FCO 21/44 Arrest of Foreign Friends

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File No.

FC: 1/39.

PART

(M.B. The grading of this jacket must be the same as that of the highest graded document contained in it. The appropriate sperading sắp must be affixed when ever necessary.)

CONFIDENTIAL

FOREIGN OFFICE

DEPT. r:

TITLE:

THE ARREST OF

CASTERN

CHINA! POLITICAL AFFAIRS INTERNAL

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RECİSTRY ADD

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DO NOT RETAIN FILES AND PAPERS UNNECESSARILY

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FCI 39.

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CONFIDENTIAL

LILI

Downing Street.

PART

FNxW

RECEIVED IN {ARCHIVES No.31) 11 OCT 1968

65 Mount Street, HEIDELBERG. VIC. 3084 30th September, 1968

LAST PAPER

مه

Sir Donald Hopson,

ex-Ambassador to China,

Foreign Office,

LONDON 3.7.1.

Dear Sir Donald,

proper 11/10

I am most grateful to you for your full reply of September 13 concerning the Epsteins. I am glad to know that the Foreign Office will continue to pursue the matter but one can hardly be optimistic about the result,

I should be very glad if you would instruct the appropriate official to send me any further information that may be obtained in the future.

Incidentally, Kra. Epstein comes of an old Yorkshire family and it occurs to me that information could possibly be obtained from that source. I do not know the address of any member. The correct spelling is not Cholmondley. However, the pronounciation of 'Chumlee' is retained,

LAST PAPER

Yourg sincerely,

Листьяства

Oscar Mendelsohn

x Mr. Boys.

Her in spells

LAST PAPER

it Each Cholmeley

CAST PAPER

AEROGRAMMI

BY AIR MAIL · PAR UNI

AIST FOLD HERE

航

MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

.466

10c

SIR DONALD HOFSON

FORLIQN OFFICE.

LONDON

Teat 3

8.W.1. 16 Belosa

Embank

S.W.I

(COUNTRY OF DESTINATION)

SECOND POLO HERE

SENDER'S NAME AND ADDRESS.

Üsoar Kendelsohn,

65 bunt Street,

Hoidelberg, Victoris. 3084

IF ANYTHING IS ENCLOSED OR ANY TAPE OR STICKER ATTACHED, THIS FORM MUST BEAR POSTAGE AT THE RATE FOR APMAIL LETTERS.

SUIT HERE

[

Note No. 138

VED IN

27/5

AK-

VES No.31

27SEP 1968

Fa1/39

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires present their compliments to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and have the honour to refer to their Fotes mimbered 76, 84 and 120 of the 24th of June, 4th of July and 17th af August, 1968, which requested confirmation of the reported arrest of Hrs. Elsie Epstein, details of ary charges brought against her and immediate consular access to her.

They

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires have so far received no reply to the above mentioned Notes. again urgently request the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to furnish the information requested on the above British subject and to permit immediate consular access to

her.

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China the assurance of their highest consideration.

office of the British Chargé d'Affaires, PEKIKO

14 September, 1968

Tote To. 136

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No 31

27 SEP 1968

1281/39

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires present their compliments to the Consular Department of the Hinistry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and have the honour to refer to their Notes mumbered 76, 86 and 118 of the 24th of June, 4th of July and 17th of August, 1968, which requested confirmation of the reported arrest of Kr. Kichael Shapiro, details of any charges brought against

him and inmediate consular socess to him,

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires have so år received no reply to the above mentioned Notes. They again urgently request the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to furnish the information requested on the above British subject and to permit immediate consular

access to hin,

office of the British Chargé d'Affaires, PETT

14 September, 1968

F4139

Duid

£816/9

PESS AÐ IN

ARCHIVES -16. POREIGN OFFICE, 8.#.1.

