B
Turd
File No.
FD13/8
18.8. The pedag
FOREIGN OFFICE
jacket mot be the same at that af
highest graded
st
are upgrading slip me be qfied where ever necessary),
SECRET
DEPT.
st
685
425
FAR EASTERN
TITLE: HONG KONG! PRESS!
FORZIGN JOURNALISTS IN
DEPT.
ייוונוי.י
OPENED
9/ske
REFER TO
NAME
JP
K.
+
PIK.
DATE DEPT.
915
13/5. 13/
...
REFER TO
NAME
DATE
DEPT.
4-
JB. Ha9.
1415. Beg 19/11
15/5.
24/5.
J&
121/5
JR
123/5.
вв
FI
·
PA
illa
PA6
Ess..
HIFI ---
REFER TO
NAME
DATE
REGISTRY ADDRESS
IOSTRY
............and I"
Room No.
F.O. Building,
DO NOT RETAIN FILES AND PAPERS UNNECESSARILY
RETURN THEM TO REGISTRY FOR B.U. OR P.A.
FILE
CLOSED
FILE No.
FD13/8
Downing Street.
PART
'B(12)
NJ The grading of dia AKA
me at that of the highest posted
Dy mat de pered when ever, MOCAMENTE
SECRET
FD13/8
Тор Top.....
Copy
e.com
TR/CAT A AND BY BAG
TINE FOREIGN OFFICE
GRAM NUMBER 847
RESTRICTED
TO PEKING
24 SEPTEMBER 1969
(F)
148
RESTRICTED.
LAST PAPER
дорогого
ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELNO 847 OF 24 SEPTEMBER REPEATED FOR
INFORMATION TO HONG KONG AND POLAD SINGAPORE AND SAVING TO
VASHINGTON.
K.I.P.T.
UNATTRIBUTABLY SPOKESMAN ADDED:
2674
QUOTE NO ONE HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO SEE MR. GREY SINCE APRIL 23 WHEN THE FORKER CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, SIR DONALD HOPSON, AND A MEMBER OF HIS STAFF WERE ALLOWED TO VISIT HIM. HE THEN APPEARED
TO BE IN SATISFACTORY HEALTH. SINCE THEN NO-ONE HAS BEEN ALLOWED
TO SEE HIM AND THERE IS THEREFORE NO HEANS OF VERIFYING WHETHER THE CHINESE STATEMENTS ARE CORRECT UNQUOTE. END OF UNATTRIBUTABLE. E. CORRESPONDENT ASKEN WHETHER CHINESE NEVSMEN HELD IN HONG KONG
HAD BEEN ALLOWED CONSULAR ACCESS OR OTHER OFFICIAL VISITORS. 3. SPOKESMAN REPLIED THIS WAS REALLY FOR CONMO..WEALTH OFFICE TO SAY, BUT ADDED UNATTRIBUTABLY THAT REGULAR ACCESS WAS ALLOWED TO THESE MEN. THERE ARE TWO NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY STAFF AND THIRTEEN OTHERS KELD. END UNATTRIBUTABLE.
SOSFA
DEPARTHEZITAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O.
0.0.
F.3.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
NEWS DEPT.
F.K.D.
HRWS DEPT.
RESTRICTED
LAST PAPER
CYPHER/GAT -A-
FROM PRIORITY HONG KONG
CONFIDENTIAL
TO.
TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
{
HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 362 TO PEKING 3 SEPTEMBER 1968
IDENTIAL
ADDRESSED PEKING TELEGRAH NO. 362 3 SEPTEMBER REPEATED FOR
INFORMATION TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
YOUR TELEGRAM NO. 592.
AN
14
1551378 романа
CHEN FENG-YING AND CHEN TEH-HU, ALONG WITH SIX OTHERS ARRESTED ON
15TH JULY 1967, WERE FINED AND RELEASED ON 5TH AUGUST 1967.
2. ALL THOSE WHO HIGHT BE DESCRIBED AS CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNIST -
PRESS WHO WERE ARRESTED BEFORE GREY WAS DETAINED, AND SENTENCED TO
PRISON TERMS, HAVE NOW BEEN RELEASED EXCEPT FOR TWO SEMICOLON
HSVER CI.E, SIT) AND HUL.
3. TWELVE OTHERS IN THIS CATEGORY WERE ARRESTED AFTER GREY'S
DETENTION CINCLUDING THE PROPRIETORS, EDITORS AND PRINTERS OF THE
THREE SUSPENDED PAPERS). THEY ARE HOT DUE FOR RELEASE CASSUMING FULL,
REMISSION OF ONE-THIRD OF SENTENCE) UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1969 (11 PERSONS)
AND FEBRUARY 1971 C1 PERSON).
FO PLEASE PASS PRIORITY PEKING.
SIR D TRENCH
[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
CONSULAR DEPT
NEWS DEPT
C.O. H.K.D.
CONFIDENTIAL
1
Cypher/Cat A
PRIORITY
PEKING
CONFIDENTIAL
TO
Jan F
FOREIGN OFFICE
Peking Telegram No. 502 to Hong Kong 31 August 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
(146)
COPY
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
- 3 SEP 1968
FD1318
Addressed to Hong Kong telegram No. 502 of 31 August, Repeated for information to Foreign Office.
The Chinese Government statement published in NCNA when Grey was detained referred not only to Hsueh P'ing but to "NCNA correspondents Chen Feng-ying and Chen Teh-nu and five other patriotic Chinese correspondents".
2.
It would be helpful in our discussion of Grey question if you could let us know whether these prisoners have yet been released.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong.
Mr. Cradock
[Repeated as requested)
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
Consular Dept, News Dept.
0.0. Hong Kong Dept.
NNNNN
CONFIDENTIAL
:
+
Cormy & entir
ота
OMG. Copy
ON FC13/82.
Сост
CONFIDENTIAL
TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
145
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
JUI, 1958
F013/8
:
CAR
VOAT A
ROUTINE HONG FOR
TELEGRAM NUMEFR 323
CONFIDENTIAL.
ADDRESSED PEYING
8 JULY 1968
JELECRAN NO. 323 DATED 8TH JULY REPEATED
FOR INFORMATION TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
3781
YOUR TELEGRAM NO. 442 10 THE FOREIGN OFFICE PARAGRAPH 2: GREY.
THIS ALLEGATION HAS APPEARED IN THE COMMUNIST PRESS HERE. THERE
IS NO CREPEATO NO TRUTH IN IT. DETAINEES AT THE VICTORIA DETENTION
CENTRE AFE SOMETIMES HANDCUFFED WHEN PASSING FROM ONE BLOCK WITHIN
THE CENTRE TO ANOTHER SOME EIGHTY YARDS AWAY WHERE INTERVIEWS TAKE PLACE. THIS IS TO PREVENT ATTEMPTS AT ESCAPE, AND THE HANDCUFFS ARE REMOVED BEFORE THE DETAINEES SEE THEIR RELATIVES. HANDCUFFS AFE
NOT USED AT ALL IN STANLEY PEJSON,
CO PLEASE PASS PEKING.
SER DE TRENCH
[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.0.
H.K.D.
P.E. & P.J.
S.A.D.
NEWS DEPT.
U.N.D.
7.0.
3.E.D.
CONSULAR LAPT.
NEWS DEPA
P...S.P.
C.R.D.
DEPENOL DEPA.
CONFIDENTIAL
•
Cypher/Cet å
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
c 596
CONFIDANTIAL
24 June 1968
RECEIVED ARCHAYES No.31 25 JUN 1968
FD13/8
COPY
238
144
Juan 157?
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 596 of 24 June, Repeated for information to Hong kong.
Hong Kong telegram No. 803.
237)
231
We have already
Paragraph 1 of telegram under reference
tried for such a visit, but without success. (My telegram No.524).
2.
