirm the arrangements
we made for Mr. Royle to call at the Foreign Office at 4.50 p.m. on Wednesday, 13 March to see Mr. James Murray, the Head of our Far Eastern Department, and then to have a further word with Mr. Rodgers.
(D.B. Merry)
Assistant Private Secretary
to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary
+
:
Private Secretary to
Anthony Royle, Esq., M.P., House of Commons.
pa.
MAM
1/iii
+
2
+
+
t
Reference.
RESTRICTED
SO
(ARV: 5 No.3 .
14 MAR 1968
F43/13
MR, J, MURRAY
Detentions in China
Mr. Rodgers had a word in the House of Commons yesterday evening about Mr. Grey after your session with him. Mr. Royle had found his discussion with you very useful and was impressed by the extent of our efforts on Mr. Grey's behalf. He said he could understand that publicity at this stage would not help and proposed to take his Parliamentary Question off the Order Paper.
2. Mr. Rodgers thanked him for his understanding; he assured him that we would keep him informed of any new developments so that Mr. Royle could take any Parliamentary initiative in the future which the circumstances justified.
3. They also discussed Mr. Watt.
Mr. Royle said he would put a Question down for oral Answer on Monday, 18 March in order to get the matter on to the Order Paper. The Question will not in fact be reached and the Answer will go written.
Copy to Sir D. ALLEN
Mr. Grubb
Richard Camme
News Department
(R.C. Samuel) 14 March, 1968.
-
Mc 12/14/3 Ms Shayland.
Manda
11.3
Mr James Murray CMG Far Eastern Department The Foreign Office Downing Street
SW1
REUTERS
Mr Grey of hunters
KECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
8 March 1968
Mr Rodgers may
be put.
see the Round's fettet.
Fund 49
trusted to
Dear Mr Murray
; 12 MAR 1968
James
Hurray
10 Touch.
M. Mamy
Thank you
B
F<13/13
Thank you for your letter. Since receiving it we have had a further report from Mr Round who has replaced Mr Casey as our Chief Representative in Hongkong. I enclose a copy of Mr Round's letter.
Yours sincerely
2
Gold Lay.
11 Haula.
Mr Shaifanel F. 1/3
MJ
R
13
73
Gerald Long General Manager Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060
P
ཚནཡ
CONFIDENTIAL
The General Manager LONDON
REUTERS
HONGKONG
February 28, 1968
Cone's sand to DAC
& Music Al
ack 5-3-68 NSW
Reuters Limited, 7th Floor, Gloucester Building P. O. Box 430 Hongkong. Tel: 225928, 236693. Telex 310
Dear Sir:
MM
I L
off them.
I serviced Mr. Underhill yesterday advising that Mr. David Oancia, of the Toronto Globe and Mail, told me Tony Grey was reported to be eating well and putting on weight.
This information came from the A.F.P. driver who, as you know, is the son of Mr. Grey's cook.
Mr. Dancia, who is here on leave, said milk and coal was being delivered regularly to the house, smoke was coming out of the chimney regularly and the lights were on most nights in the downstairs rooms. The curtains in the upstairs rooms remain drawn and the rooms appear to be unused. Mr Cancia said the regular delivery of coal and milk and the regular appearance of smoke and lights had occurred only since Christmas.
MI.
A British diplomat told Mr. Dancia that Mr. Grey had signed cheque's recently, but he does not know how the diplomat got this information.
You may already know that Peking correspondents and diplomats made up a Christmas box for Mr. Grey. So many contributed that it came to an embarrassingly large three crates and the Foreign Ministry declined to deliver it. The Foreign Ministry was asked in January if it would deliver letters and cards which accompanied the gifts. The ministry said it would but
Mr. Oencia had not heard whether, in fact, these had been delivered.
+
The General Manager London
t
N
February 28, 1968
We play col this down.
1
I am afraid Mr. Oancia was unable to give me much additional information and I appreciate that what he did tell me you may already have beard' from the Foreign Office.
He said Chinese officials were generally more cordial to correspondents since the New Year, but they had been unable to get any information from the officials about Mr. Grey.
Mr. Chipp may be interested to know, in the context of his discussions with the Pakistanie, that Mr. Oancia told me, in confidence, that Mr. Hopson himself had asked the Pakistan Ambassador in Feking for assistanc in getting exit permits for his own staff.
Mr. Cancia said Pakistan was concerned about its own relations with China and the ambassador was obviously reluctant to push too hard on behalf of the British.
Many of the British diplomats and their families are now clearly showing the strain of their ordeal. Mr. Dancia said some of the British women had their pants taken off by Red Guards during the attack on the mission and some were superficially sexually assaulted. I mention this because I do not recall having seen it reported at the time.
I am arranging to send a monthly parcel to Mr. Grey as you suggested and I would welcome any suggestions Mrs. Grey might have for items to include in this.
I hope to see Mr. Anthony Elliot, the Hong Kong political adviser, again soon and hope I may get something further from him.
Yours faithfully,
Back Hound
Derek Round
Chief Representative
DLR:ey
+
Pa
82 273
RXX
to confinem reley home convert ettim.
Faves
B/s ; ARCHIVES No 31
RECEIVED IN
1 1 MAR 1968
F2+3/13
78
From HONG KONG 27.2.68,
TY LED
2137 SERVICE REUTER LONDON
32130 prounderhill exround.
oancia says has reliable report
since new year
grey eating well and putting on weight, milk and coal delivered regularly, smoke seen regularly and lights on regularly downstairs rooms.
these not regular
prior new year.
lettering. REUTER
Noter Above message passed to DAG in New York via talk wire
(47)
From: Anthony Royle, M. P.
Аса
Bill
Recd.8/3.
FED
ato com H&M S
HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON, SWI
RE.
Y
ARCHIVEɔ No 31
+
: 1 MAR 1968
F2-18/13
7th March, 1968-
Thank you for your letter about Anthony Grey.
I had understood from our talk last week that you would definitely know one way or the other whether or not we were going to obtain access to Anthony Grey this week,
I will, of course, be glad to meet your officials, but I must stress that I cannot consider myself in any way tied as a result of talking to them, regarding action which I may wish to take in the House of Commons.
I have therefore deferred my Question for a further week until Monday, 18th March.
I will get my Private Secretary to arrange a
time with yours.
い
You
A
し
William Rodgers, Esq., M. P.,
Foreign Office,
Downing Street,
S. W. 1.
GM
CONFIDENTIAL
The General Manager LONDON
REUTERS
46)
HONGKONG
February 28, 1968
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.5! :
1 1 MAR 1968
चिउ
13/13
C
-41005
ach 5-3-68 Hsw
Reuters Limited, 7th Floor, Gloucester Building P. O. Box 430 Hongkong. Tel: 225928, 236693. Telex 310
Dear Sir:
IRH
I serviced Mr. Underhill yesterday advising that Mr. David Dancia, of the Toronto Globe and Mail, told me Tony Grey was reported to be eating well and putting on weight.
This information came from the A.F.P. driver who, as you know, is the son of Mr. Grey's cook.
Mr. Oancia, who is here on leave, said milk and coal was being delivered regularly to the house, smoke was coming out of the chimney regularly and the lights were on most nights in the downstairs rooms, The curtains in the upstairs rooms remain drawn and the rooms appear to be unused. Cancia said the regular delivery of coal and milk and the regular appearance of smoke and lights had occurred only since Christmas.
Mr.
A British diplomat told Mr. Gancia that Mr. Grey had signed cheques recently, but he does not know how the diplomat got this information.
You may already know that Peking correspondents and diplomats made up a Christmas box for Mr. Grey. So many contributed that it came to an embarrassingly large three crates and the Foreign Ministry declined to deliver it. The Foreign Ministry was asked in January if it would deliver letters and carde which accompanied the gifta. The ministry said it would but Mr. Dancia had not heard whether, in fact, these had been delivered.
The General Manager London
- 2
February 28, 1968
+
I am afraid Mr. Oancia was unable to give me much additional informatio and I appreciate that what he did tell me you may already have heard from the Foreign Office.
He said Chinese officials were generally more cordial to correspondents since the New Year, but they had been unable to get any information from the officials about Mr. Grey.
1
F
·
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
45
Foreign Office
S.W.1
5 March, 1968.
I see that your Question about Anthony Grey is now down at No. 57 for Oral Answer on Monday next, 11 March.
I expect that this means that it will in fact receive a Written Answer, but in any case at the moment it looks as if we shall be unable to say more than I told you when we discussed the matter the other day. In particular, although some progress has been made, I think it would be optimistic to assume that access to him will be arranged within the next few days.
In the circumstances I think it would be helpful if we went into the matter further at some convenient time next week. In particular you might find it an advantage to go through the course of events with officials who have been dealing with the problem from here. You and I could then have a further word about the Parliamentary possibilities and the desirability or otherwise of further publicity.
If you think this is a good idea, perhaps you could telephone my Private Office within the next few days and suggest a time next week, say on Tuesday or Wednesday, which would be convénient for you.
I
Anthony Royle, Esq., M.P.,
House of Commons.
William Rodgers
:
B4 (4206)
43
Mr. Densex
Mr. J. Murray
Reference ..
+
10 30
Mr. 1/ an H. Why "/" (44)
он
News Jeppy
RECEIVELY IN
ARCHIVES No.31
- C MAR 1508
Mr. Anthony Royle F2137/13
Please see
Mr. Sanneet's
account
of Mr. Rodgers' meeting with Mr. Rogle
1.
We nunt act
خورد
we
early next week Pebling, but failing that,
that Mr. Lodgers should
pen. 3 hear from
I recommend
par Mr. Royle
again
and enunciate as poition
in defil.
I should have thought though that if
he then saw the
the you
we should
Youry Times), confidential information
be lucky. if no confidential
backed out. On balance it is probably worth
the risk.
MAY
Tak. 73 folis 37
Nobut
e
my
Jan. 6
работват
3. It is hard to take No. Royles. post
scrinesty.
to live proposed any
HIS MAY
на
By
He des not.
<
altorative section.
Mark A. Hall
4/3
| 9 thank
I think there would be advantage in Mr. Rodge's seeing Mr. Royle again whether We have anything to report of not. I
agree
mat Mr. Royles' line is not very
constructive. If he dow su Mr. Rev. Mogg (me editor of The Twins) and wige pribricity,
presumator we cont
Yackle min also and
in disadvantages.
Чи
explansi the positim
M
SUM
abro mis approam
We shouw teview
Su. D. Hops reports prism visita.
John Denson
1|3.
I shankel libe to dis was this will
¡
¡ Mr Rodgers
Mr Sammel.
4 or 5 Rawk.
Мал
Прив
Yes, Forrow.
4.768
1
1
Far Eastern Department.
East
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED k
ARCHIVES No 5!
- G MAR 1968
FL13//13
Mr. Royle called on Mr. Rodgers this morning as arranged.
2. Mr. Rodgers explained the situation as it stands at present though without going into the finer points of detail. Mr. Royle said he could understand our own position but was becoming increasingly impatient with the lack of progress; unless there were some results soon he felt he would have no alternative but to promote publicity about the case.
3. He said he would defer his Question for one week and would hope to hear from Mr. Rodgers early in the week beginning 3 March what response there had been to our latest initiative in Peking. If the outcome was not satisfactory he thought he might have to see Mr. William Rees-Mogg_and discuss the case with him. If Mr. Röyle is to be stopped Mr. Rodgers thinks he will need to go through the case with him in considerable detail to make clear exactly what all the elements in the situation have been.
4. Mr. Royle expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of Reuters: he felt that they were trying to keep the case quiet in their own wider interests rather than in those of Mr. Grey.
Ruching Sammel
(R.C. Samuel) 29 February, 1968
RESTRICTED
3
2-3
28/2
Mr. Samuel
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED IN ¡ARCHIVES No.31
| -C MAR 1368
E13/13.
42)
է
CALL OF MR. ANTHONY ROYLE, M.P., ON MR. ROLGERS
Mr. Anthony Royle, M.P., is to call on Mr. Rodgers at
11.30 a.m. on Thursday, 29 February to discuss the case of
Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters' correspondent in Peking.
2. It was agreed after Mr. Royle's fourth Parliamentary
Question about Mr. Grey that he should call on a Minister for
confidential briefing.
3. While we cannot directly ask Mr. Royle to stop asking
questions for the time being, we would hope that when the
position has been explained to him, he may decide that Mr. Grey's position will not be helped by further intervention by
himself at this stage. A major publicity campaign about Mr.
Grey would undoubtedly increase pressure for action against
the New China News Agency in London, which in our view would
not help towards breaking the deadlock over exit visas for the
Mission or, indeed, help Mr. Grey himself.
4. I attach talking points and a background note.
Jame Humany
(James Kurray)
28 February, 1968
+
RESTRICTED
ра
на ман
73
Fe13/13 (1.4+3)
RESTRICTED
CALL OF MR. ANTHONY ROYLE, M.P., ON MR. RODGERS
MR. ANTHONY GREY
Background
Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest in Peking on
23 July in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in
Hong Kong of a New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.) journalist
called Hsueh P'ing. Since 18 August telephone communication
with Kr. Grey's house has been cut off by the Chinese and no
member of our Mission in Peking has been allowed to see him.
