FCO 21/485 Detention of Anthony Grey

YEAR

STAMP

1969

....

of 5

SECRET

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH

OFFICE

DEPT.

FILE NO FEC

TITLE: CHINA

Powcy

REFER TO

NAME (and dept, when necessary)

هل

DATE

SEE:

יד -

F...

It.

Contents checked

for transfer to

D.R.O.

(Sgd.).

Date

FAR EASTL.N

Ес

1341 10211

DETENTION

(Part_A__)

OF ANTHONY GREY.

REFER TO

(and deg when ecessary) SEE:

KAME

Fowos

REFER TO

100

DATE

NAME

(and dept when necessary)

TO SEE:

DATE

FOLIOS

DO NOT RETAIN FILES AND PAPERS UNNECESSARILY

100

RETURN THEM TO REGISTRY FOR B.U. OR P.A.

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TO BE RETAINED AS TOP ENCLOSURE

Cabinet Documents

Folio

No.

Reference

Date

Extract from ce (68) 49th M

се

(68) 49th Mhg 5.12.68

The above-listed Cabinet document(s), which was/were enclosed on this file, has/have been removed and destroyed.

For complete series of Cabinet documents see CAB (CABINET OFFICE) CLASSES

Signed

Humper

Date 371.99

Ed (5084)

PART "A

NOW COSED

SEE PART 3

Reference.....

- CYPHER/CAT A

PF. ●TY HONG KONG

CONFIDENTI AL

TOP COPY

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELEGRAM NUMBER 2294

31 DECEMBER 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSED FCO TELEGRAM NO. 2294 OF 31ST DECEMBER REPEATED PEKING.

HY TELEGRAM NO. 2262 : ANTHONY GREY.

ustada

REUTERS WERE TOLD YESTERDAY BY CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE THAT SHUM CHUN

CUSTOMS WOULD NOT OBJECT TO THEIR SENDING A PARCEL FOR GREY INTO

CHINA. CHINA TRAVEL SERVICES WOULD NOT HOWEVER GUARANTEE EVENTUAL

DELIVERY. REUTERS HURREDLY PUT TOGETHER A PARCEL AND HANDED IT

TO CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE.

2. AS A RESULT OF AN INDISCRETION BY A JUNIOR MEMBER OF REUTER'S

STAFF A SUBSTANTIALLY CORRECT STORY APPEARED IN THE ENGLISH

LANGUAGE CHINA MAIL. REUTER'S CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE HERE THINKS

THAT THE CHINESE WILL REACT BY REJECTING THE PARCEL.

FCO PLEASE PASS ROUTINE PEKING.

SIR D. THENCH

FILES

FAR EASTERN DEPT. KONG KONG DRW

CONGULAR DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

XXXXX

REPEATED AS REQUESTED_/

CONFIDENTIAL

[

100)

EX CLAIR

TOP COPY

FRIORITY PENING TO FOREIGN AND CULLONKEALTH OFFICE

TELNO 1141

30 DECEMBER 1968

DANCE

UNCLASSIFIED

ADDRESSED TO FCO TELEGRAM NO. 1141 33 DECEMBER 1963 REPEATED

FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

PEOPLES DAILY OF 28 DECEMBER CARRIES FULL TEXT OF NCHA STATEMENT

O: GREY (MY TEL NO.1133).

PEOPLES DAILY AND NCNA OF 28 DECEMBER ALSO CARRY HONG KONG

NCNA REPORT DATED 23 DECEMBER ON FEI YI-MIN'S PRESS CONFERENCE

ON 23 DECEMBER, THIS LISTS FE!'S THREE DEMANDS OF HONG KONG

BRITISH AUTHORITIES AS (A) IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF ALL

BEATINGS AND MALTREATMENTS OF IMPRISONED PATRIOTIC CHIMESE

(B) IMMEDIATE ABROGATION OF THE SO-CALLED 'EMERGENCY REGULATIONS''

OF THE HONG KONG BRITISH AUTHORITIES AND(C) IMMEDIATE TELEASE

OF ALL THE PATRIOTIC CHINESE NOW ILLEGALLY DETAINED IN THE

PRI SONS AND CONCENTRATION CAMP.

THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE IS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT,

''FEL YI-MIN ALSO ANSWERED A QUESTION RAISED BY THE A.F.P.

REPORTER AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE A.F.P. REPORTER SAID THAT

THERE IS INFORMATION THAT THE RESTRICTION OF GREY'S FREEDOM WILL

CONTINUE UNTIL ALL THE THIRTEEN PATRIOTIC CHINESE JOURNALISTS

ARRESTED

-2-

ARRESTED BY THE HONG KONG BRITISH AUTHORITIES ARE RELEASED. HE

ASKED FEI YI-MIN TO GONFIRM THIS.

**FEI YIMIN REPLIED THAT HE IS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM

THIS INFORMATION, BUT HE CAN TELL HIS OWN VIEW. HE SAID: AFTER

THE CHINESE GOVERMENT ANNOUNCED TO RESTRICT GREY'S FREEDOM OF

MOVEMENT, THE HONG KONG BRITISH AUTHORITIES DID NOT STOP THEIR

UNWARRANTED PERSECUTION OF PATRIOTIC CHINESE JOURNALISTS IN

HONG KONG AND DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTORE HSI KHUA CORRESPONDENT

HSUEH PING AND OTHERS THEIR FREEDOM, ON THE CONTRARY, THEY WENT

FROM BAD TO WORSE AND ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED ANOTHER TEN OR SO

PATRIOTIC CHINESE JOURNALISTS IN HONG KONG. TO DATE, THIRTEEN

PATRIOTIC CHINESE JOURNALIST ARE STILL IN JAIL. THEREFORE,

BRITAIN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FACT THAT GREY'S

FREEDOM IS NOT RESTORED, FEI YL-NIN STRESSED. **

MR. CRADOCK

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION -

F. EAST. D.

HONG KONG DEPT.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

I.R.D.

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

BISTEA

198

TOP COPY

RECEIVED IN

PRIORITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO PEKING ARCHIVES No.31

TELEGRAM NO 1904

38 DECEMBER-1968-

FEC1Bel!

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 1004 OF 38 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

MY TELEGRAM NUMBER 1003 OF 27 DECEMBER: GREY.

기

DAVID CHIPP OF REUTERS ALSO RECEIVED A TELEGRAM FROM GREY ON 27 DECEMBER WIIICH ENDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REMARKS: QUOTE OTHERWISE FEELINGS INEXPRESSABLE THAT THOSE LONDONERS, WHO SHOULD AND COULD MEET THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES HELP ME, CONTINUE AFTER YEAR AND A HALF TO DO NOTHING. WOULD WELCOME GROUNDS FOR

OPTIMISM UNQUOTE.

2. THE IMPLICATION OF GREY'S REMARKS, WHICH REFLECT CRITICALLY ON REUTERS AS WELL AS ON OURSELVES, IS THAT WE SHOULD NOW MAKE CONCESSIONS, PRESUMABLY IN HONG KONG, TO SECURE HIS RELEASE. WE THINK THAT THIS PASSAGE MAY WELL REPRESENT GREY'S. OWN VIEWS

PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF YOUR REPORT THAT HE FELT RESENTFUL AND BITTER

AT WHAT HE CONSIDERED OUR ABANDONMENT OF HIM (YOUR TELEGRAM NUMBER 1969 OF 27 NOVEMBER). IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT THE CHINESE DICTATED

IT. ON THE OTHER HAND IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT THEY SHOULD ALLOW IT

THROUGH, PRESUMABLY THEY SEE ADVANTAGE IN USING GREY'S RESENTMENT

TO PUT PRESSURE ON US TO MAKE THE CONCESSIONS.

3. REUTERS HAVE DECIDED NOT TO PUBLISH THIS TELEGRAM FOR THE TIME

BEING..

STEWART

DEPART, ENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.EAST DET,

H.K.D.

NEWS DEPT.

I.P.D.