Paragraph 2. I am a raid it is much too late in the day for us to delude Chinese about our anxieties on Grey even if we in this mission were now instructed to feign disinterest nor could we expect Parliament and United Kingdom public opinion to maintain suca a pretence.
3.
In the light of telegram under reference Tay I now approach Foreign Ministry and propose another round of special visits in Hong Kong on the same terms as before and on the understanding that we would be allowed another visit to Grey?
Foreign Office pass to Hong Kong 435.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPAKTLEMIAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
0.0.
H.h.D.
F.0.
Consular Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.K.D.
A second copy sur/be on The file m
CNA prisoners
in HK. не
ショ
+pa
U.N.D.
News Lept.
C.0.
S.A.D.
F.E
& P.D.
DIS. MOD
CONFIDENTI AL
L
Ora, copy on FZ 13/8/233).
Cypher/Cat A
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 587
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN ¡ARCHIVES No.31
20 JUN 1968
FD13/8
20 June 1968
143
ривать
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Orrice telegram No 587 of 20 June, Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
14t/
-
My telegram No. 524. [Visits to Grey].
It is now two months since we saw Grey. It will soon be a year since his detention and his birthday is on 15 July. Ye may have secured some tiny improvement in his conditions as a result or interview of 18 May (my telegrams numbers 452 and 453), but, as I pointed out in my telegram uncer reference, it is clear that we are not going to obtain further access without another round of special visits in Hong Kong.
135
2. May I now approach the Foreign Ministry and say that we are ready to arrange another round of such visits if they will then allow another visit by staff of this orrice to Grey?
3. On longer term questions, i should be grateful for your views on points raised in my telegram No. 474, of 24 May, commenting on Hong Kong telegram No. 643, in particular the suggestion on remission (sub paragraph )).
Foreign office pass Hong Kong 429.
736
Sir D Hops on.
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTIE, L'AL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. P.E.D.
Consular Lept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
U.H.D.
C.0. .H.K.D.
News Dept. S.A.D.
F.z. & F.D.
راند
CONFIDZATTAL
137
139
стру
Cypher/Cat A.
PEKING
also
F21378534 SECRET
TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 553
12 June 1968.
SPARET
+
RECEIVED IN [ARCHIVES 16 3PY
1 JUN 1968
142
FD13
Addressed to Hong Kong telegram No. 396 12 June. Repeated for information to Foreign Office.
Your telegram No. 643 to Commonwealth Office (paragraph 4).
1377
Has there been further word from Li Choh-Chih since returning to Hong Kong on 11 May? If not, would there not be advantage in re establishing contact with him? In present circumstances in particular, this may turn out to be our most useful channel for explaining Chinese position, particularly on prisoners.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong.
Sir D. Hopson.
[ Repeated as requested]
DEPARTEENTAL DISTRIBUTION.
F.0.
Far Bestern
0.0.
Hong Kong Department.
F.C.
C.C.
Consular
Defence Department. P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
·
News Department.
S. Asia Department. F.E. & P.
News Department.
XXXXX
SECRET.
Japan 17/6
ORIG. Copy on FC 13/12
141
Cypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 524
4 June, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED N 4RCHIVES No.31
: - 5 JUN 1968
FD13/8
Sism in preparati
1. pa. 566
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 524 of 4 June Repeated for information to: Hong Kong
Visits to Grey.
The West German correspondent, Bargmann, recently asked to see Grey in a letter to Ministry of Foreign Affairs [?grp omitted ?and] in conversation with NCNA representatives but got nowhere. Bargmann, the only surviving member of the Press Corps who knows Grey well, is now on leave.
2. I have sounded a close diplomatic colleague here but found him reluctant to allow members of his staff to become involved in applying for visits to Grey. This reaction is probably typical of the rest of the Corps.
3. It is therefore clear that if we are to obtain further access to Grey, the only hope lies in offering another round of special visits to Communist prisoners in Hong Kong.
F.0. pass Hong Kong 375.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requestedl
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
Consular Dept
News Dept
Defence Dept
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D. U.N.D.
C.O. H.K.D.
News Dept S.A.D. F.E. & P.D.
bbbbb
CONFIDENTIAL
سر
Copy also on F2413/18 (227)
चिअक
شدی
J
CATEGORY A CYPHER
CONFIDENTI AL
FROM PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
TEL NO 668
DATED 25 MAY
1
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No 3:
28 MAY 1968 !
F5131/31
рера Вразит
CONFIDENTIAL.
ADDRESSED PEKING AS MYTEL 251 DATED 25TH MAY RFI CO.
OUR TELEGRAM 217.
SIT AND LO BOTH HAD MONTHLY VISITS ON 24TH MAY.
PEKING 251.
CO PLEASE PASS PRIORITY PEKING 251.
SIX D. FRENCH
[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
0.0.
7.6.
H.K.D.
2.E.F.D.
NEWS DEPT.
7:E.D.
P.U.S.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
P.C.D.
I.2.D.
NEWS DEPT.
CONFIDENTIAL
140
1
4
ORIG. Copy on FL13/3
CONFIDENTIAL
139
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
27 MAY 1968
Cypher/Cat A
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
FD1318
Telno. 474
24 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
ре
Рада зора
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 474 of a May, Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong telegram No. 643: Grey.
I have the following comments:
(a) Paragraph 1 of telegram under reference.
The danger of Chinese slipping people back with false papers would be present in the same way if confrontation prisoners were sent to reside in China as we proposed to Lo Kuei'po on 13 April. Any agreement ending confrontation would be heavily dependent on Chinese good faith; but I doubt whether that should be regarded as sufficient grounds for refusing to make such moves. So far, while insisting on outrageous terms, the Chinese have kept their bargain.
(b) Paragraph 1, third sentence.
The argument about criminals with a record of serious violence is I imagine hardly applicable in the case of news workers who would be the price for Grey.
(c) Paragraph 2 (a)
The numbers would not (repeat not) be large if confined to news workers.
(a) Paragraph 5.
This
I hope that consideration will be given to amending rules to allow greater remission. would seem the most discreet way of handling the matter and, failing some agreement about sending confrontation prisoners to China, may be the only means of ensuring Grey's release before September 1969.
(c) Paragraph 5, final sentence.
I agree that whatever we do we must expect that the Chinese will seek to present it as a "Victory". But as has been recognised in earlier telegrams, the Chinese need a face-saver of some kind if they are going to sign off.
/The problem
CONFIDENTIAL
:
CONFIDENTI AL
2
The problem is to find concessions which would satisfy this requirement without undermining Hong Kong Government authority. Of course the Chinese will make publicity, as this would be the whole point of the operation; but we can surely ridicule this, if concession is of minor proportions. We should not neglect possibility that public opinion in Hong Kong, as in the case of the definite agreement last November, would resot well to measures which they would see as designed to facilitate a return to normal working relations with China.
Foreign Office pass Priority Hong Kong 341,
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested)
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.0. H.K.D.
News Dept. S.A.D. F.E.P.D.
DDDDD
CONFIDENTIAL
+
ALSO ON FC 13/8.
138
CONFIDENTIAL
CYPHER/CAT A
PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE RECEIVED IN
TELEGRAM NO. 487 18 APRIL, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
! ARCHIVES No.31
23 MAY 1968
FP13/8
ADDRESSED CO TELEGRAM NO. 487 OF 18TH APRIL SEPEATED PEKING.
FC 3/3 514 515 51C
PEKING TELEGRAMS 302, 303, 304: SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS.
I FULLY AGREE WITH THE SUGGESTION IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF TELEGRAM No. 304 THAT FOI. THE MOMENT IT WOULD BE BEST FOR US TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT THE CHINESE DO, ESPECIALLY ON THE QUESTION OF EXIT VISAS FOR THE MISS ON AND VISITS TO GREY. I AM SURE THAT WE SHOULD AVOID GIVING THE IMPRESSION THAT WE ARE RUNNING AFTER
THE CHINESE SENICOLON AND THAT WE SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY NEW CONCESSIONS UNTIL WE CAN JUDGE WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE PREPARED TC HONOUR UNWRITTEN ARRANGEMENTS.