Mr. Grey was, however, allowed to receive one parcel from our
Mission in early December and to send telegrams to his mother,
girl friend and Reuters just before Christmas. His girl
friend in England has informed Reuters that she received a
further telegram from Mr. Grey about a month ago in which he
said that he was receiving her letters and telegrams.
2. Our Mission in Peking have made repeated attempts to
secure consular access to Mr. Grey but all, so far, without
success. We have also tried in various ways to secure Mr. Grey's
release. In the letter which the Secretary of State sent to
the Chinese Foreign Minister, Ch'en Yi, on 31 August, he
suggested that it might be possible to arrange for the release
from Hong Kong of the Chinese "newspaper men and news agency
personnel recently sentenced". (There are in fact now two
N.C.N.A. reporters in prison and also at least twelve journalists
from left-wing newspapers in Hong Kong.) No reply has been
received to the Secretary of State's letter nor have the Chinese
/themselves
RESTRICTED
pa. MAX 7/3
ра
L
RESTRICTED
2
themselves made any attempt to refer to the question of an
exchange. Sir Donald Hopson has, however, put the suggestion
to the Chinese in specific terms on two recent occasions;
31 December and 7 February. We are still awaiting a reply to
the last of these approaches. Failing a straight exchange,
it may be possible as a preliminary step to exchange consular
access to Grey for N.C.N.A. visits to the journalists in Hong
Kong. We have been considering this last aspect with the
Governor of Hong Kong, and an approach to the Chinese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs should be made within the next forty-eight
hours.
3. Reuters too have been unflagging in their efforts to help
Mr. Grey both by attempts at direct contact with the Chinese
authorities and by enlisting the help of intermediaries, e.g.
the Pakistan authorities.
4.
Although we are reasonably certain (as a result of discreet investigation by well-disposed foreign journalists in Peking)
that Mr. Grey is still in his own house and being looked after
by at least one of his Chinese servants, we have no direct
information about the state of his physical or mental health.
The latter is a particularly worrying point since he has now
been in what is in effect solitary confinement for six months.
However, Reuters' latest report, received very indirectly
through Hong Kong, suggests that he is in reasonable health
and that his actual living conditions are tolerable.
5. Our best hope of securing Mr. Grey's release is almost
certainly by arranging some form of exchange with journalists
imprisoned in Hong Kong. Up to now, however, it seems that
/the Chinese
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
- 3 -
the Chinese have not made up their minds about how to deal
with Er. Grey and are possibly still trying to decide what
form of quid pro quo they can demand for his release.
6. We have so far tried to avoid giving publicity to
Mr. Grey's case in the belief that this would only hinder
the chances of reaching a settlement, and might even force
the Chinese to arrange a staged trial by accusing Mr. Grey
of "espionage". We know from Red Guard newspapers that his
Chinese driver has already been forced to face some sort of
public accusation meeting during which he was accused of
working for a series of Reuters "spies". While we are still
awaiting a reply to our latest suggestion that Mr. Grey should
be exchanged, there can be little doubt that publicity would
only be harmful. If, however, the Chinese reply when it comes
is unsatisfactory, there will probably be no alternative to
publicity.
RESTRICTED
FC13/13.
RESTRICTED
CALL OF MR. ANTHONY ROYLE, M.P. ON MR. RODGERS
MR. ANTHONY GREY
Talking Points
I am very glad to have this chance of talking to you
about Mr. Anthony Grey, whose detention in Peking is clearly
causing you a great deal of concern. I thought it would be
useful to tell you, in confidence, what we have been doing on
his behalf. As you know, he has now been under house arrest
since 23 July and, since 18 August, it has not even been possible
for our Mission in Peking to communicate with him by telephone.
We have reason to believe that Mr. Grey is still in his own
house and is looked after by at least one of his Chinese servants,
but we have no means of knowing the state of his physical and
mental health.
2. Our Mission in Peking, and we here, have made many efforts
to gain consular access to Mr. Grey and to secure his release.
None of these attempts has so far proved successful.
3. The Chinese made it clear at the time that Mr. Grey was
being arrested in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.) reporter
called Hsueh P'ing. Although the N.C.N.A. is an official organ
of the Chinese Government, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a Chinese citizen (except in the sense that the Chinese consider all those of Chinese race to be Chinese citizens). His cap differs
entirely from Mr. Grey's. He was sentenced after trial in the
courts and since he has been in prison he has been receiving
regular monthly visits from his relatives and friends.
Mr. Grey
RESTRICTED
/on the
RESTRICTED
- 2 -
on the other hand has not been tried (because there is
nothing to try him for) and has received no visits.
4.
It has always seemed likely to us that in the end the
best hope for Mr. Grey's release will be to arrange an
exchange between him and the NC.N.A. correspondent in Hong
Kong (or the two correspondents, since a further one was
arrested and imprisoned after Mr. Grey's arrest). I can
tell you in strict confidence that we have already made this
suggestion to the Chinese on several occasions. The most
recent was on 7 February on the occasion of discussions about
our Mission and British subjects in general. We have indicated
to the Chinese that we expect a response and we are now awaiting
it. Quite clearly any hopes of such an exchange are extremely
likely to be prejudiced if it becomes known publicly that such
suggestions have been made. I must therefore ask you for
Mr. Grey's sake to keep this information to yourself.
5.
Meantime we have had a very slight indication that the
Chinese may at long last be thinking about allowing us
consular access to Mr. Grey. This would be a start
what we want of course is his immediate release.
-
though
Up to
6. There remains the general question of publicity.
now we have considered that it would be easier to arrange for
Kr. Grey's release if there were no major public campaign
about his detention. Such a campaign could well stiffen the
Chinese attitude or even force them to stage an "espionage"
trial in order to justify their inhuman treatment of Mr. Grey.
/I think
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
- 3-
I think these circumstances will still apply at least until
we have had some reply from the Chinese to our latest approach.
The Foreign Secretary has spoken to a delegation from the
National Union of Journalists about this, and they have agreed
to hold their fire for the time being. Reuters, too, have so
far avoided giving publicity to Mr. Grey's case except in the
form of a short factual statement following an article in the
Sunday Times. If eventually it seems that publicity is called
for, we should wish to consider the timing carefully in order
that the maximum effect could be achieved.
RESTRICTED
Fer 3/13
Copies sent to:
H./PEKING
Chargé d'affaires
где Mr. Rodgers
P.U.S.
Sir D. Allen
Mr. Wilkinson
News Dept.
Consular Dept.
Planning Staff
F.E.D. to enter
W
4+1
Room 51 (2 copies)
Private Office,
26 February, 1968.
Private Secretary
CONFIDENT IAL
RECEIVED IN
[ARCINVES No.31 28 FEB 1968
F413/13
41
2332
DEPUTATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL
UNION OF JOURNALISTS
I attach a draft record of the meeting between the
Secretary of State and a deputation from the Council of the
National Union of Journalists on 21 February, covering the
discussion about Mr. Anthony Grey.
2. Mr. Davidson was to produce a record of the discussion
about Greece.
Janu
Hunay
(James Kurray)
23 February, 1968
Copy to Mr. Davidson
pa. MAA
ра
CONFIDENTIAL
3
Mr. Denson
3.0
Noted
Notand
8 March
28
b.u. I week
M
2
(folio 37)
fa 7/3. MATA
20/2
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry 33 DRAFT F413/13
No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential,
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
To:-
In Confidence
CONFIDENTIAL
W.(41
Type I +
From
Telephone No, & Ext.
Department
RECORD OF MEETING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SECRETARY
AND A DEPUTATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE
KATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS HELD AT THE
FOREIGN OFFICE ON WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY, 1968
AT 5.30 p.m.
Present:
The Rt. Hon. George
Brown, M.P.
Mr. H. J. Bradley
(General Secretary)
Mr. William Rodgers, MP Mr. K. H. Holmes
Mr. James Murray
Mr. A. 3. Davidson
(Vice President)
Mr. A. Lofts (former
President)
Kr. Anthony Grey, Reuters' Correspondent in
Peking.
The Deputation expressed the concern and
the sense of outrage among members of the
National Union of Journalists at the continuing
detention of Mr. Grey in Peking in what was in
effect solitary confinement. In view of their
appreciation of the difficulties and delicacies
of the situation the Council had so far
refrained from issuing any public statement or
protest. But they were asking themselves
whether the stage might not have been reached
when publicity was called for.
2. Mr. Brown said that he personally shared
the sense of outrage. He was grateful for the
restraint which the National Union had shown.
/We
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2
We had all recognised that publicity was
unlikely to do Mr. Grey any good. There was
the risk that it would only serve to stiffen
the Chinese attitude, or even induce them to
stage an "espionage" trial to justify their
treatment of Mr. Grey.
3. Mr. Brown went on to outline some of the
steps he had taken to try to secure Mr. Grey1a
release. He told the deputation in the
strictest confidence that as early as last
August, in his letter to Ch'en Yi, he had
proposed an exchange of Mr. Grey for New China
News Agency journalists in prison in Hong Kong,
and that this suggestion had been repeated on
several occasione. There had been no reaction
to the offer. However the atmosphere in China
now seemed to be improving. The Cultural
Revolution was settling down. Chou En-lai
seemed to be playing an important role. If
the more moderate elements were in the ascendanc
in Peking, there was a better chance of a reply
to the letter to Ch'en Yi and some progress
over Mr. Grey. Mr. Brown added that he had
very recently had information which led him
to think that there was some small chance that
the Chinese might now be ready for an arrange-
ment over Mr. Grey. They might conceivably
be ready to grant us consular access to him,
which would be a start. He therefore asked
the Council of the National Union of Journaliste
to give him a further three or four weeks to
try to make progress. If thereafter there
was no progress, he accepted that there might
be no alternative to a publicity campaign;
/Indead
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
+
CONFIDENTIAL
-
3
←
indeed publicity would be forced on us.
The Deputation accepted this.
4. Mr. Brown went on to say that the timing
of statements about Mr. Grey, either by him-
self or by the Council, would be very
important. He suggested that he and
Mr. Bradley should discuss the question
further before any action about publicity
was taken. Kr. Bradley agreed.
5. There was some discussion of the
usefulness of a message about Mr. Grey from
the Council to some appropriate authority in
China. It was thought that it might be beat
to delay such a message until after the three
or four weeks' delay for which Mr. Brown had
asked. Thereafter it might be appropriate
to send a message through the Office of the
Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London.
Mr. Murray undertook in the meantime to
suggest to Mr. Bradley a suitable addressee
in China for any message.
CONFIDENTIAL
23/2
I
F
F.E.) E
40
157
21 FEBRUARY 1968
Written Answers evading the payment of their Road Fund licences, be will take the necessary action to end this means of avoiding taxation.
Mr. Diamond: Steps have already been taken to reduce evasion and the Govern- ment will keep the situation under review in the light of their effect.
iamentary Delegations Subsistence Allowances)
Mr. Peel asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has coin- pleted his review of subsistence allow- ances for all members of Parliamentary delegations to the Council of Europe. the Western European Union and the North Atlantic Assembly Conference of Parlia mentarians; and what conclusions he has reached.
Air. Diamond: I have been asked to reply.
Written Answers
142
As I have already made clear, I intend to secure, by means of Income Tax ad- justments, that the 7s. increase goes only to those in need. This will save approxi- mately £60 million of the total cost of £90 million.
Government Contracts (Cancellation Charges)
Sir J. Rodgers asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent in compensation for broken contracts since his administration came into office in 1964 to the nearest convenient date; and how much he anticipates will be spent as a result of the cuts. particularly in defence, announced recently following devaluation.
Mr. Diamond, pursuant to his reply. [OFFICIAL REPORt. 25th January, 1968; Vol. 757, c. 162]: The further informa tion promised is as follows. The compen.
The review has not yet been completed. sation paid during the period October.
Wages (Cardiganshire)
Mr. Elystan Morgan asked the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the percentage of the in sured population of Cardiganshire who earn less than £12 per week.
1964 to December, 1967 in respect of con- tracts terminated by the Government amounted to just over £5 million, of which all but a minimal fraction related to defence contracts and is part of the sum quoted in the reply given on 14th Feb- ruary by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Equipment.--[Vol. 757, c,
Mr. Diamond: I regret this informa- 162; Vol. 758, c. 341.] tion is not available,
Family Allowances
Lord Balniel asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer from how many families
he
expects to recover the full amount of the proposed 7s. a week increase in family allowances, and from how many families he expects to recover part of the increase.
Mr. Harold Lever: This depends upon the precise nature of the Income Tax adjustments to be made.
Lord Balnief asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the total net cost of the 73. a week increase in family
Mr. Roy Jenkins: The total cost of the 7s. a week increase, after allowing for consequential changes in national in- surance dependency allowances, for re- duced expenditure on supplementary benefits, and for additional tax receipts on the basis of tax at existing rates, would be £90 million in a full year.
14 P 11
MR. ANTHONY GREY
Mr. A. Royle asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is now taking in order to secure the release from house detention of Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters Correspondent in Peking.
Mr. Rodgers: I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker) on 16th February. --[Vol. 758, c. 435.1
BRITISH FORCES, GERMANY (OFFSET AGREEMENT)
Mr. Loveys asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will be able to report progress concerning the negotia- tions taking place with the West German Government on offset agreements to relieve the expense of keeping British forces on their territory.