17 SEP 1968

13 September, 1968.

F21/39

Thank you for your letter of 15 August about Mrs. Israel Epstein née Elsie Fairfax-Cholmondley. She and her husband were employed by the Chinese in Peking and their political sympathies lay with the present Chinese Government and they avoided all contact with the British Mission. It was not until March of this year that members of the Mission heard rumours t at both she and her husband had been detained by the Chinese. The rumours suggested that the detention had taken place towards to end of last year or at the beginning of this. Since than the Mission has made repasted representations to the Chinese authorities requesting information about the whereabouts of Mrs. Epstein and consular access to her if she is in fɛet in detention. Approaches have also been made by Foreign Office Ministers in London to the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires here. None of our efforts have however produced any response from the Chinese so that we are forced to assume that Mrs. Epstein and her husband are indeed detained. We shall of course continue our attempts to obtain information about Mrs. Epstein but the pattern of this case is all too familiar to us cince there are at present a dozen or more other British subjects who are probably detained by the Chinese to none of whom consular access has been allowed; in no case have the Chinese answered our requests for information.

The fact that Mr. and Mrs. Epstein were employed by the Chinese probably means that the chance of any intervention on our part being helpful is even less than would normally be the 0280. I am sorry that there is nothing more specific or encouraging I can aɛy.

Ir. Oscar Mendelsohn,

65 Mount Street,

Heidelberg, N.22,

Victoria, N.S.M.,

Australis.

(D. C. Hopson)

L30

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN.

Registry Fa

No.

Fa/39

Top Secret. Secret.

Confidential. Restricted. Open.

Draft. Letter to:

Oscar Kendelsohn, 65 Mount Street, Heidelberg, N. 22, Victoria, N.S.7. Australia

тейротрави lam with the

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the Burtum Mishu.

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Mr.

For hi D. Hopson

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Dear Sir,

Thank you for your letter of 15 August

about Mrs. Israel Epstein née Elsie Fairfax-

Cholmondley.

Unfortunately we know very little about

Mrs. Epstein, but I can of course confirm

that as you suspect her political views are

well to the left. She and her husband were-

both employed by the Chinese in Peking and

It was not until March of this year that men-

The

bers of py Mission heard rumours that both she

and her husband had been detained by the

Chinese authorities, The rumours suggested

that the detention had taken placed towards

the end of last year or the beginning of

this. Since then the British Mission r

representation Beking has made repeated ápproaches to the

Chinese authorities with request for

information about the whereabouts of Mrs.

Epstein apá requesting consular access to

her if she is in fact in detention.

Approaches have also been made by Foreign

orrice Ministers in London to the Chinese

Chargé d'Affaires here. None of our efforts

amy response

have however produced a reply from the

Chinese so that we are forced to assume that

Mrs. Epstein and her husband are indeed

detained, We shall of course continue our

attem, ts to obtain information about Mra,

Epstein but the ether-British-subjecte

pattern of this case is all too familiar to

a Dozen al sol us since there are at present other

British subjects who are probably detained

by the Chinese to none of whom he consular

Las

access/been allowed and in no case have the

/been

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F4321

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires present

their

ir compliments to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republie of Chine, and have the honour to refer to their Notes numbered 76 and 84 of the 24th of June, 1968 and 4th of July, 1968, which requested confirmation of the reported arrest of Era. Eisia Iystein, details of any charges brought against her and

immediate consular access to her.

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires have so far received no reply to the above mentioned Notes. They again urgently request the Consular Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs to furnish the information requested on the above British sah ́oot and to permit

immediate congular access to her.

The Office of the British ChargỂ d'affaires avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Chine

highest consideration.

SEERPESS of their

British Chargé d'Affaires,

17 August, 1968

Lote No. 118

TRES {AR

Fa/39

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires present their compliments to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and have the honour to refer to their Botas mabered 76 and 86 of the 24th of Jane and 4th of July, 1968, which requested. confirmation of the reported arrest of Ir. Kichael Shapiro, details of any charges brought against hia and innodiate congelar socess to him.

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires have so far received no reply to the above mentioned Hotes. They again urgently request the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to furnish the information requested on the above British subject and to permit immediate consular sceens to kin.

Office of PRIINO

British Chargé d'Affaires,

17 August, 1968

15th August, 1968

RECEIVED IN 'ARCHIVES No.31

- 6 SEP 1968

Fa1/39

Sir Donald Hopson,

ex-Ambassador to China,

Foreign Office,

LONDON.

Dear Sir:

During my stay in New York shortly before World War II I employed as secretary an English girl, Miss Elsie Fairfax-Cholmeley, a very accomplished and poised young woman. Later she joined the Institute of Pacific Affairs. After I returned to Australia (where I was C.0. of the Scientific Section of the R.A.A.F. for the war years) she wrote to me from China. This correspondence continued on a strictly personal level until one or two years ago. Ι gathered that she had become an ardent supporter of Red Ching, that she had married an American journalist called Israel Epstein and that they had adopted two Chinese orphans. I formed the impression that she was persona grata with the Chinese Government and that both she and her husband were employed in some literary capacity.