2. AS FAR AS GREY IS CONCERNED, THE VISITS WERE REPORTFC CORRECTLY AND IN DETAIL IN THE HONG KONG COMMUNIST PRESS ON 11TH APRIL. WE AFE SENDING THE RELEVANT CUTTINGS BY THE NEXT
BAG JO PEKING IN CASE THE M.F.A. CONTINUE TO PREVARICATE ON THE SUBJECT SEMICOLON ALTHOUGH IT IS HARD TO SEE HOW THEY CAN HAVE THE FACE TO DO SO IN VIEW CF N.C.N.A. 'S REPORTING OF THE SITUATION CN 12TH APEIL.
/3. ON OTHER
CONFIDENTIAL
-
[
CONFIDENTIAL
-
- 2
3. ON OTHER QUESTIONS RELATING TO PRISONERS:-
(A) THE QUESTION OF EXTRA WINTER CLOTHING SEENS TO HAVE DIED
A NATURAL DEATH IN PROPACANDA HERE. IK ANY CASE:
(1) NO REPEAT NO CLOTHING HAS BEEN DELIVERED AT THE PRISON
SINCE THE OFFER WAS MADE IN JANUARY SEMICOLON AND
(ID) IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE RIDICULOUS TO DISTRIBUTE THE CLOTHING
IN WHAT IS NOW TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES SUMPER WEATHER.
THE COMMUNIST PFESS OF 19TH MARCH IMPLICITLY RECOGNIZED THIS WHEN IT COMPLAINED THAT THE CLOTHING HAD STILL NOT BEEN DISTRIBUTED
BY THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES, ALTHOUGH SPRING HAD ALREADY COME.
(B) | PRESUNE THAT THE COMPLAINT OF INADEQUATE EXCERCISE FOR
PRISONERS FEFERS TO STANLEY INMATES FATHER THAN DETAINEES.
THE PROSLEM IS THAT ONLY 200 OF THE 700 CONFRONTATION PRISONERS
AT STANLEY HAVE AGREED TO WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINARY
PRISON CONDITIONS. THE REMAINDER AFE THUS NORMALLY CONFINED
TO THEIR CELLS WHEN OTHERS ARE WORKING, BUT FOR THE LAST MONTH
THEY HAVE HAD ONE HOUR'S EXCERCISE PER DAY, INSTEAD OF THE USUAL
30 MINUTES.
4. TELEGRAN FOLLOWS ON THE QUESTION OF RICE.
FO PLEASE PASS PRIORITY PEKING AS MYTEL 169.
SIR D. TRENCH
[REPETITION TO PEKING REFERRED FOR DEPARTMENTAL DECISION.]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
0.0. H.K.DEPT.
INT. & GEN.
NEWS DEPT.
F.E. & P.DEPT.
F.0. PAR EASTERN DEPT.
CONSULAR DEPT.
DEFENCE DEPT.
P.U.S.D.
D.S.A.O. PERSONNEL
COMAS. D.W.S.
PASSPORT CONTROL DEPT.
J.1.R.D.
O.L.A.
NEWS DEPT.
CONFIDENTIAL
[
T
+
CYPHER/CAT 'A'
Copy ALSO ON FC 13/8
CONFILENT LAL
ROUTINE
HONGKONG
TELEGRAM NUMBER 643
SECRET
+37
ры
TO
20 MAY 1968
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
RECTAD }ARCH\V-. *..
21 At 908
FD138
ADDRESSED CO TELNO 643 OF 20TH MAY RFI PEKING.
130
PEKING TELEGRAM 420 : GREY.
A MAJOR DIFFICULTY ABOUT RELEASING PRISONERS TO CHINA UNTIL THEIR
SENTENCES IN HONG KONG EXPIRE IS THAT WE BECOME HEAVILY DEPENDENT
ON CHI ESE GOOD FAITH. IT WOULD BE ONLY TOO EASY TO SLIP SUCH PEOPLE BACK OVER THE BORDER WITH FALSE PAPERS, MANY OF THE PEOPLE WITH
LONGER SENTENCES HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES OF MAJOR DANGER TO THE PUBLIC, LIKE BOMBING: AND WE COULD BE HEAVILY CRITICISED FOR
NEGLECTING PUBLIC SAFETY IF WE LET THEM GO TO CHINA WITHOUT
RECEIVING VERY FIRM ASSURANCES FROM THE CPG (WHICH WE ARE HARDLY LIKELY TO GET, AT LEAST IN A FORM THAT WE COULD PUBLICISE). 2. THE TECHNICAL QUESTION OF OUR ISSUING POST-DATED RE-INTRY
PERMITS NEED NOT IN ITSELF RAISE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES. THERE ARE THE
FOLLOWING POSSIBILITIES:-
(A) TO ISSUE ORDINARY RE-ENTRY PERMITS, BUT PUT THE PEOPLE
CONCERNED ON THE WATCH LIST. THIS COULD CESPECIALLY IF THE NUMBERS
RELEASED TO CHINA WERE LARGE) IMPOSE A HEAVY BURDEN ON THE IMMIGRATION
AUTHORITIES,
(B) TO ISSUE THEM POST-DATED ENTRY, REPEAT ENTRY, PERMITS. THIS
WOULUBE AN ENTIRELY NEW PROCEDURE FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND
WOULD PROBADLY BE UNACCEPTABLE TO CHINESE ON GROUNDS OF PRINCIPLE.
CCD TO ISSUE RE-ENTRY PERMITS WITH AN OVERT ENDORSEMENT THAT THEY
WOULD NOT BE VALID UNTIL A CERTAIN LATER DATE. THIS WOULD
SEEM TO OFFER THE LEAST PROBLEMS FROM THE TECHNICAL AND POLITICAL
POINT OF VIEW,
3. THE QUESTION OF CHOI COUR TELEGRAM 454 PARA 30 WAS BROACHED
/TO AN
CONFIDENTIAL
+
CONFIDENTIAL
+
TO AN NENA REPRESENTATIVE ON MAY 15 IN A SHORT, BUT VERY CORDIAL 'INTERVIEW. NO AWKWARD 13SUES WERE RAISED AND THE REPRESENTATIVE
PROMISED TO LET US HAVE AN EARLY REPLY.
4. WE AGREE THAT OUR CONTACTS WITH LI CHOH-CHIH OFFER THE MOST PROMISING CHANNEL FOR DISCUSSING THE QUESTION OF THE RELEASE OF CONVICTED PRISONERS. LÍ RETURNED TO HONG KONG ON 11 MAY AND WE WOULD STRONGLY ADVOCATE WAITING TO SEE IF HE HAS ANYTHING
TO SAY BEFORE EMBARKING ELSEWHERE ON CONVERSATIONS WHICH WOULD
OPEN THE QUESTION TO DISCUSSION.
5. THE PRISON RULES CRULE 69) LAY DOWN THAT THE AMOUNT OF REMISSION WHICH MAY BE GRANTED SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE THIRD'' OF THE PRISONER'S
SENTENCE. SUBJECT TO GOOD BEHAVIOUR FULL ONE THIRD REMMISSION IS STANDARD PRACTICE. THE ONLY WAYS OF ALTERING THIS WOULD BE EITHER TO AMEND THE RULES TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM REMISSION GENERALLY OR FOR ME TO EXERCISE MY PREROGATIVE TO REMIT SENTENCES IN INDIVIDUAL CASES. NEITHER COURSE COULD BE FOLLOWED WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE ADVERSE PUBLICITY. IN ANY CASE, THE COMMUNISTS KNOW VERY WELL WHEN THEIR PRISONERS ARE DUE TO BE RELEASED UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS: AND IF ANY PRISONERS WERE RELEASED PREMATURELY THEY WOULD BE ALMOST CERTAIN TO PUBLICISE THE FACTS. AFTER ALL, A MAJOR INTEREST OF THEIRS IS TO GET US TO MAKE CONCESSIONS WHICH THEY CAN PUBLICLY
CLAIM AS VICTORIES.