+
CC:
TE
7/1/2/68.
152W
VOL. 759
IVED IN CHIVES No.31
28 FEB 1968
F≤12/13
:
Enter
D4154229 Op.663
F413/13
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for WRITTEN answer on 21 Feb. 1968
98
FE) 39)
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
10 AD
U Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey): To ask the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action he is now taking in order to secure the release from house detention of Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters Correspondent in Peking.
î. Intan Rome.
Leir. 21/2
To my beans and
I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the
home Member for Hempstead on the 16th of February.
COL. 635-6
Vol. 758
Kr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
RECEIVED IN [ARCHIVES No.31
28 FEB 1968
F213/13
!
38
Flag A
Parliamentary Question by Mr. Anthony Royle:
Reuters Correspondent in Peking
This question by Mr. Royle was originally down for oral
answer on Monday, 26 February. He still has a further question
down for answer on Monday asking, "Why he (the Secretary of
State) has failed to help successfully Mr. Anthony Grey who
has been detained incommunicado in his house in Peking for
several months". A draft answer to that question will be
submitted separately.
2. We are still awaiting a reply from the Chinese to the question we put to them on 7 February about their future
intentions towards Mr. Grey. In the meantime there is nothing
we can add to the reply which was given to Mr. Whitaker on
16 February.
3.
I attach a draft reply.
James We may
(James Murray) 21 February, 1968
Ahitheri sore
21/2.
PREVIOUS REFERENCES
F213/13.w3
Flag A P.Q. by Mr. Whitaker on 16 February
Flag B P.Q. by Mr. Royle
Flag C P.Q. by Mr. Royle
Flag D P.Q. by Mr. Royle
on 22 January
on 21 December
on 20 December
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED
The Shartans B.U.
wal
N.
Noten
Mr Marray
be mir ramader 11
has seen commitment at X// in page 3
of the Talking Points.
Kr. Wilkinson
F213/13
Private Secretary Ses has
1
سکته
DEPUTATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL UNION
OF JOURNALISTS
REUTERS CORRESPONDENT IN PEKING, MR. ANTHONY GREY
21
The Secretary of State has agreed to see a small deputation
from the Council of the National Union of Journalists on
Flag A 29)21 February at 5.30 p.m. They have said that they wish to
discuss the question of Mr. Grey's continuing arrest (and
Greece). In asking for an interview the General Secretary of
the Council made it clear that both his union and the Inter-
national Federation of Journalists were increasingly concerned
by the lack of progress on Grey's case and were beginning to B25 tr
24think that there was no longer any point in avoiding making
public statements on the issue.
Flag
2. I attach a background brief about Mr. Grey and draft
talking points.
Copies to:
Kr. Samuel
News Department
Consular Department
James May.
(James Murray)
20 February, 1968
Philheiron
20/2
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
+
F413/13 w.?
DEPUTATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Talking Points
MR. ANTHONY GREY
I am very glad to have this opportunity to
discuss with you the question of Mr. Grey which
is causing me a great deal of concern. As you
know, he has now been under house arrest since
23 July and, since 18 August, it has not even
been possible for our Mission in Peking to com-
municate with him by telephone. We have reason
to believe that Mr. Grey is still in his own
house and is looked after by at least one of
his Chinese servants, but we have no means of
knowing the state of his physical and mental
health.
2. Our Mission in Peking, and we here, have
made many efforts to gain consular access to
Mr. Grey and to secure his release. None of
these attempts has so far proved successful.
3. The Chinese made it clear at the time that
Mr. Grey was being arrested in retaliation for
the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of a
New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.) reporter called
Hsueh P'ing. Although the N.C.N.A. is an
/official
RESTRICTED
- 2 -
RESTRICTED
official organ of the Chinese Government, Hsueh
P'ing is not in fact a Chinese citizen (except in
the sense that the Chinese consider all those of
Chinese race to be Chinese citizens). His case
differs entirely from Mr. Grey's. He was sentenced
after trial in the courts and since he has been
in prison he has been receiving regular monthly
visits from his relatives and friends. Mr. Grey
on the other hand has not been tried (because
there is nothing to try him for) and has received
no visits.
4.
It has always seemed likely to us that in the
end the best hope for Mr. Grey's release will be .
to arrange an exchange between him and the N.C.N.A.
correspondent in Hong Kong (or the two correspondents
since a further one was arrested and imprisoned
after Mr. Grey's arrest). I can tell you in strict confidence that we have already made this suggestion
to the Chinese on several occasions. The most
recent was on 7 February on the occasion of dis-
cussions about our Mission and British subjects
in general. We have indicated to the Chinese that
we expect a response and we are now awaiting it.
Quite clearly any hopes of such an exchange are
extremely likely to be prejudiced if it becomes
known publicly that such suggestions have been
/made.
RESTRICTED
- 3-
RESTRICTED
made. I must therefore ask you for Mr. Grey's
sake to keep this information to yourselves.
5. There remains the general question of publicity.
Up to now we have considered that it would be
easier to arrange for Mr. Grey's release if there
is no major public campaign about his detention.
Such a campaign could well stiffen the Chinese
attitude or even force them to stage an "espionage"
trial in order to justify their inhuman treatment
of Mr. Grey. I think these circumstances will
still apply at least until we have had some reply
from the Chinese to our latest approach. If,
however, that reply is unsatisfactory, then I agree with you that there might well no longer be any value in remaining silent, and though I do not
want to commit myself absolutely at this stage, I
would probably not wish to discourage you or others
from issuing statements about Mr. Grey. To gain
the maximum effect the timing of such statements
would however be very important and I suggest that we should arrange to discuss the question further before you take action. I shall in any case arrange
for you to be kept informed of the Chinese response
to our approach of 7 February. Meanwhile, I hope I can rely entirely, as always, on your complete
discretion.
メ
RESTRICTED
20 February, 1968.
RESTRICTED
F213/13 w.
.
DEPUTATION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL
UNION OF JOURNALISTS
MR. ANTHONY GREY
Background
Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest in Peking on
23 July in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in
Hong Kong of a New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.) journalist
called Hsueh P'ing. Since 18 August telephone communication
with Mr. Grey's house has been cut off by the Chinese and no
member of our Mission in Peking has been allowed to see him.
Kr. Grey was however allowed to receive one parcel from our
Mission in early December and to send telegrame to his mother,
girl friend and Reuters just before Christmas. His girl friend
in England has informed Reuters that she received a further
telegram from Mr. Grey about ten days ago in which he said
that he was receiving her letters and telegrams .
2. Our Mission in Peking have made repeated attempta to secure
consular access to Mr. Grey but all, so far, without success.
We have also tried in various ways to secure Mr. Grey's release.
In the letter which the Secretary of State sent to the Chinese
Foreign Minister, Ch'en Yi, on 31 August, he suggested that it
might be possible to arrange for the release from Hong Kong of
the Chinese "newspaper men and news agency personnel recently
sentenced" (there are in fact now two N.C.N.A. reporters in
prison and also at least twelve journalists from left-wing
newspapers in Hong Kong. No reply has been received to the
/Secretary
RESTRICTER
.
RESTRICTED
- 2 -
Secretary of State's letter nor have the Chinese themselves
made any attempt to refer to the question of an exchange.
Sir Donald Hopson has, however, put the suggestion to the
Chinese in specific terms on two recent occasions; 31 December
and 7 February. We are still awaiting a reply to the last of
these approaches.
3. Reuters too have been unflagging in their efforts to
help Mr. Grey both by attempts at direct contact with the
Chinese authorities and by enlisting the help of intermediaries
e.g. the Pakistan authorities.
Although we are reasonably certain (as a result of
discreet investigation by well-disposed foreign journalists
in Peking) that Mr. Grey is still in his own house and being
looked after by at least one of his Chinese servants, we have
no information about the state of his physical or mental health.
The latter is a particularly worrying point since he has now
been in what is in effect solitary confinement for six months.
5. Our best hope of securing Mr. Grey's release is almost
certainly by arranging some form of exchange with journalists
imprisoned in Hong Kong. Up to now, however, it seems that the
Chinese have not made up their minds about how to deal with Mr. Grey and are possibly still trying to decide what form of
quid pro quo they can demand for his release.
6. We have so far tried to avoid giving publicity to Mr.
Grey's case in the belief that this would only hinder the
chances of reaching a settlement, and might even force the
/Chinese
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
-3-
Chinese to arrange a staged trial by accusing Mr. Grey of
"espionage". We know from Red Guard newspapers that his
Chinese driver has already been forced to face some sort
of public accusation meeting during which he was accused of
working for a series of Reuters "spies". While we are still
awaiting a reply to our latest suggestion that Mr. Grey should
be exchanged, there can be little doubt that publicity would
only be harmful. If, however, the Chinese reply when it
comes is unsatisfactory, then there is little to be gained
by remaining silent. At that stage there would be no harm
in the National Union of Jouranlists or any other journalists'
organisation issuing statements drawing attention to the
shameful treatment of Mr. Grey. The timing of such statements would however be important and it would be preferable for the Union to keep in touch with the Foreign Office about this.
-
RESTRICTED
? A. a.
22/2
36
FOREIGN OFFICE, 8.W.1.
CONFIDE
22 February, 1968.
PERSONAT AID 00137
F413/13
Thank you for your letter of 19 February enclosing copies of letters about Anthony Grey from your corres- pondents in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
I agree that the letter from Tokyo is disturbing but the information contained in it, even if accurate, relates to a period which is now some considerable time in the past. I see that Bargman says that Mr. Grey's cook has not been spoken to sincë the arrest of his driver and we know that the latter was "struggled against" at a meeting in Peking on 15 September last and was presumably arrested some days before that. Since then a parcel and letters have reached Kr. Grey and he has sent out telegrama. Possibly we can also take some small confort from the thought that our Mission in Peking do not consider Bargaan to be a very accurate source and have in the past found that he often colours his stories. Despite this, the fact rezains that we do not know how Kr. Gray is being treated or what his state of health is, and this is a highly unsatisfactory situation to say the least.
You also naked about the last paragraph of Mr. Cassy's letter which quoted the Political Adviser in Hong Kong, Anthony Elliott, as saying that he thought the Chinese were on the verge of allowing visits to Mr. Grey and that Chou cn-lai was personally disturbed about the case. The Chinese have in fact taken a tiny step in the direction of allowing visits to Mr. Gray during the past few weeks but they are still pitching their quid pro quo so high in terms of concessions in Hong Kong that we have not yet been able to reach agreement, nor is it of course certain that the Chinese really wish to do 80.
As for Chou in-lai, I had not previously heard this report, although I think it possible that Chou En-lai might be concerned at the effect this inhumane act might have on China's image abroad. The trouble is that, even if this in so, Chou En-lai is involved in so much other decision-making about urgent internal events that he may not have the time, or inclination to fix his Lind on problems of particular con- cern to us.
I shall of course be keeping you informed of progress.
Gerald Long, Raq....
Reuters Ltď.
85 Fleet Street, E.C.4.
p.a
(James Kurray)
72
Personal & Confidential
REUTER
19 February 1968
гобл
Mr James Murray CMG Far Eastern Department The Foreign Office Downing Street London SW1
For draft refly,ppl.
Dear Mr Murray
Mo Wilson
AR
35
REC WED IN
NG 31
23 FEB 68
*13/13
Kraft reply fallached
Ja. See 6
I enclose herewith for your private information copies of letters received from Reuter correspondents in Tokyo and Hongkong about Mr Anthony Grey.
I do not attach too much weight to Mr Casey's letter but I would be interested to know whether you have any information which would tend to confirm what is said in the last paragraph.
Mr Garry's letter from Tokyo is profoundly disturbing in that it seems to confirm the worst fears we have had about the conditions of Mr Grey's imprisonment. They appear to be worse than those obtaining in the condemned cell.
Mr Chipp is, as you know, in New York for several months and if anything further has happened since our last conversation I would be most grateful to know it.
Yours sincerely
Вече
A
یسا
201
L
Gerald Long General Manager Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060
I cables: REUTER TOKYO
Teler: TK 2349
February 13, 1968
1
REUTERS
KYODO TSUSHIN KAIKAN
NO. 2, AKASAKA AOLCHO
MINATO-KU
TOKYO
19 FEBR
!
けい
BUS
DAL
General Manager
Reuters Limited
Dear Sir,
Mr. Hans Bargman, the DPA Correspondent in Peking, was recently here and gave some information about Mr. Grey which was new at least to me. The principal sources were Mr. Grey's cook and, before his downfall, his driver. It seems that some members of the foreign press occasionally ran into one or other of this pair when out shopping. The cook is however now accompanied by a policeman when he goes shopping and goes to some lengths to avoid catching any foreigner's eye. On the last occasion that Mrs. Bargman saw him, he fled from the shop when she entered.
It is said that Mr. Grey now has the use of two rooms which during the day he shares with three policemen, though not all are necessarily with him at all times. At night the light is kept shining while he sleeps and a policeman sits in the doorway of his bedroom. It was suggested by the cook, when asked for an explanation, that these precautions were taken against any wish by Mr. Grey to commit suicide. It seems to me that, if this is the official reason, we need not necessarily conclude that Mr. Grey is in a desperate state. This is the sort of thing that gaolers, especially in totalitarian states, do by force of habit. Furthermore one should not lightly take the cook's word for it. Indeed the cook reported that Mr. Grey seemed calm and in command of himself.