About six or nine months ago I was astonished to read in the Australian Press that the Epsteins had been arrested aa spies. I have never met Israel Epstein but I am sure Elsie would have remained a person of integrity.

It occurs to me that you may know the facts of the case and I would be most grateful if you would let me know briefly what has happened.

My wife and I have a high regard for Elsie as a person though, of course, we do not share her presumed political beliefs.

раз

anto

4/9.

Australia

.2.

You will, of course, need to know that I am a reliable person. I am a well-known writer, current President of the Fellowship of Australian Writers and a member of the U.N.E.S.C.0. Committee on Letters. My publishers are Macmillan of London. My status can be established from Who's Who in Australia, the International Who's Who in Writing (London) and similar publications.

I hope you will understand our anxiety and let me have any information you possess.

Yours faithfully,

Deshandelsh

Oscar Mendelsohn

Enter

老

UNCLASSIFIED

(PEK/5)

Dear John

Office of the British

Mrs. Elsie Epstein

Chargé d'Affaires,

PEKING.

27 July, 1968.

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No. 31

AUG 1968

Fell39

I am replying to your letter FC 1/39 of 18 July instead of Alastair Hunter since I have taken over responsibility for Consular matters.

2. In answer to your enquiry I have to confirm that we have had no reaction to our Note No. 44 of 6 May.

Yours

ever,

Roger

(R. R. Garside)

E. J. Sharland, Esq.,

FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT,

FOREIGN OFFICE.

(FC 1/39)

UNCLASS IF IED

FOREIGN OFFICE, $.W.1.

18 July, 1968.

Nrs. Elsie Epstein

Please refer to John Boyd's letter of 23 April with which he enclosed a letter for Mrs. Epstein from her sister. You passed the letter on to the M.F.A. under cover of your Note No. 44 of 6 May.

I am sure that you would have let us know if your Note had elicited any reply from the Chinese. It would clear the position up for us, though, if you could confirm that you have had no reaction from our Chinese friends.

A. J. Hunter, Eaq.,

PEXING.

(E. J. Sharland) Far Eastern Department

22.

(PC 1/39)

Dir.:).

235/6

FOREIGN OFFICE, 8.W.1.

5 June, 1968.

Thank you very much for your letter of 25 Way about the probable detention in China of your wife's brother, David Crook, It was kind of you to take the trouble to confira our earlier telephone conversation in writing.

As a result of the same report in the press, Kro. Baker has been in touch with me and has let me see letters aba has received this year from her sister and her thres nephews. From these letters it seems clear that Mrs. Crook and her sons are not in detention although we must continue to assume that Mr. Grook himself is not at liberty until we have some clear evidence to the contrary. We shall therefore continue to press the Chinese for information about Mr. Crook's whereabouts and for cons ular access to his if he is in fact detained.

I will certainly let you know if we receive any further information.

(E. J. Bharland) Per Eastern Department

Alick Altman, Esq.,

222 Musters Road,

heat Bridgford,

Nottinghamsidre, 102 7DE.

24%

(PO 1/39)

DiD

285/6

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

5 June, 1968.

It was most kind of you to come and see ne yesterday and to let me keep the letters from you sister and nephews to you. I have taken copies of them and eralose them herewith. I regret that the note attached to the letter of 29 March was destroyed during the process of reproduction, but I include instead the copy, not very good I am afraid, which was obtained.

In view of the letters we must I think accept that your sister and nephews are not in detention. Equally, however, until we have somewhat firmer evidence to the contrary we will continue to work on the assumption that your brother in law in detained. We shall accordingly continue to press the Chinese authorities for information about his whereabouts and for consular access to him if he is not at liberty.

I shall of course keep you informed of any information which we receive.

Yrs. *

Baker, 6 Village Road,

Finchley,

London, N.3.

Tel. Fo. Pinchley 5343

(5, J. Sharland) Far Eastern Department

بلال

UNCLASSIFIED

I. Boyd, Esq.,

Wa Eastern Department.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

1 6 MAY 1968

Els 19 Edý

With the compliments of

the

British Chargé d'Affaires

PEKING. 6 May, 1968

(A. J. HUNTER)

Reference your letter to Alistair Hunter of 23 April.