FO PLEASE PASS ROUTINE PEKING 241.
SIR D. FRENCH
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]
F.0.
F.E.D.
0.0.
H.K.D.
F.0.
CONSULAR DEPT.
DEFENCE DEPT.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
NEWS DEPT.
C.0.
S.A.D.
F.E.P:D.
NEWS DEPT.
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
Copy ALSO ON FL13/8
CONFIDENTIAL ARCHIVES No.3:
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 453
CONFIDENTIAL
20 May, 1968
1.5913/8
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 453 of 20 May!
Repeated for information za) Hong Kong.
My telegram No. 419efey.
At our request Cradock was granted an interview with Press Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 18 May. He was seen by Miss Chang Deputy Section Head,
136)
2. Cradock began by expressing our strong dissatisfaction at Grey's present treatment. He pointed out it was clear from Grey's conditions of confinement in approximately the first month after his detention on 21 July, 1967, that the Chinese statement on that date announcing measures against him was intended only to mean that Grey was not free to leave his house. Since 18 August, however, his treatment had been much more severe. He was confined to one room, deprived of using the rest of his house and personal belongings, his telephone and radio and normal postal facilities. He was denied contact with his friends and with this office. This was inconsistent with only official statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made about Grey. This treatment of an innocent man was both inhumane and uncivilised. Cradock requested
that Grey's situation be restored at least to what it was before
18 August, and specifically that Grey be allowed full use of his premises and personal possessions, normal inward and outward mail facilities, radio and telephone; also that he be permitted informal visitors from among his friends in Peking on a regular basis of at least once a month. 3. Chang described our requests as ridiculous and groundless and went on contrasting Grey's treatment favourably with that of Hong Kong journalists taken prisoner who, she ? gp. omitted] were treated like wild beasts. She denied flatly that there was any inconsistency between Grey's present treatment and the Chinese statement of July, 1967. She claimed that the issue raised by our requests was very simple. We should consider the question of the patriotic journalists and news-workers in prison in Hong Kong and we would find the answer ourselves. The Grey question was not an isolated one but part of the Hong Kong problem. In any case, Grey was on Chinese territory. His treatment was therefore the business of the Chinese Government and no one else had the right to interfere.
4. Cradock rebutted Chang's changes on Hong Kong prisoners in detail, drawing on the material supplied by the Governor. He contrasted Grey's treatment in the matter of visits, isolation, mail facilities and recreation with that received by the Hong Kong prisoners. He pointed out that Grey, as a British subject, was the legitimate object of our concern. The question affects Sino-British relations.
Moreover, the treatment of Grey, a foreigner in China, was noted not only in Britain but by other foreign countries.
5. In reply Chang, amidst some general abuse about Hong Kong, said that as regards visit of Legal Adviser the British had so far arranged only one visit in Hong Kong. Anything else was only what was provided for usual prisoners. Grey's alleged isolation was because he was the only correspondent under restraint. By contrast the British had arrested many in Hong Kong [? gp. omitted] Grey's conditions had not
CONFIDENTIAL
/deteriorated
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
deteriorated. They were better than before. He was allowed to use his personal possessions and could go upstairs to get his own things. All along he had been allowed to write letters to his family. Not long ago Grey had written a letter home.
6.
Lengthy exchanges followed in which Cradock repeated our requests and asked that very serious attention be given to them, particularly in relation to the solitary nature of Grey's confinement, which could gravely affect his physical and mental health. The interview ended at Chang's request after two hours.
7. Full record follows by bag.
8.
See my immediately following telegram.
F.0. pass Hong Kong No. 328.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested].
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept. P.U.S.D. I.R.D.
U.N. Dept.
C.0. H.K.D.
News Dept. S.A.D.
F.E. and P. Dept.
uuuuu
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher Cat A
барил
Catty ALSO ON FR 13/8
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Tel No. 452
CONFIDENTIAL
20 May, 1968
RECEIVED IN
ARC
211
(35)
FD 13/8
paganis
Addressed to Foreign Office telno. 452 of 20 May repeated for information to Hong Kong.
??
My immediately preceding telegram.
←
MIFF
This was a long and abrasive interview, Our points were registered, but the Chinese attitude was unyielding and I would not (repeat not) expect us to succeed in bringing about much change in Grey's situation in this way. It was fairly clear that the Chinese link further visits to him to further special visits to News workers in prison in Hong Kong. I shall now prompt the West German correspondent, who is a friend of Grey, and possibly other friends in Foreign Missions, to apply for an interview with him but I see little hope of these requests being granted.
2. On matters of detail, two new points emerged about Grey's present treatment:
3.
(a) Grey has recently written at least one letter home, and
(b) he is sometimes allowed upstairs in his house to fetch
belongings.
Compared with what Grey told me when I saw him on 23 April. (b) seems new minor concession by the Chinese. The Chinese claim that Grey's conditions had improved rather than deteriorated probably refers to improvement in his food after first few months, as [? gps omitted] when he also moved to a larger room as he intimated to me on 23 April.
F.O. pass Hong Kong 327.
Sir D. Hopson
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:
F.O. F.E.D.
Consular Dept.
I.R.D.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
News Dept.
[Repeated as requested]
C.Ó. H.K.D.
S.A.D.
F.E.P.D.
News Dept.
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Wilkinson
Ascored FC 13/8.
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
1 5 MAY 1968
FP 13/8
MR. GREY
ACCESS AND IMPROVELENT OF CONDITIONS OF DETENTION
(134)
Following on our meeting with the Governor of Hong
Kong on 3 May, I submit a draft telegram to Peking dealing
with what steps right now be taken to gain further access
to Mr. Grey and to improve the conditions of his detention.
The Commonwealth Office concur.
2. The background is given in my submission of 2 May
(attached).
3. A separate submission will be made about negotiating
the release of Mr. Grey.
Copy to Mr. Carter, C.0.
ваши Гламод
(James Hurray)
7 May, 1968
Sin D. Allen
Both there tob.
H
the fruit f
with Sin D. Trench
to not. I think,
до
Morey поводу же дела
An
леджін
丁
I agree
om discussion
self-explanatory, and
subminion to Minister.
CONFIDENTIAL
Philkinson
7/5
E
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No 31
15 MAY 1968
Kr. Wilkinson
Also or F213/8
CONFIDENTIAL
+
IN
*... 31
1008
(133
F813/8
Jr, pa 915-
Discumad with Si A Tunch 3/5
R.
CONSULTATIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
VISITS TO MR. GREY
Problem
Sir D. Hopson visited Mr. Grey on 23 April and concluded
that the worst aspect of Mr. Grey's condition was his isolation.
Sir D. Hopson believes that our immediate efforts should be
concentrated on securing improvements in this respect. The
question of Mr. Grey's release on which Sir D. Hopson has also
commented is dealt with in a separate submission.
2.
Sir D. Hopson's proposals fall into two categories:-
(a) that he should press the Chinese to allow Mr. Grey
such comforts as more books, magazines and letters
in and out; and also, as a longer shot, A
gramophone, records, wireless and telephone;
(b) that he should ask the Chinese for another visit
to Mr. Grey in Kay, pointing out that his isolation
is worse than that of the Communist prisoners in
Hong Kong and contrasting their regime with his
complete isolation; and that if this request is
turned down, he be authorised to offer immediately
another round of special visits to the Communist
newspaper workers in Hong Kong prisons in return
for a further visit to Hr. Grey. He would propose
such a visit on similar conditions to last time.
/3.