It was also said that the Chinese had either destroyed or removed Mr. Grey's books, radio and gramophone and that he is not allowed writing materials. This would seem to me to be the most serious threat to his mind. He is fed the standard rations of a Chinese worker, policeman or soldier. I learned nothing else new to me about Mr. Grey's conditions and I should emphasise that this information is some months old. Since the driver was disgraced, there has been no contact with the cook, therefore possible that Mr. Grey's lot has since improved. The
It is acceptance of a Christmas parcel by the Chinese and its presumed delivery to him give some small reason for hoping so.
J
2
Mr. Bargman also reported that the Western correspondents in Peking approached Mr. Hopson with the suggestion that they should take it in turns to file stories pointing out that there was no news of Mr. Grey and that there was no evidence that he was still alive. Their hope was that this would stimulate the Chinese into producing him in order to give the lie to this latter implications.
Mr. Hopson refused to approve the scheme.
Yours sincerely,
Kein Gary
Kevin Garry
[
REUTERS
1154
(
Doe
Confidential
The General Manager London
HONGKONG February 16, 1968
z
19FEB 48
H
Reuters Limited, 7th Floor, Gloucester Building P. O. Box 430 Hongkong. Tel: 225928, 236693. Telex 310
Dear Sir:
A member of the group of Australian students who have just returned from China, Mr. Rodney Hinderson of Sydney, has given the following report on Tony Grey.
Mr. Hinderson said he was told by the British diplomats in Peking that Tony is still in his house but no one has seen him. There are three sentries outside the house.
However, it was observed that milk was being delivered to the house and was being collected.
Mr. Hinderson said he was told unofficially that the Chinese would not be satisfied with a one for one exchange. The Chinese wanted "more than one reporter" in exchange for Tony. They say there are "larger issues involved".
Mr. Brian Shaw, another member of the group, backed up Mr. Hinderson's remarks, but did not have anything on the exchange situation. Mr. Shaw, a senior member of the group, is studying for his doctorate at the Australian Fational University in Canberra.
Mr. Round and I saw Mr. Anthony Elliott, Political Advisor to the Hongkong Government, on an introductory visit yesterday and Mr. Elliott mentioned that his impression of diplomatic reports from Peking was that the Chinese were on the verge of allowing visits to Mr. Grey. He added that he had one "strictly unconfirmed" report that Chou En Lai was personally considerably disturbed over the Grey situation.
Yours sincepply,
baten
C. L. Casey
r
[
324)
Mr. Wilkinson,
Parliamentary Office
CONFIDENTIAL
*CEIVED IN
#VES N..31
FEB 1968
| F213/13
P.2. by Kr. Ben Whitaker
Mr. Grey was arrested by the Chinese on 23 July, 1967. No one has been permitted to visit him, and since 18 August all telephone communication with his house has been cut off
by the Chinese.
own house and we think that he has at least one Chinese
servant to look after him, but we have no means of knowing
how he has stood up to six months of what amounts almost to
solitary confinement.
So far as we know, Mr. Grey is still in his
2. We have made a series of attempts to secure access to Mr. Grey or his release. None has so far proved successful. The Chinese did suggest in late January that they would be prepared to "consider" a visit to Mr. Grey if the New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.) in Hong Kong were allowed to make
official visits to the two imprisoned N.C.N.A. journalists
there and to other "patriotic" journalists at the time of the
Chinese New Year (30 January).
The Governor was prepared to
agree to the former but not the latter, since it was by no means clear how many of those arrested in Hong Kong would be considered by the Chinese as "patriotic journalists".
Allowing official visits to large numbers of communist
prisoners would have been seen to be discrimination in favour of political prisoners. It would be interpreted locally as
succumbing to pressure and would weaken the Hong Kong
/Government'a
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2
-
Government's position. We are, however, still discussing
Dan muroim mi
with the Governor and/Peking whether there is any form of
acceptable bargain we can strike about visite to prisoners
in Hong Kong in exchange for visits to Mr. Grey if attempte
to secure his release fail.
3.
The latest move to secure Kr. Grey's release was made
on 7 February when our Mission in Peking, on instructions,
put to the Chinese a formal offer to exchange Mr. Grey for
Hough P'ing, the N.C.N.A. journalist, in retaliation for
whose imprisonment Mr. Grey was arrested. (There is one
other N.C.N.A. journalist imprisoned in Hong Kong whom we
would also be prepared to exchange if necessary but his name
has not yet been mentioned by the Chinese or ourselves.)
We still await a reply to this proposal, which is coupled
with the whole question of exit and entry visas for our
Mission. Until that reply is received we cannot consider
the next steps to take about Mr. Grey.
4.
So far Parliamentary and press interest in Mr. Grey has
been remarkably restrained, partly because Reuters have been
deliberately trying to prevent publicity for his case.
If no
progress is made over Mr. Grey in the next two or three weeks,
I would expect pressure for some action to increase. This
would place us in some difficulty, since almost all lines of
action open to us, e.g. publicity or retaliation against the
New China News Agency in London would probably only serve to
worsen Mr. Grey's plight.
5.
I attach a draft reply.
Jan Wang.
(James Murray)
CONFIDENTIAL 15 February, 1968
Pe.
15/2
I
Written Answers
16 FEBRUARY 1968
include Heads of Mission or Consuls- General much of whose work is largely commercial; nor the large number of staff who are engaged part-time in com- mercial work.
Mr. Whitaker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he wili in the OFFICIAL REPORT the place here additional British com- mercial consular or attaché posts have been created since 1964.
Mr. Malley: These places (showing additional full-time posts) are:
Consular
Attaché
Written Answers
+36
has been given for his detention and what further action he will be taking.
Mr. William Rodgers: No reply has yet been re.eived from the Chinese to the numerous representations made about Mr. Grey. Nor have we been given any good reasons for his detention, although the Chinese said last year that he had been arrested in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency journalist, Hsueh P'ing. We consider it totally in- defensible to hold an innocent man in this way and we shall continue to do everything we can to secure his release.
+
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
19 FEB 1968
F213/13
33
Commercial
Brussels
Tel Aviv
Bona
San Salvador
Rabat
Paris
Lyons
Beira
Washington
Paris
Atlanta
Athens
Berlin
Hanoi
Budapest
Djakarta
Harfa
Milan
Kuwait
Beirut
Tripali
Benghazi
Manila
Jedda
Johannesburg
Las Palmas
Boston
Chicago Houston
New York St. Louis Washington
Tehran
U.K. Delegation
To E.E.C..
Brussels Stockholm
Mr. Whitaker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many experienced former salesmen or business men are at present employed by the British Diplomatic Service.
Mr. Mulley: At present I estimate that approximately 200 career officers in the representational grades have a commer- cial or industrial background.
People with practical commercial or Industrial experience are encouraged to compete for posts in the Diplomatic Ser vice, through a scheme for supplementary recruitment open to candidates from 27 to 40 (or in some cases, 45) years old.
MR. ANTHONY GREY
Mr. Whitaker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Chinese Govern- ment to his efforts to secure the release of Mr. Anthony Grey: what reasons he
14 3 20
RHODESIA
Mr. Judd asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs following the recent Report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, what fur- ther representations he has made to the Portuguese Government about its
increased trade with Rhodesia.
Mr. Goronwy Roberts: The statistics given in the report to which my hon. Friend refers confirm that there has been a substantial increase in Portuguese trade with Rhodesia. We were aware of this increase when my right hon. Friend the Minister of State replied to a Question by Bruce-Cardyne) on 22nd January: I have the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. nothing to add to his reply.-[Vol. 757, c. 15-17.]
VIETNAM
Mr. Whitaker asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the preconditions necessary for a successful reconvention of the Geneva Conference on Vietnam.
Mr. William Rodgers: There are no preconditions except a willingness on the part of those concerned to attend.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR Unemployment
Mr. Eadie asked the Minister of Labour what were the unemployment figures in Scotland in the years 1952 to
DATE
16/2/68
cc 435-36w
758
VOL.
Not exactly
drafted
Tida To txarray.
забе
ал
ебе
مصر
P
1
19:15
29.
5
PREVIOUS REFERENCES
Fe13/13. W-32,
8
13
Flag A P.Q. by Mr. A. Royle on 20 December, 1967
Flag B P.Q. by Mr. A. Royle on 21 December, 1967 Flag C P.Q. by Mr. A. Royle on 22 January, 1968 (24
DAI 54729 Gr.361
13
F213/13
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
for WRITTEN answer on
FED
W
32
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
Nor loves than 5pm
To dany
La Mr. Ben Whitaker (Hampstead): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what reply he has received from the Chinese Government to his efforts to secure the release of Mr. Anthony Grey: what reasons he has been given for his detention; and what further action he will be taking.
16 February, 1968
Роби
1. Lillian Roone
بار
No reply has yet been received from the Chinese to the
we numerous representations made about Kr. Grey. Nor have I-
ALTHOKAŲ been given any good reasons for his detention, though the
T
Chinese said last year that he had been arrested in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency journalist, Hsueh P'ing. consider it totally indefensible to hold an innocent man in this way ae-a political hostage and I can assure the House that shall continue to do
J
انيا
everything A can to secure Mr. Grey's release.
く
CONFIDENTIAL
Fe13/13.
TOP CO
гар
31
CYF /CAT A
PRIORITY
FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TELNO 162
15 FEBRUARY 1968 (F)
CONFIDENTIAL.
ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 162 OF 15 FEBRUARY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT AND DRAFT ANSWER OF A PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION PUT DOWN TODAY FOR WRITTEN ANSWER TOMORROW.
QUESTION: MR. BENN WHITAKER: TO ASK THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WHAT REPLY HE HAS RECEIVED FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO HIS EFFORTS TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF MR. ANTHONY GREY: WHAT REASONS HE HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR HIS DETENTION: AND WHAT FURTHER ACTION HE WILL BE TAKING.
ANSWER: NO REPLY HAS YET BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE CHINESE TO THE NUMEROUS REPRESENTATIONS MADE ABOUT MR. GREY. NOR HAVE I BEEN GIVEN ANY GOOD REASONS FOR HIS DETENTION, THOUGH THE CHINESE SAID LAST YEAR THAT HE HAD BEEN ARRESTED IN RETALIATION FOR THE ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT IN HONG KONG OF A NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY JOURNALIST, HSUEH PING, I CONSIDER IT TOTALLY INDEFENSIBLE TO HOLD AN INNOCENT MAN IN THIS WAY AS A POLITICAL HOSTAGE AND
I CAN ASSURE THE HOUSE THAT I SHALL CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING
I CAN TO SECURE MR. GREY'S RELEASE.
SOSFA
FILES
F.0. F.E.D.
C.0.
NEWS DEPT.
J.K.DEPT.
CONFIDENTIAL
ke
Far Eastern.
Registry FC1313
No.
Top Secret. Secret
Confidential,
Restricted.
Open
Draft.
Telegram to:-
Peking.
No.....
(Date).
162
And to:-
1272.
EMERGENCY }.
IMMEDIATE
Should
• Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram-ghould reach addressee(s).
(Date)
EGYT
ROUTINE
with
without DEFERRED
Security classification"
if any
[Sec
[Codeword-if any)
Addressed to
telegram No...
ILI
IT
--
--
15/2
2038.
Confidential
Декад
LIPP
-
162.
------
::.
L
(dare) 15 February
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Repeat to:-
repeated for information to
Hong kong
· ----NIL.. PP. III
Following in the flext and
Parliamentary
Hongkong draft ansuser of a
sug
279 Question / pur down today +pur written answer tomorrow:
En Clair. Code
я
184
15268
Cypher
Filai
Distribution :--
FIED
NEWS
Нидер
Copies to:-
F.O.P.
Висба
бов.
530
?
Nome &
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Acorn House, 314/320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1 Telephone: 01-278 7916
IJO/G
Mr. D.I. Morphet,
Assistant Private Secretary,
Foreign Office,
Downing Street,
LONDON. S.W.1.
نے
FE Dep pro
wordmare briefing
with Cemme squ-
nu 3
J
and submin-through Mr.Rodgers
this office by 4.30pm.
to reach
$u., 19, Fes.
1
13th February 1968
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
15 FEB 968
F013/13
on 20 Feb готв
Felpr
Dim
14/2
Dear Mr. Morphet,
Following on our telephone conversation and the suggestion that a deputation from our Union might meet the Foreign Secretary at the Foreign Office on Wednesday, 21st February, I write to say that our deputation will probably be Mr. K.H. Holmes (Vice-President), who knows Mr. Anthony Grey, Mr. Alan Lofts, a former President, and myself.
Yours sincerely,
H. J. Bradle
General Secretary.
General Secretary: H. J. Bradley
Deputy General Secretary: T. D. Lucy
28
34.19 Feb
Noted:
RESTRICTED
+
RECEIVED IN
> No.31 FEB 1908
FC13/13
29
Far Eastern Department
Mr. Anthony Grey
You will see from the attached papers that the Secretary of State has now written to Mr. Bradley and is to receive a small deputation from the Council of the National Union of Journalists to discuss Grey's case: and also hear the views of the N.U.J. Council on the situation in Greece.