Jam. 275

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires present

their complimente to the Consular Department of the Finistry

of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and

have the honour to refer to their Note Fo. 30 of the 2nd of

April naking for information about Kra. Elsie Epstein and

Kr. Michael Shayiro. They have not yet received a reply

to this Neto,

The Offios would be grateful if the Consular Department

would let them know as soon as possible whether Ers. Spetsin

and ir, Shapire are in fact in detention as has been

reported, and if so what charges if any have been brought

against thom. They also request early oeneular socess te

them.

In the mountine a sister of Era, Epstein, Mrs. R.

1. I

Coffrey, has asked the office je try and arrange for the

delivery to Era. Apatein of the enclosed letter which

informs Krs. Epstein of a serious accident to a young

member of her family. The Office would be grateful for

the assistance of the Consular Departacat in arranging for

this letter to be delivered to Ers, Epstein; and if she is

in detention they request that she be given the opportunity

of sending a letter of acknowledgment to her sister.

The Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires avail

themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Consillar

Department of the Ministry of Poreign Affairs of the

People's Republic of China the assurance of their highest

consideration.

Office of the British Chargé d'Affaires,

PIKING.

6 May, 1968.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No 31

6- MAY 1968

COPY ALSO ON FC 13)17/18.

FAR EASTER DEPARTMENT

[Note for the record]

Britons Detained In China

I have had two telephone calls about British subjects detained in Chiña vhich you will wish to know of for the record. One was from Mr. Blit, a journalist of Polish origin known personally to Mr. Rodgers, who was asking about Mrs. Epstein. It appears that

× Mr. Blit Is a friend of Mrs. Epstein's father-in-law

who lives in the United States.

2. Mr. D.C. Maxwell of 631 Wilbraham Road,

Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester 21 also telephoned about Mr. Barrymaine who is a personal friend of his.

In both cases I explained that we had made vigorous representations, so far unfortunately without result; and that we would keep the pressure up. Messrs. Blit and Maxwell seemed satisfied.

Momid Sammel

(.C. Samuel)

2 May,, 1968.

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88888

CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat A

PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Teino 350

25 April, 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

[Received without Preamble).

Your telegram No.393: Crook.

MÉCEIVED IN

IVES No 31

2 APR 1968

We have been sent a Note seeking information.

Foreign Office please pass Hong Kong 248.

1/39

Sir D.Hopson

DEPARTYENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

Consular Dept.

News Dept.

[Repeated as requested]

CONFIDENTIAL

Jazz/4

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[

42803 19600 AOS.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Fr.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

Minutes

2 APR 1968

Flag Flag B

Flag C ?

My minute of 19 April and our telegram So. 384 to Peking.

Aɛ explained in my minute under reference we believed that Mr. Crook was a Canadian subject. The Pasaport Office have now checked their records and are able to confirm that he is a citizen of the United Kingdon by birth and that his passport was issued to him in Peking on 12 November, 1965. They also confirmed that, even if he has become a Canadian subject in the meanwhile,it would not affect his status as a D.X. citizen.

3. Peking have heard that Er. Crook was arrested at the end of last year after he returned from a tour of the United States. No representations have been made on his behalf, however, because Peking shared our belief that he was a Canadian,

Now that we have evidence to the contrary you may wish to ask Peking to make representations the information about Kr. Crook's arrest is sufficiently reliable.

↳

I attach a draft telegram.

Sharland

(J. Sharland) 22 April, 1968.

Muybray

Reference

British Subjects determed en

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES NG 31.

2. APR 1968

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CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat.A

PRIORITY FOREIGN OFFICE TO

PEKING

JB25/4

Telno. 393

23 April 1968

(F.E.D.)

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Peking telegram No. 393 of 23 April.

Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

File

Our telegram No. 394: Crook.

The Passport Office have now provided the following information about Crook. He is a United Kingdom citizen by birth (born London 14 August, 1910). Passport number C 320224 issued to him in Peking 12 November, 1965.

2. If you consider the report about his detention sufficiently reliable, please seek information about his whereabouts from the Chinese authorities.

SOSFA

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

Consular Dept.