CONFIDENT IAL
CONFIDENTIAL
2
-
3. Category (a) above raises few problems. Hong Kong
have furnished Sir D. Hopson with arguments about letters
and books (though they call for certain caution regarding
books since the Chinese would certainly seek to make an
issue of the refusal to give prisoners in Hong Kong the
"Thoughts of Hao Tse-tung").
Category (b) raises much more serious problems and
Hong Kong telegram No. 536 expresses a reluctance to sanction
further special visits in Hong Kong except as a last resort.
The Governor is also reluctant to see Sir D. Hopson going
into too much detail with the Chinese regarding the respective
conditions of Kr. Grey and the prisoners in Hong Kong-
5. We have to decide what line to take with the Governor
at the meeting in the Commonwealth Office on 3 May.
Recommendationa
6.
I recommend that:-
(a) We go through Hong Kong telegram No. 536 with
the Governor in order to establish how far it
represents his own views (as opposed to those of the Officer Administering the Government.)
(b) We ask the Governor how long it will be before
he would be prepared to contemplate another
round of "special visits".
(c) We ask whether he can agree that Sir D. Hopson
be authorised to discuss with the Chinese the
major complaints which they have made about
the Communist prisoners in Hong Kong.
CONFIDENT IAL
/(a)
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3-
Flag A
Flag B
Flag C
(a) We explain to the Governor that there would
be great difficulty in resting where we are;
we shall be under considerable public and
parliamentary pressure to demonstrate that we
are doing our best to secure an amelioration
in Mr. Grey's conditions, particularly to secure
further visits. In our view there is very little
chance of achieving this unless there is a further
round of visits in Hong Kong.
Background
Aa
7. Sir D. Hopson considers, and I agree, that after the
visit to Mr. Grey (Peking telegram No. 341) we should not
rest on this achievement (Feking telegram No. 348). He can
of course tackle the Chinese immediately regarding the con-
ditions under which Mr. Grey is being held and, if he is
authorised, rebut certain Chinese complaints about the alleged
isolation of Communist prisoners in Hong Kong- It is possible
that he may make some limited progress in this direction.
Hong Kong have pointed out in their telegram No. 536, all
Communist prisoners in Hong Kong enjoy the monthly privilege
of visits from friends and relatives. The next step therefore
would seem to be for Sir D. Hopson to attempt to secure
similar monthly non-official visite to Mr. Grey, e.g. by
the wives of members of the Mission or by other members of
the foreign community in Peking.
8. Sir D. Hopson expects, however, that the Chinese will
turn down his request. I am afraid this is almost certain.
We
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
.4
We must therefore face the fact that we will not get access
again to Mr. Grey until a further round of special visits
is permitted in Hong Kong. The Governor of Hong Kong has
argued that a further round of such visits would be
regrettable in general and particularly so in the near
future; it would tend to consolidate N.C.N.A.'a special
position in Hong Kong and give them a propaganda advantage;
it might encourage the Chinese to make further use of Mr.
Grey as a bargaining counter; and there might be an adverse
effect on public opinion in the Colony. The Governor adde
that the Chinese might well raise the price of a further visit.
We see the force of these arguments and agree that we should
not be seen to be running after the N.C.N.A. There are,
however, two counter arguments which must be borne in mind:-
(a) We have already conceded the point of principle by
permitting the first visit. There may be some
advantage in following up the tacit understanding
that appears to have been reached on the matter of
visite rather than allowing the understanding to lapse
and then finding ourselves in a position where we have
to revive it with a further round of elaborate nego-
tiations with N.C.N.A.
(b) The Chinese may raise the price of a further visit
whenever we propose it; but they would be particularly
prone to do so after a gap in which our inability to
secure further access to Mr. Grey other than by
accepting Chinese terms had again been demonstrated.
CONFIDENTIAL
/These
E
CONFIDENTIAL
- 5-
9.
These two points might well be made to the Governor
when we discuss telegram No. 536.
A chronology of attempts to obtain access to Mr. Grey
is attached at Annex A.
Mumay
(James Murray)
2 Kay, 1968
Copy to Mr. Carter, C.0.
CONFIDENTIAL
E
Mr. Wilkinson
ALSO ON FC 13/8"
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
15 MAY 1968
FDB/B
1
132
MR. GREY
POSSIBILITIES OF NEGOTIATING HIS RELEASE
I have already subritted a draft telegram to Peking
dealing with steps which might be taken to gain further
access to Mr. Grey and to improve the conditions of his
detention. I now submit a draft telegram dealing with the
question of negotiating his release. Commonwealth Office
concur.
2. The background is given in my submission of 2 lay
(attached).
Copy to Mr. Carter, C.o.
James Murray.
(James Kurray)
7 Kay, 1968
13.
Sri D. Allen.
Philharison 7/5
Atis
CONFIDENTIAL
по
Julares
17. Jaa. Ja pa 9/5
ARCHIVES No.31 15 MAY 1968
FOB/8
Also on
CONFIDENTIAL
F2 13/8218
Mr. Wilkinson Discussed with Sir D. Tunch 3/5
(131)
paß3915 разъ
4/5
Flag A
CONSULTATIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
RELEASE OF MR. GREY
In the light of hie visit on 23 April to Mr. Grey, Sir D. Hopson has recommended certain actione designed to bring about an improvement in the conditions of his detention and if possible to secure a further visit. These matters are
considered in a separate submission. Sir D. Hopson has also
made proposals designed to prepare the way for Mr. Grey's
release.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that we should discuss with the Governor
the possible lines of action outlined by Sir D. Hopson to examine which would be likely to present least difficulties for the Hong Kong Government now or in the future.
Background
3. A record of past efforts to negotiate Hr. Grey's release
is at Annex A. These efforte have consisted of an indication
by Hr. Brown in a letter to Ch'en Yi last August 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; and subsequently of specific offers to exchange Mr. Grey for Hsueh P'ing, one of the two N.C.N.A. reportera imprisoned in
Hong Kong. The Chinese have not responded to Mr. Brown's
letter or to the specific offers.
CONFIDENTIAL
16.
CONFIDENTIAL
-
- 2 -
4. It is clear that in negotiating the release of Mr. Grey
we are confronted with two overlapping problema:
(a) the number of Communist journalists imprisoned in
Hong Kong which the Chinese want to see released in
exchange for Mr. Grey; and
(b) the place where these prisoners shall be released.
We do not know how many people the Chinese hope to see
released. The most optimistic estimate (which formed the
basis of previous offers to exchange Mr. Grey for Heueh P'ing)
is that the Chinese would be prepared to trade him for a single
N.C.N.A. journalist. This has achieved no results so far and
seems unlikely to succeed. It is possible that the Chinese
would settle for the release of the two imprisoned N.C.N.A.
journalists, Hsueh P'ing and Lo Yu-ho.
at least further exploration.
This hope deserves
It may, however, be too sanguine.
The Chinese would only give us access to Mr. Grey after a
special visit had been permitted in Hong Kong to the two
N.C.N.A. reporters, 11 other journalists and 7 other "patriotic
newspaper workers" 20 persone in all. By analogy their price
for the release of Mr. Grey could be the release of all of
these.
5. The Chinese have insisted in their exchanges with Sir D.
Hopson about a reply to their "demands" that the release of
Communist prisoners in the Colony is a matter of major
importance. They have also indicated in the matter of two
Communist film stars whose deportation was attempted last
month, partly as a test case, that they would resist expulsion
CONFIDENTIAL
/of
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3-
of Communiet offenders from the Colony to China, at least
without prior Chinese agreement. It seems likely therefore
that what the Chinese would really like to see is the release
of all the persons mentioned in paragraph ↳ above and that the release should take place in the Colony. This would clearly be intolerable for the Hong Kong Government.
6.