2. I have now arranged for the deputation to call at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 21 February and should be grateful if briefs could be prepared by yourselves and Central Department to reach Private Office not later than 5.30 p.m. Tuesday evening. 20 February. I imagine the Secretary of State would wish Mr. Murray to attend when the deputation calls; and a member of Central Department should be standing by.
c.c. Central Dept.
Dimorphet
(D. I. Morphet) 12 February, 1968
mi
have
Ho Turkey.
Misiab.
will relati
prepared
ared dreifte but I their for the increment
Swee they may
well require
alleration before 20 February.
Mr Wilkinson
RESTRICTED
سيا
13.5
FC13/13
2 February, 1968.
20
Thank you for your letter of 25 January about
Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters correspondent in Peking.
at least
I can indeed assure you that I am equally
concerned that Mr. Grey is still being kept under
house arrest, and am grateful for the restraint
which your Union and the International Federation
of Journalists have shown.
I shall be glad to receive a small deputation
from your Council when arranged. Perhaps you
fix a time.
this can be conveniently
am ashina
to ring you could ring my Secretary and
(GEORGE BROWN)
H.J. Bradley, Esq.,
National Union of Journalists,
Acorn House
314/320 Gray's Inn Road,
London, W.C.1.
20
Registry F213115
No.
F213/13
DRAFT Letter
To
H.J. Bradley, Esq.,
National Union of
Type 1 +
From
Secretary of State
Telephone No. & Ext.
Secret, Confidentul.
nclassified.
Stall in Confidence.
Journalista,
Acorn House,
314/320 Grey's Inn Road
Department
*
London, W.C.1.
SFET 1958
Thank you for your letter of 25 January
about Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters correspondent
in Peking.
In his
I can assure you that we are equally
concerned that Mr. Grey is still being kept
and
under house arrest, am grateful for the
restraint which your Union and the Inter-
national Federation of Journalists have shown.
I, or one of my colleagues, would
certainly be willing to meet a delegation
from your Union to discuss this matter (and
to hear your views on Greece). My Private
Saorotary will get in touch with you.
Ishan be grad to
верижий брати дит
ressive d
Comine
When lan's
Perkges
can be conveniently avanger.
fou could ring my secretary
a time.
Dum
and fix
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
(9635) D4033274 300m 10/66 G.W.B.Lad. (p.143
1.2.
277
Samuel
CONFIDENTIAL
agent that a singestion for a chat (perhaps with
All my uncleation wed
for a shorter later, however, with to
Hire be
Private Secretary Secretary
Problem
RECEIVED
ARCHIVES NO.5!
Me) LTR 1.2.18
будь
1. FEB 1968 Sogs has written
F213/13
MR. ANTHONY GREY
✓ m.
Bradley Это
Mr. H. J. Bradley, General Secretary of the National
Flag A (26) Union of Journalists, has written to the Secretary of State
asking what is being done for Mr. Grey and whether the
Secretary of State will receive a small deputation from his
Union.
Recommendation
2. I recommend that the Secretary of State or another Minister should agree to see the National Union of Journalists.
attach a draft letter.
Argument and Background
I
3. As we are likely to be engaged in the immediate future in delicate discussions with the Chinese about our Mission in
Peking and other British subjects in China, it is particularly desirable that unnecessary publicity about Mr. Grey's case should be avoided. So far, the National Union of Journalists
and the International Federation of Journalists have exercised
admirable restraint in not publicising the case.
doubt due in part to the influence of Reuters.
This is no
The articles
which have appeared, such as that in the Sunday Times of
7 January, have been restrained and fairly sympathetic towards ug. I had a long, frank and informal talk on 30 January with
Mr. Gerald Long, the General Manager of Reuters;
and, though
/understandably
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
2
understandably worried, he seemed satisfied that we have
been taking the right line and that for the present we
should continue to avoid publicity. I consider, however,
that it would be very useful for a Minister to see the
National Union of Journalists and to indicate that we are
reaching a very delicate stage in negotiations with the
Chinese in which hope for progress on Mr. Grey's case might
be seriously prejudiced if it were given wide publicity in
the British press.
June
Humay
(James Murray)
1 February, 1968
I have shortened the draft
le Her
accordance with Mr Rodgers' mante.
James Money
2 Feb.
CONFIDENTIAL
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Acorn House, 314/320 Gray's Inn Road, London WCI Telephone: 01-478 7916
2/G
The Rt. Hon. George Brown, MP,
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Office,
1
FE dept for chall uphy of sqs pleas je 2611
nu
√26
LONDON.
S.W.1,
Dear Mr. Foreign Secretary,
25th January 1968
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES NĚ.31
29 JAN 1968
चिऊ FC13/13
I am sorry to have to take up your time on yet another matter.
-
My Council is deeply concerned as I expect H.M. Government is about the continued house arrest in Peking of our member Kr. Anthony Gray, correspondent of Reuters.
-
Neither my Union nor the International Federation of Journaliste has issued any public statement or protest about this case so far because we appreciate the delicacy and difficulties of the situation and because we have in a general way an idea of what has been done. However, there comes a point at which forbearance is no longer beneficial.
My Council would be grateful if you could tell us what is being done or may be done to secure Mr. Gray's release, and asks me to inquire if you would be prepared to meet a small deputation which could also give our views on the Greek situation.
11
Yours sincerely,
11. J. Bradly.
General Secretary.
General Secretary: H. J. Bradley Assistant General Secretary: T. D. Lucy
eater immediately
May 29,
F
I
·
+
Written AusHPEJ
22 JANUARY 1968
make a statement about what the visit achieved
Mr. ge Brown: As regards the purpose and achievements of my visit to Washington, I have nothing to add to my reply on 17th January to the hon. Mem- ber for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths).
I had
ny event to visit Washington. By going on my way back from Tokyo, ind of making a separate journey from London a very substantial saving was achieved.-[Vol. 756, c. 635.]
GREECE (BRITIŞII SUBJECTS)
72. Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protection will be available from Her Majesty's Embassy and consulates to British citizens taking holidays in Greece during 1968.
Mr. William Rodgers: Our Consuls in Greece will continue to extend normal consular assistance and protection to British subjects.
TURKEY (BRITISH MOTOR VEHICLES)
76. Mr. Macdonald asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in discussions with the Turkish Government for relief from duty for British vehicles entering Turkey.
Mr. William Rodgers: Considerable progress has been made with a draft agreement embodying reciprocal waivers of the relevant taxation. I hope that the few remaining technical points of dif- ference will be resolved shortly.
MR. ANTHONY GREY
74. Mr. A. Royle asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is now taking to obtain the release from house detention of Mr. Anthony Grey. Reuter's correspondent in Peking; and if The will make a statement.
Mr. William Rodgers: We are trying in number of ways to secure Mr. Grey's release and, as a first step, consular access to him. Although Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has made numerous representa- tions to the Chinese authorities, I regret
10 FI
Written Auswert
74
that none has so far proved successful. I can assure the House that we remain ex- tremely concerned about the indefensible treatment of Mr. Grey and will continue to do everything we can to help him.
ADEN
77. Mr. Ronald Bell asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign Affairs what inquiries he made as to the safeguarding in Aden of the six principles which it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to maintain in relation to Rhodesia before advising Her Majesty to relinquish her sovereignty over the colony of Aden.
Mr. Goronwy Roberts: The situations in Rhodesia and Aden are not compar- able. All the available evidence suggests that the Government of the People's Republic of Southern Yemen had by its inception secured the acceptance of a large majority of the population of the country generally country generally including that of the former Colony of Aden. In Rhodesia, on the other hand, there is a régime which illegally purported to seize independence and which is supported mainly by a racially distinct minority.
MINISTERIAL RESIDENCE. BRUSSELS (DOMESTIC STAFF)
79. Mr. Roebuck asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the weekly cost of domestic staff at the resi- dence in Brussels of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Mulley: The staff consists of a married couple, who live in the house, Their wages are £25 a week. They are due to leave at the end of January.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE (MINISTERIAL VISIT)
the
Mr. Eldon Griffiths asked Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will attend the next meeting of the Council of Europe.
Mr. George Brown: No. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary will, as leader of the British Parliamentary Delegation, attend the meeting this month of the Consultative Assembly of the
COL.
VOL.
pia.
22/1168
5-16w 757
MAT
31/
بام
RECOVED IN {ARCHIVES NË 31
24 JAN
F213/13
Tiden fy Is Thisrang Enter M25
ора
F2 3/8140
Cater
A
the lurk 'etto in
ite oster Grey file
this ive.
25 Jaw
23
25
12
19
Mr. Wilkinso
Parliamentary office
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
25 JAN 08
23
F213/13
Flag C
Parliamentary Question by Kr. Royle
Mr. Royle asked two questions about Mr. Anthony Grey
just before the Christmas recess. During the recess he
also wrote at least one article about Mr. Grey in an East
Anglian newspaper, which was critical of so-called Foreign
Office "inactivity". This is the line he may take in
supplementaries.
2. The facts about Mr. Grey's detention were given in answer
to an earlier question by Mr. Royle on 20 December. Mr. Grey
is in fact being held in retaliation for the arrest and
sentencing in Hong Kong of two New China News Agency (N.C.N.A.)
reporters. Although neither reporter carried a Chinese
passport, the N.C.N.A. is the official Government News Agency
and its branch in Hong Kong is probably regarded by the
Chinese as having a quasi-governmental status. The Chinese
are therefore particularly sensitive about the treatment of
N.C.N.A. reporters.
3. We have tried in a number of ways either to secure access
to Mr. Grey or his release. None has so far been successful.
The most recent attempt was on 31 December when Sir Donald
Hopson, taking up an idea floated in the Secretary of State's
letter of 31 August last to Ch'en Yi, suggested to the Chinese
/that
CONFIDENTIAL
E
CONFIDENT TAL
- 2.
Flag ▲
that it might be possible to arrange an exchange between
Mr. Grey and the imprisoned N.C.N.A. reporters (Peking
telegram no. 1). The Chinese answer at the time was
unforthcoming (as we expected) and they have not so far
reverted to the idea.
4.
We are at present considering what further action might
be taken if the Chinese continue to make no response to the
idea of an exchange and there is no other improvement in the
treatment of Mr. Grey. A possible move would be to threaten
to close the N.C.N.A. Office in London and to expel expatriate
staff. This would require Home Office agreement which was
not given when the matter was raised last year.
Moreover,
ir Donald Hopson feels strongly that such pressure would be
ineffective and possibly dangerous. We are not entirely
convinced by Sir Donald's arguments and before submitting to
Ministers we are asking him to clarify them further. In the
meantime, the less we say about what specific measures we
might take on Mr. Grey's behalf the better. The draft answer
is therefore deliberately unforthcoming.
5. There has so far been little publicity in the British
press about Mr. Grey, largely because Reuters have been
strongly against it and have successfully discouraged
journalists from writing articles. One article did, however,
appear in the Sunday Times on 7 January in which there was a
strong indication that we might be thinking of trying to strike
a bargain with the Chinese, i.e. exchanging Mr. Grey for the
YN.C.N.A.
CONFIDENTIAL
Flag
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3-
N.C.N.A. reporters (Foreign Office telegram to Peking No. 31).
It is possible that Mr. Royle will ask a direct question
about an exchange in supplementaries. If he does, I think
we should restrict ourselves to giving an answer in very
general terms.
6.
I submit a draft reply and notes for supplementaries.
Am Denson
(J. B. Dedson) 18 January, 1966
Philkinson.
18 Jan.
ре
!
보래
29.
CONFIDENTIAL
F13/43
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP COPY
Cypher/Cat A
INNED LATE FOREIGN OFFICE
TO
PEKING
lno 71
19 January 1968 (F)
CONFIDENTIAL
20
pe
Your telegram No. 58: Grey.
Following is text of draft reply:
"We are trying in a number of ways to secure Hr. Grey's release and, as a first step, consular access to him. although Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has made numerous representations to the Chinese authorities, I regret that none has so far proved successful. I can assure Members of the House that we remain extremely concerned about the treatment of Mr. Grey and will continue to do everything possible to help him."
SOSFA
FILES
F.E.D.
NNNNK
+
CONFIDENTIAL
221
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
FC13183
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS (Date).
Confidential Kelicted
Immediate Apterity
Koutina
* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)
1971
Cont
22
ER
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
En Slair. Code Cypher
Draft Telegram 6:
PEKING. 71
No....
(Date)
And to:-
[Security classification]
[
-if any
Privacy marking
if any
[Codeword-if any]
Addressed to
telegram No..
]
HAYTHANK da ma
Pelenty
191 repeated for information to
(date)
Repeat to:-
PARANDALIMANTAN SENTENTIAN
PRATITEKTURAENEANDERTHANAM
Saving to.....
tel no
58
Ty tel
GREY.
Following is dont of drafts draft lent of Kreply whack has yet to be
stare "/17.
Ministers
-approved
12.19/1
Saving to:-
A
We are
Distributio
Although Her Majesty's
trying in a number of ways to secure Kr. Òray'
release and, as a first step, consular acosas to him.
Representative has made numerous
Chargé d'Affa..