News Dept.

$$$98

CONFIDENTIAL

120:123|/|

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Fu139

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EMERGENCY IMMEDIATE PRIORITY

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(Date)

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393

PEKING

Address to....

23/4

telegram No.

(date)

repeated for information to...

:ONG KONG

Repeat to

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En Clair. Code- Cypher

Distribution :--

2.3.D.

699

Consular Dept.

News Dept.

J.R.D.

Copies to :-

Our telegram 384: Crook

The Passport Office have now provided the

following information about Crook. He is a

V.K. citizen by birth (born London 14 August,

1910). Passport number C 320224 issued to him

in Peking 12 November, 1965.

If you consider the report about his

detention sufficiently reliable, please seek

information about his whereabouts from the

Chinese antiorities.

M20 ful

20% 36 Hw.

F/39

Dis

LB 23/4

FOREIGN OFFICE, 8.#.1.

23 April, 1968.

Japa25/1

Ars. Misie Spstein

I enclose a letter from Mrs. R. s. Coffrey to her sister, Elsie Epstein, together with her covering note to me. Mrs. Coffrey hopes you may be able,

I have somehow, to get the letter to Mrs. Epstein. told her that the chances of your being able to do so are very alis indeed but that in view of the contents I would at least forward the letter to Poring.

2. The changes of your learning where Mrs. Epstein is and of gaining access to her are presumably nil. I suppose it is just possible that the Chinese authorities would be prepared to forward a message of some kind in the circumstances; but I leave the matter to your discretion.

3. Kearhile I have told Mrs. Coffrey that since we can give no guarantee of success she should also try to write in the normal way.

A. J. Hunter, 7sq.,

PAKING.

(J. D. I. Boyd) Per Eastern Department

Registry F21/39

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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File

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES N".31

24 APR 1968

23 April, 1968

F4/39

PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

elno 335

CONFIDENTIAL

Your telegram No. 384: British Subjects in Detention.

Our belief that Crook was Canadian was based only on hearsay. A letter in February from Wilford in Washington to you commenting on our letter of 2 January about Crook (our copy destroyed) stating firmly that he was British although his wife was Canadian. We cannot confim this but I have no reason to dispute it.

2. We shall of course report anything further that we learn about Martin. Contacts with Friendship Hostel group are however now so few and so difficult that there is little chance of obtaining

more information.

Sir D. Hopson

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.O. F.E.D.

News Dept.

Consular Dept.

unuuu

CONFIDENTIAL

مل

29/4

Fai/39.

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

FOREIGN OFFICE TO PEKING

Telno. 384

CONFIDENTIAL

19 April 1968 (F)

British subjects; Quarterly return for March.

Crock.

We had understood that Crook was a Canadian subject. Have you any new information to suggest he may be a United Kingdom citizen?

Martin.

You will no doubt be seeking further information to determine whether representations would be appropriate.

SOSFA

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

News Dept.

Consular Dept.

J.R.D.

DDDDD

CONFIDENTIAL

Now tel to Peking

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18107

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

Fa/39.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS (Date)

Top Secret Sedret

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(Date)

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CYPHER

[Security classification if any tion]

[

Privacy marking -if any

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

- ka

Cerfintin

telegram No...

-----

PAYS PEPIJI

(date)

384

And to

19/4

PIL...-L.

-----INT+

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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No. 39

From HUNTER (PEKING) 4/4.

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES N. 31

(10)

F21/39

The Office of the British Charge d'Affaires present

their compliments to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and have

the honour to request their assistance in the following matter.

The Office of the British Charge d'Affaires have received

a report that a British subject resident in Peking, Xrs, ōlsie Epstein, has been arrested, and that another British subject, Ir. Hichael Shapiro, has been detained for questioning,

The Office of the British Charge d'Affaires would be

grateful if the Consular Department would inform then whether the above report is correct, If it is correct, they would be grateful to know the reasons why Irs. Epstein and är, shapiro are detained, and they request consular access to them "

The Office of the British Charge d'Affaires avail themselvesS of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Chine the assurance of their

highest consideration,

Office of the British Charge d'Affaires,

PEKING.

2 April. 1964

Ed (4206)

Reference..

Fer 139. 9

TRANS. To Faz1/14

Fc21/14 3

(Dania Vermon

join)

EN CLAIR

REIGN OFFICE TO PEKING

TELNO 358

UNCLASSIFIED

伝

Fa/39.