Without going as far as this, however, it may be possible
to offer the Chinese a reasonable package within the limits
of what is tolerable in Hong Kong. Sir D. Hopson has put
forward a series of possibilities:-
(a) that he tell the Chinese we would be prepared to
release Hsueh P'ing on the understanding that the
latter would "volunteer" to visit China and stay
there until the expiry of his sentence, after which
he would be free to return to Hong Kong.
(b) that if, as seems likely, the Chinese demur, this
offer be extended to cover the second N.C.N.A.
reporter, Lo Yu-ho, as well.
(c) that if both these offers are refused we consider
simple release of both N.C.N.A. reporters in the
Colony, as a last resort.
(a) that while any attempt by the Chinese to have all
the persons mentioned in paragraph 4 released in the Colony would be clearly intolerable, we might consider releasing them if deportation were guaranteed.
7.
Sir D. Hopson is aware of the problems that his proposals raise for the Government of Hong Kong. He concedes that it is
CONFIDENTIAL
/difficult
CONFIDENTIAL
- 4 -
difficult for the Governor to discriminate in favour of
any particular category of prisoner; that a further approach
may be construed by the Chinese as a sign of weakness; and
that the Chinese might seek deliberately to extend the dis-
cussion to other Hong Kong issues
-
something which we
strongly wish to avoid. However, Sir D. Hopson balances
these points against the following considerations:-
(a) that until we have at least settled the question of
the two N.C.N.A. reporters to Chinese satisfaction,
Mr. Grey will not be released. (The earliest date
reportera
at which the N.C.N.A./would normally be released is
September, 1969);
(b) that the Chinese might just possibly find Kr. Grey
an embarrassment, which would give us a little
leverage;
and
(c) that the release of the two N.C.N.A. reporters, if
agreed, might be regarded by the Chinese as providing
the token victory they need before ending their
campaign against the Hong Kong Government.
(a) is almost certainly true; (b) and (c) are harder to prove
and could only be tested in practice.
8. Sir D. Hopson also refers to the question of a larger
act of clemency affecting other "confrontation" prisoners.
He has asked for our views and those of the Governor on
whether the prospects of such a step are now any brighter
than they were and for an indication of our long-term plans
/for
CONFIDENTIAL
E
CONFIDENTIAL
- 5 -
for dealing with such prisoners. Sir D. Hopson believes
that despite progress in other fields relations cannot
get back to anything like normal until the issue of
prisoners is settled. He underlines the relevance of
this to the treatment of all British subjects in detention
in China (Other than Mr. Grey there are thought to be
some 10 of these.) This is a very large issue to introduce
at this stage and I think that it might be unwise to inject
it into discussion of Mr. Grey's possible release. If
Mr. Grey is to be released before 1969, the Governor will
have to be asked at some point to make some unpalatable
concessions and we do not wish to make his difficulties any
greater.
James Morrany
(James Murray)
2 May, 1968
Copy to Hr. Carter
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
ANNEX A
EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE MR. GREY'S RELEASE
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
was that his suggestion had been noted but that
there was no news yet.
CONFIDENTIAL
'ED IN
14 MAI 1900
| SP 1/8
Cypher/Cat A
ALSO ON FC13/18
CONFIDENTIAL
IIZEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
130
Jupm 18/5
Telno 420
11 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 420 of 11 Kay Repeated for information to Hong Kong
My immediately preceding telegram.
129)
On the question of Grey's release I conclude from your telegrams that there is very little you feel we can do at the present time. As your telegram 460 recognises this blights any prospect of Grey's early release, with all the attendant risks to his physical and mental health which continued solitary confinement entails.
2. I saw only disadvantage in returning to the charge with proposal that N.C.N.A. men and other newspaper workers might be released to China in return for Grey without any of them being able to come back to Hong Kong. After clear rejection of this offer by Lo Kuei-po on 13 April, its reiteration now would merely irritate. We must however explore whether there is any amendment to this offer that might make it more acceptable to Chinese. The proposal to release prisoners to China until their sentences in Hong Kong expire seems to me much the best line to investigate. I do not see why it must be regarded in Hong Kong as a sign of weakness (paragraph 3 of your telegram 460). The effect would be to release prisoners in Hong Kong no sooner than if they had served their full sentence and were then released in the Colony as will happen if we do nothing. I agree that we should test Chinese attitude over releasing Choi (Hong Kong telegram No. 454 paragraph 3). We should also examine possibility of post dated re-entry permits (your telegram 459 paragraph 3). If there appears to be som scope for putting an amended proposal about release to China the best course may be to try this out with Li Chou-chih (Hong Kong telegram No. 454 paragraph 4).
3. If none of this works, are there any legal devices which might be employed to grant greater than normal remission to N.Č.N.A. and other journalist prisoners? This would accelerate date at which Grey might expect release and would have the advantage of avoiding publicity.
Foreign Office please pass Hong Kong 300. Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
Consular Dept.
F.O. F.E.D.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
ROPER
I.R.D.
C.O. H.K. Dept.
News Dept.
S.A.D.
F.E. & P.D.
CONFIDENTIAL
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
F
1
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No. 31
1 4 MAY 1968
FP15/8
ALSO IN FC 13/8
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 419
11 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
1129
has istopa
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 419 of 11 May Repeated for information to Hong Kong
Your telegrams Nos. 459 and 460: Grey.
I agree that question of visits and conditions of confinement had better be kept separate from that of release.
2. Unless I hear from you to the contrary we shall on 16 May ask for an interview on Grey. At this we shall raise the question of improved conditions for him and of informal visits by non-diplomatic friends.
3. In the meantime I hope Hong Kong (see paragraph 4 of your telegram No. 459) will explore possibilities of putting N.C.N.A. and other journalists under as liberal régime as possible, though no action should be taken until we see the result of interview above.
4.
On the question of release see my immediately following telegram.
Foreign Office please pass Hong Kong 299.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
F.O. Far Eastern Dept.
Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.O. Hong Kong Dept.
News Dept.
South Asia Dept.
F.E. & P.D.
FFFFF
CONFIDENTIAL
CYPHER/CAT A
CONFIDENT LAL
ALSO ON F8 13/8.
7128
ROUTINE HONG KONG
TELNO. 591
TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
RECEIVED IN 1 MAY 1968
ARCHIVO < NO
1 3 MAY 1968
FD13/8
CONFIDENT HAL
TOP COPY
mspe
ADDRESSED COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AS MY TELEGRAM NO. 591 BATED 11TH MAY
FFI PEKING.
12
120
YOUR TELEGRAM 797 (NO.459 TO PEKING]: GREY.
WE FEAR THAT THE TRANSFER OF THE TWO NONA AND OTHER JOURNALISTS TO
AN OPEN PRISON COULD BE INTERPRETED BY THE COMMUNISTS AS A HOSTILE
MOVE, FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
CAD IT WOULD DEPRIVE THEM OF CONTACT WITH THE MAJORITY OF COMMUNIST
PRISONERS, WHO ARE IN STANLEY,
(B) THEY WOULD BE LESS ACCESSIBLE TO VISITORS,
(C) THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO WORK, WHICH THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO
AT STANLEY.
2. THE COMMUNIST PRESS HAS ALREADY PROTESTED AGAINST THE TRANSFER
OF CERTAIN COMMUNIST PRISONERS TO CHI MA WAN OPEN PRISON ON LANTAO
ISLAND, DESCRIBING IT AS A HARD LABOUR CAMP.
3. IT IS NOT EASY TO SUGGEST ANY ALTERNATIVE MOVES TO EASE
CONDITIONS FOR THESE PRISONERS, THEY ARE ALREADY RECEIVING
PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, IN SO FAR AS NO CREPEAT NO) DISCIPLINARY
ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AGAINST THEM AS A RESULT OF THEIR REFUSAL TO
WORK AND THEY ARE STILL RECEIVING ALL THE NORMAL PRIVILEGES.
CO PLEASE PASS PEKING 219.A
MR. GASS
[REPETITION TO PAKING REFERICED FOR
DEPARTMENTAL DECISION 1,
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
P.0.