Blai
representations to the
Chinese authorities, I regret
Re
Copies to:
dstalled statuent
that mons of these has so far proved successful.
hopes of suceer right, iSHIRE,
vere-made-at this stage. I can assure
we
Kambers of the House that remain extremely concerned
(will
about the treatment of Mr. Grey and I spall continue to
do everything possible to help him.
B
JB
MIKE, be prejudie
rejudiced if
+
■
[Signature]
[Date]
T
KEL.
DISTRIBUTION
ADVANCE
COPIES TO:-
(9782), 032641, 1.200 pads. 1/67. P. & 3. Op.999/167. (9866). 391958. 1,000 jadi. 6747. 7. & 1. 00.999/167,
Gede or Code R
GRAMT
INWARD TELEGRAM
REGENED IN ¡ARCHIVES No.31
Cypher/OP CAT
FROM
19 JAN 1968
Perine 13/13.0
Her Hopson
1 55
No.
P
1972 January
Immedia
Lite
[Priority).
20
Confidential
27
DSY 16
TOP COPY
[Distribution
Heading]
16 Foreign Office
D. 03122 hrs 19 January R0701 hrs. 19 January
Your Telegram No 58:
Tom on GREY.
Question
Parliamentary
No doubt you will be telegraphing
text of reply.
The text has already
been sent
par
ра
Files Top+ 8 | Achienced ty
FE· Dept HK-Dops:
8.
1. Mr Bates 11. R.129
13 ADR
| 1+ Top- R-117
Het FED Hd H.K. Das
i
ן
151
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
i
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
Fe13/13
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
Ton Secret Secret
Sfidential
Unclassified
Az Alate}*
Gorcy
Routine
It cure
20
• Date and time (CM.T.) telegram shouzia"
reach addrestoc)
LAST
RIF.
NEXI
REF.
21
(Date).............
Despatched
1521
2024.
We
-177
CLLLLLLILILLILLLTID - - - -
PRARADE -------¶rkIPLIILIHA
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
[Security if any
Security classification" || classification]
Privacy marking 1
any
En Clair
[Codeword-if any]
Goje Conher
Draft Telegram to:-
Reking. No. 58 (Date) 1511
And to:-
Repeat to:
Hongkong.
105
Saving to:-
Distribution:-
Filer.
દો. tik seps
Copies to:
les
re
Addressed to
KIYIM MIII-
TAPI MALOLJE
telegram No.
58
And to
H
repeated for information to
Saving to......
Pırmım nær not m
Blowing
Rekunty,
..(date)
1571
Hong Kon
-----------tha
-
Home Aga KARAIKAA MULATT
Parhamatay Quation
is clown for answer 22 Fingust.
"Me Pruthing Royle: To
ask SOSFA what action he is now taking to obtain the release from house dicention of The Authing Grey Rinters correspondent Peking; and if he will make
statement.
a
pa
The Distribution
17:
は
fo
FED
छु
HR Dept,
c
191
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
1
Registry No. FC13/13
DEPARTMENT
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
Secret Confidential "Kokricted"
Unciamified
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
En Claiz Gogle Corpher
Draft Telegram fo:-
teking.
No.
(Date)
$8
1511
And to:-
Repeat to:
Họng trong
105
Saving to:-
Distribution:-
Piter.
RED.
надерг
Copies to:-
Fash
arkadiace}
Routine
[Secu
(Date)....
• Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)...
Despatched. J024.
"Security classification"
if any
E Privacy marking
--if any
[Codeword-if any]
Addressed to
telegram No.
And to
No..........
]
We
Peking
58
15/1
(date)
repeated for information to
Saving to.....
G KAN VARA VENTILATI
Hong trong
20.
++++ya+------
Hinnapea sa possummekontu
HMI-004
Numberbeda-te-------------
Following Parliamentary Quation is down for answer
22 August.
How
"Mr Huthony Royle: To
jask SOSFA. What action he is
taking to obtain the release from house delenton
of The Authong Grey Reuters correspondent in Acking; and if he will make a statement.
Le Disturbation
Fo
الله الما
FED
на Дера
+
Fa13/13.
Foreign Office
S.W.1
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
9 January, 1968.
li
Der Bart.
As George Brown is in Japan, I am writing to thank you for your letter of 29 December, with which you enclosed a letter from a group of your constituents enquiring about Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuters' correspondent in Peking.
On 23 July Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest in Peking apparently in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment of a New China News Agency reporter,
Hsueh P'ing, in Hong Kong. I should add that Mr. Hsueh P'ing is not a Chinese citizen. He was tried for involvement
in anti-police riots and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. On 18 August Mr. Grey's telephone was cut off. Since then strenuous efforts have been made both in Peking and London to obtain consular access to Mr. Grey. None of these requests has been granted. However, we believe that he is unharmed, and still living in his own house. Mr. Grey was allowed to receive a parcel of foodstuffs and other items in early December, He was also able to send telegrams to his mother and to Reuters reporting that he was in good health.
I very much share the concern of your constituents for Mr. Grey. I have seen his mother and the Department keep her closely informed about developments in Peking affecting her son. Unfortunately his case is more complicated than merely securing the release of a British subject irregularly detained in China. Since the detention as in retaliation for action in Hong Kong it is involved with the general question of Sino-British relations and the maintenance of our authority in the Colony. When considering the advisability of widespread publicity about the case, or
Bert Hazell, Esq., C.B.E., J.P., M.P.,
House of Com.nons.
/retaliation
cater gun
i
DA
·
NO
retaliation against the Chinese, we have to bear in mind that these could cause Mr. Grey's position to become still more unpleasant. The Chinese might, for example, prefer specific charges against him which up to now they have not done and possibly put him on trial. This would certainly make matters worse and put back the eventual day of his release. I can assure you, however, that all possible courses of action are being constantly examined and the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, despite the handicaps under which he himself works, losês no opportunity to represent to the Chinese on Mr. Grey's behalf.
+
Please assure your constituents that, in co-operation with Reuters, we are doing everything possible to help Mr. Grey. I am returning their letter.
m
سلام
William Rodgers
=
(635) D4033274 300m 10/66 G.W.R.Lad Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry
No.
長引
F13/13 DRAFT
Letter
Type 1 +
To:-
From
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
Staff in Confidence.
Bert Hazell, Esq., C.B.E.,
J.P., M.P.,
Mr. Rodgers
Telephone No. & Ext.
House of Commone
Department
Enclosuter
Letter av Thay
B
As George Brown is in Japan, I am writing
to thank you for your letter of 29 December,
with which you enclosed a letter from a group
of your constituenta enquiring about Mr.
Anthony Grey, Reuters correspondent in
Peking.
On 23 July Mr. Grey was placed under
house arrest in Peking apparently in retalia-
tion for the arrest and imprisonment of a
New China News Agency reporter, Hsueh P'ing,
in Hong Kong. I should add that Mr. Haueh
Ping is not a Chinese citizen.
He was
tried for involvement in anti-police riots
and sentenced to two years' imprisonment.
On 18 August Mr. Grey's telephone was cut
off. Since then strenuous efforts have
been made both in Peking and London to obtain
consular access to Mr. Grey. None of these
requests has been granted.
However, we
believe that he is unharmed, and still living
in his own house. Mr. Grey was allowed to
receive a parcel of foodstuffs and other
items in early December, He was also able
to send telegrams to his mother and to
Reuters reporting that he was in good health,
/I.
son.
Vany manda
I share the concern of your constituents
for Mr. Grey. I have seen his mother and
the Department keep her closely informed
about developmente in Peking affecting her
Unfortunately his case is more com-
plicated than merely securing the release
of a British subject irregularly detained
in China. Since the detention was in
retaliation for action in Hong Kong it is
involved with the general question of Sino-
British relations and the maintenance of our
authority in the Colony. When considering
the advisability of widespread publicity
about the case, or retaliation against the
Chinese, we have to bear in mind that these
could cause Mr. Grey's position to become
still more unpleasant. The Chinese might,
for example, prefer specific charges against
him which up to now they have not done and
possibly put him ăn trial. This would
certainly make matters worse and put back
the eventual day of his release.
assure you, however, that all possible courses
مار
I can
of action are kept under constant review and
the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking,
despite the handicaps under which he met hi
works, loses no opportunity to represent to
the Chinese on Mr. Grey's behalf.
Please assure your constituents that, in
co-operation with Reuters,
with Reuters, we are doing every- thing possible to help Mr. Grey. J
returning that lake.
ولة
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
..
Flage A (17) and B
Flags and D
Mr. Samuel
در
Mr. Hazell's Letter about
Mr. Anthony Gray
RECEIVED IN 'ARCHIVES Na.31;
1 1 JAN 1968
FC13/13
I attach a draft reply to Mr. Hazell's letter of
18
29 December which covered a letter from a group of his con-
stituents.
2.
Following the article in the Sunday Times on 7 January,
we shall be making a submission about the question of fur-
ther publicity for Mr. Grey. This will include consideration
of possible retaliation against the New China News Agency
in London if there is no progress over the case. In the
meantime, I think we shall have to be fairly cautious in
replying to letters of this kind. For this reason, I have
followed the general line adopted in answers to lettere
from other Members of Parliament, e.g. Mr. Judd and Mr.
Lipton.
Am Denson
(J.B. Densen) 8 January, 1968
*་
MAH
From Bert Hazell, C.B.E., J.P., M.P.,
Azk
S..
F.E.
Десь дейде
+
ทา
House of Commons,
cn
London, S.W.1
M. Rrifes, 2(th. December 1967
g= 1/1
I am attaching hereto, a letter I have received from
the Holt & District Round Table which is in my constituency.
I would be grateful for any information you can give
concerning this man, and if you could let me know whether any
efforts are being made to locate his whereabouts, and possible
release. I assume Reuter's will have approached you in the matter, as Gray appears to be a member of their staff.
Best wishes for 1968
Rt. Hon.G.Brown, M.P.,
Yours sincerely But
Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs
Foreign Office
Downing Street
London, S.W.1.,
¡ RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
3- JAN 1968
FE.13/13.
enter RAH
ये
Chairman:
THE ROUND TABLE
(National Association of Great Britain and Ireland)
TABLE No. 190
Holt and District
Mr. Bert Hazell, M.P.,
The House of Commons,
Westminster, LONDON, V.1.
ADOPT
IMPROVE
Hon. Secretary:
ADAPT
21st December, 1967.
Dear Mr. Hazell,
At the last meeting of Holt and District Round Table (Number 190) our guest speaker, a Journalist, told us of the case of Tony Grey of Norwich. Tony was working for Reutar's in Poking at the time of the troubles there. We were told that as a reprisal for the arrest of three Journalists in Hong Kong, Tony was arrested and detained in his flat with an armed Chinese guard. His chauffeur was also arrested and put before the masses as a British spy. This was four months ago and nothing has been heard of him since. There is now no light in his room at night. His mother who lived at Malvern Road, Norwich, but has since moved to Scotland, is almost beside herself with worry. Tony is her only son.
May I ask you on behalf of the majority of our Table to do
something?
Yours sincerely,
J. H. PERRY-WARNES
Chairman
+
Warm
*FC:13/13.
EN CLAIR
REIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TOP COPY
TEINO 1121
22 DECEMBER 1967 (FED)
UNCLASSIFIED
FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION ANSWERED ON 21 DECEMBER. MR.A.ROYLE ASKED THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS IF HE WILL TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REIMPOSE RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT ON THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY STATIONED IN LONDON,
IN VIEW OF THE TREATMENT OF MR. ANTONY GREY, REUTER'S CORRESPONDENT IN PEKING.
MR. WILLIAM RODGERS: THE NCNA STAFF ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AS OTHER CHINESE OFFICIALS IN THIS COUNTRY. MY RIGHT HON. FRIEND IS READY TO CONSIDER MODIFYING THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS APPLYING TO THE AGENCY STAFF IF IT SEEMED THAT THIS WOULD HELP MR.GREY'S POSITION.
SOSFA
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.E.D.
NEWS DEPT. CONSULAR DEPT.
- • +
pe
pa ke
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
FED
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret Secret
Confidential Restricted Unclassified
En Clair. Code Cypher
Draft Telegram to:7
Peking
No........
(Date)
And to:
ILI. LI
Repeat to:-
Saving to:-
Distribution:
1121
PRIORITY MARKINGS
Emergency Immediate
Priority Routine
[ Security classification
[Codeword-if any)
Addressed to
telegram No...
And to..
* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)
(Date)
Bwwwwwww--P‒‒.........TILY JJLLIT L-I- ILIII ------IJEJ
L.-I
Despatched 122+
Peking
22/12 repeated for information to.
Fer refultmenl Departmenta News Konular
Copies to:-
LIJINIL
Saving to
Following
SPP.. -~.~
1.6
+ -H -----Q
TITULAINKAN+THMU‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ILILILI encou¬.........➖➖➖➖➖➖ ➖‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒
(date)
is text of
Question answold on
Hombre ILI
Parliamentary 21 December
Mr. A. Royle anked the Sevetary of State for Foreign
Affair
be will take
vinmediate action to reimpox
movement
estriction of correspondent of
be
on
the new
China
1130
2010/0)
China News Agency stationed in London
in view
[GREY)
the treatment
J
M.