ра

Jos pu 16/4

11 APRIL 1968 (F)

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELNO 358 11 APRIL REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG

NEWS DEPARTMENT SAID YESTERDAY ON THE RECORD THAT THE MISSION HAD ENQUIRED ABOUT MR AND MRS GORDON AND THEIR ELEVEN YEAR OLD SON, WHO ACCORDING TO RELATIVES WERE DUE TO LEAVE PEKING AT THE END OF OCTOBER IN ORDER TO RETURN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM VIA HONG KONG, BRITISH AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG HAD CONFIRMED THAT ACCORDING TO THEIR INFORMATION THE GORDONS DID NOT ARRIVE THERE.

SOSFA

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.O. F.E.D.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

C.O. H.K.D.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

No. Fai

DEPARTMENT

Fei/39

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Toe Secret Secret Confidential Bastilosed Unchider

Emergency

Routine

(Date)

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

reach addressee(s)

11 APR 1968

1829

IPLILI

Despatched

En Clair. Cody Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

No.

Peking

(Date)

And to:-

Sécurity classification

-if any

[Codeword-if any)

Addressed to

telegram No....

And to.......

358

repeated for information to

Penny

...(date)....

- I

/...

.....

11 april

Hory. Kny-

Repeat to:-

Hong

String to...

יום

VYPNI

News Department said yesinden

On the

recor

that

me Missin

Saving 10:-

had enquired about

GORDON

Mio Mhe. Gordon

their eleven new old son,

according to relativ

Whe

were due to

бель

leave Pernig

The end

ень в остой

return to

the United

Distribution:-

Держи Fo. F.E.D.

Consules Capics 18: News

C.o.

LLAM NE AT

160002 NAT RE

AT LOOStu

authat's

and ad

Kingdum vier Hong Kory. Brinni

ruthminis in Hong

Houy Kory had

Conprimed

that according to mas

nizomaren the

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деб

not arriveman.

That

娇

Sr. Samuel 4.4.67

CONFIDENTIAL

VD IN

.:: koð

F21139

CHINESE ACTIONS AGAINST "FRIENDLY" BRITONS IN

PEKING

We have had reports from our Mission in Peking that the

Chinese are currently turning their attention to the "foreign

friends" in Peking. "Foreign friends" are a group of people

of various nationalities who are resident in Peking and who

work in various capacities for the Chinese Government. The

large majority of them are resident in the "Friendship Hostel".

The Britons among them have never been friendly towards our

Mission and reports about them come either from individuals

of other nationalities also living in the "Friendship Hostel"

or from members of their families in the United Kingdom.

2. During last month our Mission obtained reports from a

Ceylonese contact in the hostel that some of the extreme left

wingers there, including African and Asian as well as Western

nationals, had come under suspicion by the Chinese authorities.

The report indicated that Mr. and Mrs. Epstein had been arrested

for alleged spying. Mr. Epstein has never been a British

subject. He was an American and is now reported to be a

naturalised Chinese. His wife, however, née Elsie Fairfar

Cholmondley, is undoubtedly British (she is the sister of a

highly-respected member of Barclay's Bank who has been in touch

with us); but, if reports that her husband has taken Chinese

nationality are true, the Chinese may reasonably regard her

/28

CONFIDENTIAL

as of dual British/Chinese nationality.

3. It was also reported that Mr. Michael B. Shapiro had

been detained by the Chinese and was under investigation.

Mr. Shapiro is a British subject whose passport was withdrawn

in 1954 because of his activities in Chine and North Korea

(in connection with the interrogation of British prisoners-

of-war) during the Korean war. He has been offered an emergency

travel document which would be valid for a single return journey

to the United Kingdom. This offer was last made in December,

1966, when he last applied for a new British passport.

declined. Some reports in the press have suggested that

It was

Hr. Shapiro has taken out Chinese nationality, but we have no

official knowledge of this. We also have been unable to trace

any record of his having renounced his British nationality,

although enquiries are still proceeding.

4. On ↑ April we asked our Mission in Peking to seek infor-

mation about the charges, if any, against Mrs. Epstein and

Mr. Shapiro and for consular access to the former. Peking

yesterday confirmed that they were addressing an appropriate

Note to the Chinese authorities.