0.0.
F.E.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
NEWS DEFT.
DEFENCE DEPT.
F.U.S.D.
I.K.D.
H...D.
F.I. & P.D.
NEWS DEPT.
S.K.D.
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
Pase and FC13/8.
127
CONFIDENTIAL
Ad00 dol
PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
elno 586 10 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Peking telegram No. 218 of 10 May Repeated for information to Foreign Office
124
Your telegram No. 285: [401 to Foreign Office].
52 Detainees.
RECEIVED IN ?ARCHIV~ › No 41
1
Mr. Gass
1 3 MAY 1968
F013/8:
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
C.0. Hong Kong Dept.
F.0. Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.O. S.A.D.
F.E. & P.D.
DIS MOD
CONFIDENTIAL
F
LL
пори
[ARCH
1 3 MAIud
Cypher/Cat
FD13/8.
ALSO ON FC 13/8. FC13/8.
(126
[CONFIDENTIAL
TOP COPY
PRICKITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Telno 584 10 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
ᅲ
Addressed to Peking telegram No. 217 of 10 May Repeated for information to Commonwealth Office
(23
Your telegram No. 289. [407 to Foreign Office].
Jann
137.5 per
There is no regular day for monthly visits, and visitors can come at any date once a month without notifying Prison authorities.
2. Last monthly visits to both Lo and Sit were on 16 April.
Foreign Office please pass Priority Peking as my
telegram 217.
Mr. Gass
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.E.D.
E:8: Hong Kong Dept.
F.O. Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.0. F.E.P.D.
News Dept. S.A.D.
+
4
[Repeated as requested]
CONFIDENTIAL
Flag D
CONFIDENTI AL
RECEIVED IN S ?ARCHIVES M.
1 0 MAY 1968
1FD13/8-10758153
Mr. Samuel
PJECTS
fu
Reciprok in net virke's for
PRISON VISITS IN HONG KONG
2.
letten
leet
ха
F.E.D
میل
125
pample
NONA here?
In preparation for his visit to the Commonwealth
Secretary this afternoon, Mr. Rodgers asked for a note
on the point at issue between Sir Donald Hopson and the
Hong Kong Government in paragraph 2 of Peking telegram
No. 133.70
(70
2. I attach a note.
Copy to Mr. Wilkinson
Janne Unay.
(James Kurray) 21 February, 1968
Vint?
clock il cúrenday
Fc 13/8/149) Fo 13/8/72 FC 12/8/150) L'écouvred in Dept FD13/8/73
Enter per
- k
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
6125
Flag A
PRISON VISITS IN HONG KONG
The Chinese have been using our wish to have consular
access to Mr. Grey in Peking as a means of obtaining wide rights for New China News Agency (and other communist organisations) to make special prison visits, not merely to members of N.C.N.A. but also to other communist journalists
and members of other communist organisations. already visited once a month by relatives and friends. special visits would simply be made into propaganda demon- strations. Hong Kong telegram no. 1908 of 23 December
described the relevant prison rule as follows:
Prisoners are
The
"No persons other than relations and friends shall be allowed to visit prisoners except by special authority;
visite may be made once a month, but extra visits can be approved. Although there is no rule to this effect, there is a standing order that requests for an extra
visit must originate with the prisoner."
2. On 31 December Sir D. Hopson informed the Chinese accordingly. Presumably because their objective is to
establish a quasi-consular status for N.C.N.A., the Chinese
Flag B
Flag C
Government said that they could not agree that the prisoners
3
must themselves make requests for visits (Peking telegram No. 1). However, Hong Kong telegram No. 212 of 19 February put the
position differently:
19
"Extra visits to individual prisoners can be approved for reasonable cause at the prisoner's request. Again,
CONFIDENTIAL
/anybody
I
CONFIDENTIAL
2
Flag D
3.
anybody wanting to see a prisoner for any special
reasons is of course free to ask to visit him; if
the reasons are compelling, the visit can be allowed
again subject to the prisoner's agreement.
particularly relevant example is that an employer is
usually granted one visit to an employee."
A
The burden of Sir D. Hopson's complaint in paragraph 2
of Peking telegram No. 133 is that the Hong Kong authorities
should have indicated from the outset that if the employers
of the Communist journalists were to request a meeting, they
would usually be granted one visit.
4. That some at any rate of the employers are themselves
in prison may help to explain why the Hong Kong authorities failed to bring to notice the possibility of employer/visits
in the case of communist journalists.
The
5. If there has been any failure of co-ordination in this
case it has probably been between the Colonial Secretariat of the Hong Kong Government and the Prison Services.
latter are no doubt in normal cases a law unto themselves,
and failed in this particular instance to appreciate the political importance of all the issues involved. (In normal
circumstances, the distinction between a visit for which a
prisoner asks, and a visit requested by a friend and to which the prisoner agrees, cannot be very rigid; presumably very
informal action by the prison authorities could transform the
second category into the first.)
Jane
Humay.
(James Murray}
21 February, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED AXCHIVY :
10 MAY 1968
F013/8
Also @ FC 13/B
124
TOP COPY
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat A
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
распра
Telno. 401
9 May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Hong Kong telegram No. 285 of Repeated for information to Foreign Office.
May,
120
Paragraph 6 of your telegram No. 575 to Commonwealth
Office.
Grateful to know present total of detainees, as distinct from convicted prisoners, still held as a result of confrontation.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong 285.
Sir D. Hops on.
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
Consular Dept.
News Dept.
Defence Dept.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
..D.
C.O. H.K.
$.A.D.
F.E. & P.D. D.I.S.M.O.D.
DDDDD
CONFIDENTIAL
D IN
No.51
ALSO ON FRIS/8.
10
368
123
FD 13/8.
Cypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 407 9 May, 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
"OP CO
раткото
Addressed to Hong Kong telegram No. 289 of 9 May Repeated for information to:- Foreign Office
75
Paragraph 2 of Foreign Office telegram No. 459 to me.
Grateful if you would telegraph date of monthly visit to two NONA journalist prisoners.
F.O. pass Priority Hong Kong 289.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
Consular Dept
News Dept
Defence Dept
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.O. H.K.D.
F.E.P.D. News Dept S.A.D.
bbbbb
CONFIDENTIAL
ва горе
-F0.3/8
ALSO ON FC 13/8
122
HER/CAT A
CONFIDENTIAL
Jawors
75
ра
PRIORITY FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TELNO 460 7 MAY 1968
CONFIDENTIAL.
(FED)
ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 460 OF 7 MAY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.
M.I.P.T. : GREY.
THE GOVERNOR EXPRESSED HIS FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE DILEMMA WE FACE OVER GREY'S RELEASE, AND AGREED THAT IT WAS UNFORTUNATELY LIKELY THAT THIS COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED UNTIL THE QUESTION OF THE TWO N.C.N.A. REPORTERS HAS BEEN SETTLED TO CHINESE SATISFACTION. THE CHINESE PRICE WOULD PROBABLY BE THE UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL JOURNALISTS AND NEWSPAPER WORKERS UNDER DETENTION. THE GOVERNOR EMPHASISED THAT THOUGH THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG HAD GREATLY IMPROVED THE COMMUNISTS WERE CONSTANTLY SEEKING WAYS TO UNDERMINE THE GOVERNMENT'S AUTHORITY AND THAT THERE WERE THEREFORE SEVERE LIMITATIONS ON CONCESSIONS WHICH COULD BE MADE AT THIS STAGE.