Antony Gray, Aute's correspondent in Peking. Mr. William Rodgers: The
NCNA staff
are
subject to the same
movement
restrictions as
otter Cheiere
E
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
officials in this country. My right hon. Friend is ready to consider modifying the travel restrictions applying to
it somed that this
Agency staff if would help M. Gray's position.
MAA 24/2
te
Written Answers
21 DECEMBER 1967
Written Answers
504
15
in
th
UNITED STATES (SCOTTISH EMIGRANTS)
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne asked the Secre- tary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, of the increase in the number of ecking to emigrate from Scotland United States of America, he will de facilities in Scotland for the United States Government to enable it to assist those needing to obtain United States immigration visas.
Mr. Goronwy Roberts: It is for the Government of the United States to con- sider what arrangements are required for this purpose. There is already à Consul- General of the United States in Edin- burgh and I have received no approach
from the United States authorities for the establishment of further consular post in Scotland.
BRITISH MISSIONS (COMMERCIAL STAFF)
Mr. Moonman asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many posts for additional commercial staff in Her Majesty's embassies have so far been approved since devaluation; and when such persons are expected to take up their duties;
(2) how many posts for additional commercial staff in High Commission offices have so far been approved since / devaluation; and when such persons are
expected to take up their duties.
Mr. William Rodgers: None, yet, but as my right hon. Friend told the House on 11th December, instructions have been issued to all Heads of Mission to divert staff to trade promotion, if necessary at the expense of other work, wherever the demand for commercial services from United Kingdom exporters may require it. [Vol. 756, c. 19.]
CHINA NEWS AGENCY (LONDON CORRESPONDENT) Mr. A. Royle asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take immediate action to reimpose restriction of movement on the correspondent of the new China News Agency stationed in London, in view of the treatment of
1544
21/12/64
Mr. Anthony Gray, Reuter's correspon- dent in Peking.
Mr. William Rodgers: The New China News Agency staff are subject to the same movement restrictions as other Chinese officials in this country. My right hon. Friend is ready to consider modifying the travel restrictions applying to the Agency staff if it seemed that this would help Mr. Gray's position.
FRENCH TANKER
Mr. Evelyn King asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to offer an apology to France fired across the bows of an unarmed in respect of the British frigate which
French tanker off Beira.
As my
Mr. William Rodgers: No. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence stated yesterday, the com- manding officer of the British frigate acted throughout the incident in pur- suance of the Security Council Resolu- tion of 9th April, 1966.
ADEN
Rear-Admiral Giles asked the Secre tary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is still satisfied a to the safety of remaining Briting subjects in Aden since the final withdrawal of British forces; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. William Rodgers: There has been no significant change in the position since my right hon. I riend's reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd- Carpenter) on 29th November. The situa- tion in Aden remains quiet.-[Vol. 755, c. 439.]
MINISTRY OF LABOUR
Knockshinnoch Colliery
53. Mr. Emrys Hughes asked the Minister of Labour how many men are likely to lose their employment as a result of the proposed closure of the Knockshin- noch colliery, South Ayrshire; and what other employment is likely to be avail- able for them.
503-04W
756
RECEIV ARCHIV-
2 5 DEC 1967
F2.13/13
lext already four
Peking.
iTide
M. Thurges
ора.
S
سما
27/
Mr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No. 31
25 DEC 1967
FC:13/13
04
Flag A
Flag B
@
F2.13/8 11
Flag C
Mr. Royle clearly put down this question immediately
after receiving the answer to his question yesterday, in
which it was stated that our representations on behalf of
Mr. Grey had not been successful.
จ
2. As indicated in my minute of 19 December covering
Mr. Royle's previous question, we have been considering
whether it would be desirable to encourage publicity about
Mr. Grey's case and were on the point of discussing the
matter further with Reuters. In the meantime, Mr. Hopson
has recommended in Peking telegram No. 358 that the time is
coming for the case to be fully publicised. We shall have
to consider carefully, in consultation with Reuters, the
nature and timing of such publicity, and any other action
on Mr. Grey's behalf. This could conceivably include the
selective imposition of tighter restrictions on N.C.N.A. in
London, though considerable practical difficulties would be
involved and we should meet strong opposition from the Home
Office. A decision cannot be made immediately. The draft
reply, in which News Department concur, is therefore framed
in such a way as to leave us freedom of action.
James Munay.
(James Murray) 21 December, 1967
Paintiamentary Offic.
CONFIDENTIAL
Phthinson
21/411
DML156229 Gp.241
FC:13/13.
206
PARLIAMENTARY_QUESTION
for WRITTEN answer on
FED
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
As soon
حت
13
possible
U Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey); To ask
the Secretary of State forfóreign Affairs, if he will take immediate action to reimpose restriction of movement on the correspondent of the new China News Agency stationed in London, in view of the treatment of Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuter's correspondent in Peking.
21st December, 1967
ith whithan Thadgear
Esteld one & इतर
हो
The New China News Agency correspondent is subject
to the same movement restrictions as other Chinese
officials in this country, that is he has to notify the
Foreign Office in writing 48 hours before making any
journey outside a 35-mile radius from Marble Arch and
it is open to the Foreign Office to refuse permission
phy at how Freund is
for the journey, fam/ready at any time to consider
modifying the travel restrictions applying to the Agray staff correspondent if it seemed that this would help the ne smis
position of Mr. Anthony Grey in Fekinïg •
eleaned with
dept
My
z1/1z
1
F2:13/13.
(12)
TOP COPY
CONFIDENTIAL
pher/Cat A
PRIORITY FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
Telno. 1115
CONFIDENTIAL
20 December 1967 (FED)
My immediately preceding telegram.
We are sorry that, owing to the shortness of notice, we were unable to consult you. The Question was taken written and there were therefore no Supplementaries.
SOSFA
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.E.D.
News Dept. Consular Dept.
DDDDD
CONFIDENTIAL
Registry No.
Top
FED
Confidential
Draft.
victed
FC13/13.
Telegrape to:- Peng
XX
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
(Date)...
And to:-
Repeat to:-
En Clair.
Goda Cypher
[
EMERGENCY IMMEDIATE - PRIORITY ROUTINE
with
without
DEFERRED
-priority
*Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)
20/12 B12
(Date)......
Despatched
+
2108
Security classification CONFIDENTIAL
--if any
[Codeword-if any)........
Address to
20/12 telegram No.
Distribution:-
repeated for information to
M.I.P.T.
(date)
TOP-----------------------------NA
--------KAZAK--------ATRAMAN-------HI
madamkukaj je me del mugi jaTİTUTMAHANNYA ADALA
[A]
We are sorry that, owing to the shortness of notice, we
WH
The
19:
C
•EXAMINE6635) SIGNATURE
matu to
Yo consult
Держа
question
Who
you. YARI Whittin
F.ED.
and
Thus
were the suple
no
Num
Lownd
Copies to:
supplementanis ·
19/0
W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
Departmental Disto
Fire 13/13.
CLAIR
FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TELNO. 1114
UNCLASSIFIED
20 DECEMBER 1967 (FED)
FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION ANSWERED ON 20 DECEMBER,
MR. ANTHONY ROYLE. TO ASK THESECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, WHAT ACTION HE IS TAKING TO SECURE THE RELEASE FROM HOUSE DETENTION OF ANTHONY GREY, REUTERS' CORRESPONDENT IN PEKING: AND IF HE WILL MAKE A STATEMENT.
MR. WILLIAM RODGERS.
MR. GREY WAS PLACED UNDER HOUSE ARREST ON 23RD OF JULY. NO ONE HAS BEEN PERMITTED TO VISIT HIM AND SINCE THE 18TH OF AUGUST ALL COMMUNICATION WITH HIM BY TELEPHONE HAS BEEN CUT OFF. HOWEVER I HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HE HAS BEEN HARMED PHYSICALLY. REPEATED ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BOTH IN LONDON AND IN PEKING TO SECURE CONSULAR ACCESS AND TO DISCOVER WHAT CHARGES, IF ANY, HAVE BEEN MADE AGAINST MR. GREY. I REGRET TO SAY THAT THESE HAVE ALL SO FAR BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
SEE M I FT
SOSFA
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.E.D.
NEWS DEPT.·
CONSULAR DEPT.
DDDDD
1
Х
त
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
FEI
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
Top desser Secret Confidential
Unclassified
Emergency
Immediate
Priority
Routine
* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)
(Date)
21/1
Despatched.....
En Clair. eagle Cophon
Draft Telegram to:-
Reine
No.11.14
J
[
[ Security classification
-if any
[Codeword-if any]
-----------
f
Sırrı-----------------------------------------------MUHA
----
---------------------PITun
Addressed to
telegram No.
And to
third.
(Date) 20/12 repeated for information 10.
And to:-
Repeat to:-
Saving to
-LOLOL-LLILJELIJJLIJLOPI
(date)
Saving to:-
Distribution:--
Держс
F.ED. NEWS
Consilial
ما
Copies to:-
Following
is
rexr A Parliamurtung
Questim
answww on
•
[A.B
m
20 Deumbs Хитой
attached sher]
See my MFT. [B]
YI
..1940/20/12
272:-
A
nthony Royle (Richmond, Suprey): To ask the
ry of State for Foreign Affairs, what action ne is taking to secure the release from house detention
he is of Anthony Grey, Reuters' correspondent
in Peking; and if he will make a statement
£0 December, 1927.
ALIAM RODGERS
Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest on the 23rd of July. No one has been permitted to visit him and since the 18th of August all communication with him by telephone has been cut off.
However
I have no reason to believe that he has been harmed physically
Repeated attempts have been made both in London and in Peking to secure consular access and to discover what charges, if any,
have been made against Mr. Grey. I regret
to say that these have all so far been unsuccessful.
/B.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31.
25DE 1967
FC13/13
455
Written Auswers
20 DECEMBER 1967
continue to keep this under review in the light of all relevant considerations.
The West Indies Act, 1967, lays the responsibility for the external affairs of the State on Her Majesty's Government, We shall continue therefore to discharge this responsibility.
Commonwealth Sanctions Committee
Mr. Wall asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the results of the latest meeting of the Commonwealth Sanctions Committee.
Mr. George Thomas: I have nothing to add to the communiqué issued to the Press after the last meeting on 13th December.
The proceedings of the Committee are confidential.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Sunderland (Minister's Visit)
Mr. Willey asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the action he has taken pursuant to the visit of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to Sunderland.
Mr. Frederick Lee: As my right hon. Friend has already been informed, the Poard of Trade are considering the acqui- sition of land at Pennywell for industrial development. As regards the other mat- ters raised during my visit, I cannot add to the reply I gave him on 16th Novem- ber. [Vol. 754, c. 621-2.]
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
British Museum Library
Mr. Hamling asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on his policy with regard to the separate units of the British Muscum Library.
Written Answers
456
There will be consultations between the Government and the institutions and others concerned about the Committee's recommendations. Subject to what may emerge from the report and these con- sultations, there are some obvious ad- vantages in uniting those parts of the library now separated from each other. Decisions on the number of books to be stored in central London must also await the Committee's report.
GREECE
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan asked the Sec- retary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is now the intention of Her Majesty's Government to recognise the present Government of Greece.
Mr. William Rodgers: I have nothing to add to what I told my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) on 19th December.-[Vol. 756, c. 377-8.]
GIBRALTAR
Sir J. Rodgers asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what new pro- posals he will place before the Spanish Government in view of the decision of the United Nations Committee on the recent referendum held in Gibraltar.
Mr. William Rodgers : None.
PEKING (MR. GREY)
Mr. A. Royle asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking to secure the release from house deleation of Anthony Grey, Reuter's correspondent in Peking; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. William Rodgers: Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest on 23rd July, No one has been permitted to visit him and since 18th August all communication with him by telephone has been cut off. However I have no reason to believe that he has been harmed physically.
Mr. Gordon Walker: Final decisions about our national libraries, including the British Museum Library, must await the Repeated attempts have been made both recommendations of the Dainton Com- in London and in Peking to secure con- mittee, which will be based on a study of sular access and to discover what charges, users' needs. Reports that it is the Gov- if any, have been made against Mr. Grey, ernment's aim to break up the collec- I regret to say that these have all so tions are entirely without foundation. far been unsuccessful.
#Q 10
I
T
I
YED IN
25DL?
FCB/13.
Mr. Wilkinson
Parliamentary Office
CONFIDENTIAL
@
Flag A
We have been given very short notice of this question.
It is the first Parliamentary Question about Mr. Grey.
2. In November there were two enquiries from Members of
Parliament (Mr. Judd and Mr. Lipton) about Mr. Grey. In
answer to both of these questions it was said that Reuters
and ourselves shared the view that publicity about Mr. Grey's
case could only do harm at present.
Both of the M.P's con-
cerned appear to have accepted this argument.
3. Mr. Chipp of Reuters told me yesterday that there was a
certain amount of advocacy inside Reuters for publicity. He was holding out against since he continued to think that
publicity would not help Mr. Grey.
4. When we discussed the question with Mr. Rodgers this
morning, the consensus of opinion was against a press campaign.
But I think The P.2. means that some publicity is inevitable.
on this occasion at any rate
that we should keep our own public comment in fairly muted tems. I am trying to get in touch with Mr. Chipp personally
to find out how Reuters now propose to handle matters.