Rumours have also reached our Mission that a Mr. D. Crook

and his family are also in detention in Peking. Mr. Crook is

a Canadian subject but we have taken no action in this case

as the rumour is not sufficiently firm.

6. On 1 February we were telephoned by the brother of Mr. Eric

Gordon, another "foreign friend" in Peking. Mr. Gordon was

/concerned

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENT IAL

- 3-

concerned that no news had been received from his brother

since November when the latter was due to leave China. The

authorities in Hong Kong had no record of Mr. Gordon and his

family having passed through; so our Mission in Peking asked

the Chinese authorities for assistance in discovering the

whereabouts of the family on 3 February. No reply has been

received. On 25 March therefore we asked Peking to make a

further approach to the Chinese authorities. Meanwhile a

contact in the "Friendship Hostel" has told members of our

Mission that to the best of his belief Mr. Gordon and his

family had left China. The contact had no knowledge of their

arrest or detention and was convinced that had they been

arrested or detained he would have heard.

6. Coming as it does at a time when Mr. Watt has been

sentenced to three years imprisonment and we have been able

to make no progress on the cases of Mr. Grey and Mr. Barrymaine,

the Chinese action against British "foreign friends" is tiresome.

There is little more we can do except to continue to remind

the Chinese that we are awaiting replies to our various Notes.

Janne Umay Munay.

(James Murray) 3 April, 1968

Copies to:

Sir D. Allen

Private Secretary

Mo Shaytime.

5/47/0

CONFIDENTIAL

Алекс

Jasz

thank

Ed (4206)

TRANS. to

Reference tz

to Fazi

за

Fe1/39.

FC21/14

(David Vernon Tomas)

(c)

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

PORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno 268

CONFIDENTIAL

2 April, 1968

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES N☛ 31

3- APR 1968

|F21/39.

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No.268 of 2 April,

Repeated for information to Hong Kong.)

Your telegrams Nos. 313 and 314: Arrested British Subjects.

зре

We are sending three Notes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, first asking for confirmation about and Consular access to Jones; second on Mrs. Epstein and Shapiro; and third repeating our earlier request in respect of Barrymaine. We have also telephoned the Ministry about Jones, but have received no reply so far.

Foreign Office please pass Hong Kong 189.

Sir D.Hopson

[Repeated as requested]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.O. F.E.D.

News Dept.

Consular Dept.

0.0. H.K.D.

Int & Gen Dept.

F.E. & P.D.

News Dept.

88888

CONFIDENTIAL

•F21/39.

CTV

-*/ CAT A

IMMEDIATE

TELNO 14

CONFIDENTIAL

REIGN OFFICE TO PEKING

1 APRIL 1968

(F)

TOP COPY

34-4

ра

CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NO 314 OF 1 APRIL REPEATED FOR

INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO 263 ARRESTED BRITONS

PLEASE MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, SEEKING DETAILS OF ANY CHARGES AGAINST SHAPIRO AND MRS EPSTEIN.

2. PLEASE ALSO TRY AGAIN TO OBTAIN CONSULAR ACCESS TO BARRYMAINE. WE HAVE HEARD FROM HIS DAUGHTER THAT HE IS AGED 68 AND HIS HEALTH IS NOT ROBUST: HE HAS HAD OPERATIONS FOR A BRAIN TUMOUR.

SOBRA

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.0.

0.0.

F.E.D.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NEWS DAPT.

8.A.D.

H.K.D.

F.E. & P.D.

CONFIDENTIAL

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Restricted

Unclassified

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

En Clair. Code Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

No.

Flush Immediate Priority Routine

(Date)...

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

De batched

Security classification"|

[ Privacy marking ]

-if any

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

ched

reach addressee(s).

+-----

CYPHER ED

]

CONFIDENTIAL

PEKING

Bing 314

telegram No...

314

(date)

JLIL

And to

(Date)

And to:-

Repeat to:-

Hong Kong

584

repeated for information to

Saving to.........

Homdannada KAZALJ

ipe

Herug.

KONG.

JILLI

Your telegram No 263

Cremonade a magya

Anected Britons

Please make representation

mdan dalk a

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

to the

Chunku

Saving to:-

authenter sucking

sucking details of

Ma Shapiro

aunch

Distribution:- Departmentine

any charges against

Mrs. EPSTEIN,

differently from the Boutin outfects

ADVe

FE.D

Corrida dest

for ten

infuriating the p

prevides

actions

Маці дерев

S.AD

have

Copies to:-..