2. THE GOVERNOR MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO RELEASE ALL QUOTE JOURNALIST PRISONERS UNQUOTE AND ANY NUMBER OF OTHER LEFT-WING PRISONERS, PROVIDED THAT THEY IMMEDIATELY LEFT THE COLONY AND THERE WAS NO COMMITMENT TO ALLOW THEM BACK AT ANY STAGE. BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT THE RELEASE IN THE COLONY OF THE N.C.N.A. REPORTERS OR OTHER PRISONERS IN CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH IT COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED THAT THEY WOULD LEAVE STILL PRESENTED VERY GREAT DIFFICULTY: IF THEY DID NOT LEAVE, THERE WAS NO WAY IN WHICH THEY COULD AGAIN BE DETAINED. UNFORTUNATELY EXPERIENCE OVER THE ATTEMPTED DEPORTATION OF THE FILM STARS SUGGESTED THAT THE CHINESE WOULD BE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ANYTHING SHORT OF UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE. WE AGREED, HOWEVER, THAT IT WOULD BE WORTH TESTING CHINESE INTENTIONS AGAIN IN THE WAY SUGGESTED IN PARAGRAPH 2 OF HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 539 TO THE COMMONWEALTH
OFFICE.
CONFIDENTIAL
/3.
CONFIDENTIAL
2
-
3. THE GOVERNOR SAW DIFFICULTY IN THE PROPOSAL TO RELEASE PRISONERS TO CHINA ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETURN AFTER THE DATE WHEN THEIR SENTENCES WOULD HAVE EXPIRED. THIS WOULD BE REGARDED IN HONG KONG MERELY AS DISGUISED RELEASE AND TAKEN AS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS. THERE WAS ALSO THE PROBLEM THAT CHINESE NORMALLY ONLY LEFT THE COLONY IF THEY WERE IN POSSESSION OF A RE-ENTRY PERMIT WHICH WOULD ALLOW THEM TO GO BACK FREELY. HE AGREED THAT THE AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE ASKED TO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF ISSUING POST-DATED RE-ENTRY PERMITS IN THE EVENT OF A SOLUTION ON THE ABOVE LINES BECOMING FEASIBLE AT SOME STAGE.
4. AS REGARDS A GENERAL AMNESTY, THE GOVERNOR THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS NOT YET ON THE HORIZON, AT ANY RATE IN THE CASE OF MAJOR OFFENDERS (THOSE WHO HAD COMMITTED TRIVIAL OFFENCES WOULD IN ANY CASE BE RELEASED FAIRLY SOON.) THE AMNESTY WOULD BE EXPLOITED BY THE COMMUNISTS AS COMPLIANCE WITH ONE OF THE FIVE DEMANDS AND WOULD DO GREAT DAMAGE, IT WAS AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO INJECT THE IDEA OF AN AMNESTY EVEN INDIRECTLY INTO DISCUSSIONS OF GREY'S POSSIBLE RELEASE.
5. WE REGARD THE GOVERNOR'S ARGUMENTS AS UNASSAILABLE THOUGH WE RECOGNISE THAT OUR INABILITY TO MAKE A CONCESSION OF SUBSTANCE BLIGHTS ANY PROSPECT OF GREY'S EARLY RELEASE.
6. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE THINK IT WOULD BE WISE TO KEEP THE MATTER OF VISITS AND RELEASE QUITE SEPARATE. WE SHOULD BE GLAD TO HAVE YOUR VIEWS ON THIS: AND ON WHETHER YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE ANY ADVANTAGE IN A FURTHER EFFORT AT THIS STAGE TO NEGOTIATE HIS RELEASE, HINTING TO THE CHINESE THAT THE QUID PRO QUO WOULD BE THE RELEASE TO CHINA (WITHOUT GUARANTEE OF RETURN) OF THE TWO N.C.N.A. JOURNALISTS AND POSSIBLY THE OTHER JOURNALISTS AND NEWSPAPER WORKERS ALSO,
/7.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
REIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM NO. 160 TO PEKING
- 3-
7. SINCE THIS TELEGRAM WAS DRAFTED WE HAVE RECEIVED HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 575 TO C.O. WHICH IS CLOSELY IN LINE WITH THE ABOVE. WE SHALL DISCUSS IT WITH THE GOVERNOR WHEN HE IS IN LONDON ON 13 MAY AND SHOULD WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS BY THEN,
SOSFA
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
NEWS DEPT.
P.U.S.D.
DEFENCE DEPT.
I.R.D.
C.0. H.K.DEPT.
NEWS DEPT. S.A.D.
F.E. & P.DEPT.
CONFIDENTIAL
Also ON FC 13/8.
121
CONFIDENTIAL
F2:13/8
CYPHER/CAT A
PRIORITY FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING
TF C 459
7 MAY, 1968 (FED)
рира.
Japan. 1575
ри
CONFIDENTIAL.
ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 459 OF 7 MAY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.
(171) FL13/8.
YOUR TELEGRAM NUMBER 348: GREY,
WE HAVE DISCUSSED WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WHAT STEPS MIGHT NOW BE TAKEN TO GAIN FURTHER ACCESS TO GREY AND TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS OF HIS DETENTION.
2. TO GAIN FURTHER CONSULAR ACCESS WE MAY INDEED IN THE FINAL INSTANCE HAVE TO OFFER ANOTHER ROUND OF SPECIAL VISITS TO QUOTE JOURNALIST PRISONERS UNQUOTE IN HONG KONG: BUT WE ARE VERY RELUCTANT TO TAKE AN INITIATIVE AT THIS STAGE. WE AGREE HOWEVER THAT WE SHOULD PUT ON RECORD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OUR DISSATISFACTION AT THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH GREY IS DETAINED. WE THINK THEREFORE THAT YOUR FIRST STEP SHOULD BE TO TEST WHETHER THE CHINESE WOULD ACCEPT NON-DIPLOMATIC VISITS (E.G. BY FRIENDS IN THE FOREIGN PRESS CORPS) TO MATCH MONTHLY VISITS BY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS ENJOYED BY PRISONERS IN HONG KONG. WE SUGGEST THAT, AS SOON AS THE NEXT MONTHLY VISITS TO THE TWO N.C.N.A. JOURNALISTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE, YOU SHOULD ASK FOR ACCESS ON BEHALF OF ONE OR MORE OF GREY'S FRIENDS.
3. WE HOPE THAT YOU NOW HAVE SUFFICIENT AMMUNITION ON PRISON CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG TO PRESS FOR IMPROVED CONDITIONS FOR GREY. IN DOING SO IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO AVOID SO FAR AS POSSIBLE DISCUSSION OF N.C.N.A. COMPLAINTS ABOUT HONG KONG PRISON CONDITIONS. YOU WILL NO DOUBT WISH TO MAKE THE POINT IN PARAGRAPH 2 OF YOUR TELEGRAM UNDER REFERENCE.
4. WE CONSIDERED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY STEP THAT COULD BE TAKEN IN HONG KONG TO BACK UP YOUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE GREY'S CONDITIONS. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE VERY LIMITED SINCE THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
CONFIDENTIAL
/IN
CONFIDENTIAL
+
IN HONG KONG IS SO LIBERAL. THE GOVERNOR DID SUGGEST THE POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING THE TWO N.C.N.A. AND OTHER JOURNALISTS INTO AN OPEN PRISON. THERE MAY, HOWEVER, BE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES: AND IT IS ARGUABLE THAT CERTAIN POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES (E.G. PRISONERS MAY BE LESS ACCESSIBLE TO VISITORS AND LIABLE TO HEAVIER WORK) MAY MORE THAN CANCEL OUT ANY PRESENTATIONAL ADVANTAGES OF SUCH A MOVE. WE WOULD WELCOME HONG KONG'S COMMENTS ON THIS SUGGESTION,
5. M.I.F.T. DEALS WITH THE QUESTION OF NEGOTIATING THE RELEASE OF GREY.
SOSFA
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
CONSULAR DEPT.
NEWS DEPT.
DEFENCE DEPT.
P.U.S.D.
I.R.D.
C.O. H.K.D.
F.E. AND P.D.
NEWS DEPT.
SOUTH ASIA DEPT,
CONFIDENTIAL