But
in the meantime News Department, with whom we have cleared
the draft reply, are informing Reuters about the P.Q.
5.
The facts about Mr. Grey are contained in the draft reply. In addition to representations to the Chinese made here and in
/Peking
CONFIDENTIAL
(10207) 04.391413 3m 10/67 G.W.B.Lad. Gp.363
PC-13/13
105
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
NON
for FORAL answer on
FED
The draft reply should reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by
5nm rovary,
Uk Mr. Anthony Royle (Richmond, Surrey): To ask the
Gecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what action he is taking to secure the release from house detention of Anthony Grey, Reuters' correspondent in Peking; and if he will ́make a statement.
20 December, 1967.
Dr. Liman lew
~
Mr. Grey was placed under house arrest on 23 July. No one has been permitted to visit him and since 18 August all communication with him by telephone has been cut off. However I have reason to believe that he is stili confined
to his own house; and I have no reason to believe that he
has been harmed physically.
Repeated attempts have been made both in London and
in Peking to secure consular access and to discover what
charges, if any, have been made against Er. Grey. I regret
to say that these have all so far been unsuccessful.
CONFIDENTIAL
Flag B
Flag C
Peking, we know that the Pakistanis have been approached
to use their influence by means of a personal letter from
Mrs. Grey. There was an abortive attempt by Reuters'
Deputy-Manager, Mr. Chipp, to discuss the case with Bank
of China officials in Hong Kong • The interview was called
off at the last moment by the Chinese.
4.
Although no access has been allowed to Mr. Grey since
he was placed under house arrest, Peking have told us that a
parcel of pre-Christmas goods from the Mission was delivered
by the Chinese. During the course of the discussions about
this, the Chinese made it clear that Mr. Grey was still in
his house and attended by his Chinese servants.
вати глину. Munay
James
(James Murray)
19 December, 1967
+
Part? Fin
Akithuison.
19/v11.
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
Angest of New China News Agency (N.
Hong Kong
1. The Chinese have said that Mr. Grey was placed under
house arrest in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment
in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency reporter, Mr. Hsueh
P'ing. Hsueh was sentenced to two years imprisonment after
involvement in anti-police riots. Although the N.C.N.A. is
owned and managed by the Chinese Government, Hsueh P'ing is
not in fact a Chinese citizen. There is no true comparison
between the two cases, since so far as I am aware no charges
of any sort have been made against Mr. Grey.
What future action is intended
2. I can assure the House that every effort will continue
to be made to secure Mr. Grey's release both by direct official
representations and through intermediaries.
HOUSE
OF
COMMONS
From Frank Judd, M.P.
30th November, 1967
Rodgers Esq., M.P., arliamentary Under Secretary,
Foreign Office, S.W.1.
Recd. 1/12.
FED. 67%
Der Bill
Thank you very much for your letter of 28th November about Mr. Anthony Grey. information you give is most helpful.
The
RECEIVE ARCHI
*367
F•13/13
f.a.la.
PRESS.
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
28 November, 1967.
6
Thank you for your letter of 16 November about Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter Correspondent in Peking,
Mr. Gray was placed under house arrest by the Chinese on 25 July allegedly in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment, in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency reporter called Hsueh Pring. Hsuch was sentenced to two years' imprisonment after involvement in anti-police riots. Although the N.C.N.A. 18 owned and managed by the Chinese Goverment, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a Chinese citizen.
On 18 August, all communication with Mr. Gray by telephone was cut off by the Chinese. Although it has not been possible to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since then, we believe that he is still in his own house, unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly requested consular access to Mr. Gray. Representations have also been sede in London. So far these have proved ineffective. The Chinese have not charged Mr. Grey with any offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China which resulted in the impoɛition of very severe restrictions on the movement of members of our Mission in Paking and made access to the Chinese authorities even more difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited our efforts on Mr. Gray's behalf. are now sins, however, that the Cultural Revolution în China is passing into a calmer phase and that a in greater degree of moderation and discipline is being Imposed. This, together with our decision to ease
Frank Judd, Raq., M.P.,
House of Commons.
ре
/travel
There
そ
2
travel restrictions on the Chinese Mission in London, will we hope oreate an atmosphere in which some progress can be made towards securing Mr. Grey's release. You may be assured that we shall take the fullest advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime Reuters consider and we share their view that publicity might merely result in life being made more disagreeable for Mr. Brey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother, and have tried to reassure her that we are doing everything possible to ensure his early release.
William Rodgers
(1435) D4033274 300m 10/66 G.W.B.Lad. Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No.
DRAFT
Letter
Top Secret. Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified,
Staff in Confidence.
To:
F. Judd Esq., K.P.,
House of Commons.
1
Type 1 +
-+-
From
Mr. Rodgers
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
your
Thank you for/tter of 16 November
about Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter correspond-
ent in Peking
Mr. Gey was placed under house arrest
by the Chinese on 23 July allegedly in retal-
iation for the arrest and imprisonment in
Hong Kong of a New China News Agency reporter
Called Hsueh P'ing. Hsuch was sentenced to
two years' imprisonment after involvement
in anti- police riots. Although the N.C.N.A.
is owned and managed by the Chinese Govern-
ment, Haueh Ping is not in fact a Chinese
citizen.
On 18 August all communication with
Mr. Grey by telephone was cut off by the
Although it has not been possible
Chinese.
to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since
then, we believe that he is still in his own
house, unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly
requested consular access to Mr. Grey.
Representations have also been made in London.
The
So far these have proved ineffective.
Chinese have not charged Mr. Grey with any
/offence.
E
offence.
The deterioration in our relations with
China which has resulted in the imposition
of very severe restrictions on the movement
of members of our Mission in Peking and made
access to the Chinese authorities even more
difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited
our efforts on Mr. Grey's behalf. There are
now signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution
in China is passing into a calmer phase and
that a greater degree of moderation and
discipline is being imposed. This we hope,
will create an atmosphere in which some
progress can be made towards securing Mr. Greys
release. You may be assured that we shall
take the fullest advantage possible of any
openings.
In the meantime, Reuters harm considered
view-
and we strongly share their assessment
that publicity on our gert might merely result
in life being made more disagreeable for
Mr. Grey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother,
and have tried to reassure her that we are
doing everything that is possible to ensure
his early release.
together with our
decision to burger
EASY
kravu restricting on the Chin I Missim in Lonin? will
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Flag A
Flag B
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED IN
CARU. NIVES No.31
JONOV 1967
FC13/13.
5
Mr. de la Mare 22/4
Mr. Samuel
VR23.116)
1
Mr. Judd'a Letter about
Anthony Grev
I attach a draft reply. This is identical to the
18/identice
reply sent on 10 November to a similar enquiry from
Mr. Marcus Lipton.
2. It is certainly strange we should receive two letters
from M.P's about Mr. Grey in such quick succession.
I think
the reason may be that someone in Reuters has been talking
to M.P's. Even though we know that Reuters want no publicity
about this case, the M.P's concerned may have felt obliged
to inform themselves of the details.
3.
Peking telegram No. 255 reports an initiative by Reuters
with the Pakistanis. The Pakistan Ambassador in Peking has
suggested that he should intervene informally with the Chinese
ostensibly at the instance of Mrs. Grey. We have been asked
to put this to Reuters. News Department are getting in touch
with Reuters diplomatic correspondent to find out their views
and to discuss further action, including the advisability of
publicity at some later stage. I will let you know the out-
come and we can then consider whether the Managing Director
of Reuters, Mr. Gerald Long, who is shortly to visit Hong
Kong, should be seen at a higher level. In the reply to
Mr. Judd, I think we should continue to confine ourselves
/to the
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
2
to the general statement in paragraph 5 of the draft.
Jon Denson
(J. B. Denson) 22 November, 1967.
Copy to: Mr. H. Whyte, News Department.
RESTRICTED
SE OF
NS
COMMON
From Frank Judd, M.P.
16th November, 1967
lian Rodgers Esq., M.P.,
Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
Der Bill
Rec. and Ack. 17.11. FE.. Department for draic grafy please.
30NOV 1967
FC13/13
-I understand that Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuters correspondent in Peking, has been under housearrest since the end of July.
I wonder whether you could possibly let me have some information about the latest position.
心
Ent
ん
le getting a wate
ん
Gutin?
1
E13/13.
चिय
From the Parliamentary
Under-Secretary
Jail faile
--51218
3
10 November, 1967.
ра
Thank you for your letter of 3 Nɔvember about Mr. Anthony" Gray, the Reuter Carrespondent in Peking.
Mr. Gray was placed under house arrest by the Chinese on 2 July allegedly in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment in Hong Kong of a New China
Hsueh was News Agency reporter called Hsueh Ping. sentenced to two years' imprisonment after involvement in anti-police riots. Although the N.C.N.A. is owned and managed by the Chinese Government, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a Chinese citizen.
On 18 August all communication with Mr. Gray
by telephone was cut off by the Chinese. Although it has not been possible to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since then, we bыlieve that he is still in his own house, imharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly requested consular access to Mr. Gray. Representations have also been made in London. So far these have proved ineffective. The Chinese have not charged Mr. Gray with any offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China which has resulted in the imposition of very severe restrictions on the moɔvésent, of members of our Mission in Peking and made access to the Chinese authorities even more difficult than usual has of necessity inhibited our efforts on Mr. Gray's behalf. now signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution in China is passing into a calmer phase and that a greater degree of moderation and discipline is being imposed.
There are
/This
Marcus Lipton, Esq., C.B.E., J.P., M.P.,
House of Commons.
30
2
This, we hope, will create an atmosphere in which some progress can be made towards securing Mr. Grey's release. You may be assured that we shall take the fullest advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime, Reuters have considered and we strongly share their assessment. that publicity on our part might merely result in life being made more disagreeable for Mr. Grey.
I have myself seen Mr. Grey's mother, and have tried to reassure her that we are doing everything that is possible to ensure his early release.
+
William Rodgers
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Registry No.
Frx 3/13 Fxx3
Insert Telephone No. & Ext. when appropriate.
3
Top Secret. Secret.
Confidential. Restricted. Open.
Draft. Latter
to
Marcus Lipton,
Lipton
Esq., C.B.E.,
M.P.
from
Kr. Rodgers
Thank you for your letter of 3 November
about Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuter corres-
pondent in Peking.
Nr. Grey was placed under house arrest
by the Chinese 6 23 July allegedly in
retaliation or the arrest and imprisonment
in Hong Kong of a New China News Agency
reporter called Hsueh P'ing. Hsueh was
sentenced to two yeare imprisonment after
ipvolvement in anti-police riots. Although
the N.C.N.A. is owned and managed by the Chinese
Government, Hsueh P'ing is not in fact a
Chinese citizen.
On 18 August all communication with
kr. Grey by telephone was cut off by the
Chinese. Although it has not been possible
to see or make contact with Mr. Grey since then,
we believe that he is still in his own house,
unharmed, with domestic help.
Our Mission in Peking have repeatedly
requested consular access to Mr. Grey. Repre-
Bentations have also been made in London. So
far these have proved ineffective.
The Chinese
have not charged Er. Gray with any offence.
The deterioration in our relations with China
which has resulted in the imposition of very
severe restrictions on the movement of members
of our Kission in Peking and made access to
the Chinese authorities even more difficult
1
/than
J
I
than usual has of necessity inhibited our
efforts on Kr. Grey's behalf. There are now
signs, however, that the Cultural Revolution
in China is passing into a calmer phase and
that a greater degree of moderation and
discipline is being imposed. This, we hope,
will create an atmosphere in which some progress
4
can be made towards securing Kr. Grey's release.
You may be assured that we shall take the
fullest advantage possible of any openings.
In the meantime, Reuters have considered
Stain
and we shar and we share their assessment that publicity
on our part might merely result in life being
made more disagreeable for Kr. Grey.
I have myself seen Er. Grey's mother, and
have tried to reassure her that we are doing
everything that is possible to ensure his early
release.
!
I
I
:
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.
Fr. Samuel
RESTRICTED
Ri
RIVED IN
?
HIVES No. 3!
1ONOV 1967 j
F213/13
2.
"
Mr. Lipton's Letter : Kr. Anthony Grev
I attach a draft reply to Mr. Lipton's letter.
I have not included any reference to the fact that
the Chinese originally said that they would agree to consular
access to Grey only if access were granted to imprisoned
N.C.N.A. reporters in Hong Kong, but gave no further reply
Flag A when we said that access would be granted. Nor do I think
Ertret there is anything to be gained by speculating in the
reply about how the Grey problem might eventually be resolved.
Humay
(James Murray) 8 November, 1967
RESTRICTED
From Marcus Lipton CBE JP Me/
RECEIVED IN
House of Commons,
ARCHIVES No.31
London, S.W.1
1 ONOV 1967
3rd November 1967
Reed Fil
Exi
W.Rodgers, Esq, M.P Parliamentary Under Secretary
of State,
Foreign Office,
S.W.1
Dear Will,
16.11.
FE
Anthony Gray,
Reuter Correspondent, Peking
I should be glad if you will let me know what the position is regarding the above named.
Yours sincerely,
hanhphen
Reply sent
See
p.a.
- 3
12
inle.