202

julay 小

HW. Dyst

Please also try agoun

to obtain

Consula

access

BARRY MAINE.

We have

heard from his daughter that

he is

/ayed

his hearth

mr Jorma

aged

and has had operations for

brain tumour.

His health

-gobat

032717 E.W.65.,Ltd. 164m 3-67.

theros sist

3174.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Ed (4206)

Reference...

F21/39

TRANS.

то

To F221/14

(Dania Vemon Joren)

Cypher/Cat.A

AR-EIVES No 31

1-1968

CONFIDENTIAL

| FC 1/3200

IMMEDIATE

PEKING

סוי

FOREIGN OFFICE

OPY

Telno. 263

CONFIDENTIAL

1 April 1968

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 263 of 1 April. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

Your telegram No. 308:

Arrested Britons.

There is nothing we can add at present to "Hong Kong Star" report, which seems based on Appleyard's letter to wilson (I.R.D.) of 19 March

2. We regret that that letter stated that Epstein is British: so far as we know he is American, although his wife is British. Shapiro's British passport was impounded in about 1952 (you presumably have record of this).

You will no doubt advise us of any representations you wish made.

Foreign Office pass Hong Kong 183.

Sir D. Hopson

1 Repetition to Hong Kong referred for

departmental decision]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

Consular Dept.

News Dept.

S.A.D.

H.K.Dept.

F.E.P.D.

SSSSS

CONFIDENTIAL

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

F1139

En Clai

TLDIATE

lno. 308

CLASSIFIED

FOREIGN OFFICE

PEKING

30 March 1968 (F)

Addressed to Peking telegram No. 308 of 30 March And to Hong Kong.

Today's "Evening Standard" curries headlines

"Three Britons held in Peking".

It quotes "Hong Kong Star"

as citing reliable sources ror information that Mr. and Mrs.

Epstein and Michael Shapiro bad been detained by the Public Security Bureau earlier this month; the Epsteins had been charged with spying and Shapiro detained for questioning.

SOSFA

Grateful for your latest information.

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.0.

0.0.

SSSSS

F.E.D.

Consular Dept.

News Dept.

S.A.D.

H.K. Dept.

F.E.P.D.

یار

002

1681

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No. Fe Fei/39

Fest

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS (Date)..

Top Secret

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

reach addressee(s)

Despatched

Secret

Confidential

Restricted Unclassified

Flash Gameday

Routine

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

En Clair Code

Draft Telegram to:-

Peking

No.

(Date)

And to:---

308

[Securi

tion]

"Security classification -if any

[ Privacy marking

-if any ]

[Codeword if any]

Addressed to

telegram No.....

And to

11. DATE NAMAN Klubark (bl bladki karkan i dok saat selama

Peking

308

Hong Kong

3 repeated for information to

Hong Kong

Repeat to:-

Saving to:-

Distribution:-

TED Consular News

Copies to:-

Saving to

19.11.

(date)

Pada kam

3013

.........ethodi traktııtı- HOM

headlines

Today's "Evening Skadard" carriest

stay hd "Three Britons held

It quotes "HongKong Star"

Peking.

for

Mrs.

as citing reliable soures information that Mr. and Epstein and Michael Shapiro had be detained by the Public kemisty Bwean earlier this month; the Epikais

had been charged with

spying

Shapiro detained for questioning.

and

Grateful for

you

latest information.

ман 30/23

Departmental

dist.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

RECEIVED IN

APCOM 125 No 31

1- APR 1968

Mr Shaytand

Minutes

Mr Densond

By Mis

FE1139.

W.D

Enter.

€55

Telephone convenalini with Smart Selden

Mr Selter primo?

this in case

mot know i'm

Israel

is not winnied

Epsie is

Chinese,

Charmander

Elsie Farsforx.

is Britzon

адрид

they have two adopão

нны

Chinese children ("Meimes"

and "Didi"). Mr Selden

прай

will phone again

fini

us Elsie Fanfox.

cummoner's suüü

addren in Yaksuure

CAL

useful.

shrmet

120

Jinan 1/4

fr had thought M. Epstein was stateles.

६.