CONFIDENTIAL

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

PRIORITY MARKINGS (Date)

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Fle

Sacrak

Confidential

Priority

Restrized

reach addressee(s)-

Despatched

30122

2001

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

[Security_classification] CONFIDENTIAL

Fin Clair.

[

Соба

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

Pelding

50. 10.04.

(Date)

And to:-

Privacy marking

-if any 1.

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

telegram No.....

And to

PEKING

1004 (date)

3.0/12. repeated for information to

Repeat to:-

Hong Kong

Saving to:-

Distribution:--

Departmental:

FED

Hong Kong Dept. News Dept.

IPD

Copies to:

Новород

1740773722

Saving to

30 December

FONG KONG

---

sana nak je me lau▬▬ Aqqınıbabagong p

My telegram number 1003 of 27 December: Grey.

David Chipp of Reuters also received a telegram from

Grey on 27 December which ended with the following remarks!

"otherwise feelings inexpressable that those Londoners, who

should and could meet their responsibilities help me, continue

after year and a half to do nothing. Would welcome grounds for

optimism".

2. The implication of Grey's remarks, which reflect

critically on Reuters as well as on ourselves, ie that we

should now make concessions, presumably in Hong Kong, to

think

A that

Amay well secure his release. We believe that this passage probably

represents Grey's own views in view of your report after your recent visti] that he felt resentful and bitter at what he

Pulsn 344/2

considered our abandonment of him (your telegram number 1060 of

27 November). It seems unlikely that the Chinese dictated it.

On the other hand it is significant that they should allow it

through.

Presumably they

Cainers/co

Food/see advantage in using

/Grey's

Grey's resentment to put pressure on us to make the

concessions Thich they have

far faile

ailed to obtain by -

tain-by-

other meani

publish

Reuters have decided not to

telegram for the time being.

(10382)_D4.3928057154m (77 sorta) 1/

Le GE

30 Jee

publicity fo/this

Tof the

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

[

J. D. I. Boyd, Esq.

Exc

With the compliments of

THE OFFICE OF

Disl

разн

THE BRITISH CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES

Percy Cradock.

Please could you address the enclosed envelope to Tony Grey's mother - we don't seem to have an

address among

our records.

PEKING

Lake sever lo

Hoo trey

füzele

CYR E CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

IMMEDIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM NUMBER 1031

RECLIVED IN

TOP COPY'S No.31

- 3 JAN 1909

FERIBE/1

TO DAR ES SALAAM

Desca 92

30 DECEMBER 1968. (FE)

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO DAR ES SALAAM TELEGRAM NUMBER 1831 OF 30 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO PEKING.

YOUR TELEGRAM 1627: GREY.

REUTERS HAD INFORMED US OF THIS.

zan) (8!

2. PLEASE ACT AS YOU PROPOSE, INDICATING THAT YOU ARE DOING SO ON MY INSTRUCTIONS. YOU SHOULD ADD THAT IT IS OUR GENUINE DESIRE TO GET RELATIONS WITH CHINA ON TO A NORMAL FOOTING, BUT THAT THE DETENTION OF GREY IS A SERIOUS STUMBLING BLOCK.

STEWART

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTERN DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

EAST AFRICAN DEPT. CONSULAR DEPT. NEWS DEPT.

NNNNN

CONFIDENT 1 AL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

Top Legret

Sacche

Genfidential

Restricted,

Upalesfied

Flest

foumadiąte

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

reach addressee(s)

Despatched

2012/

PRIVACY MARKING

In-Confidence

[Security if any

Security classification

tion]

CONFIDENTIAL

En Clair.

[

Privacy marking -if any

]

------- In M.FOOT'ELT'ELATED SEA

Lodo

Cypher

[Codeword-if any)

Draft Telegram to:-

DAR BY SALA AM

No.

(Date)

And to:-

1031

Addressed to

telegram No....

DAR ES SALAAM

(date)

And to

30/12

repeated for information to PEKING (ROUTERS)

Repeat to:

Saving to

(Routine) PEKING

Grey.

Saving to:-

Pistribution:-- Statute

و گئے بکر

12302

30/10/68

& Afman Alt

Copier to:

Hapa nas jy kan d

dott fakt kommet turėjo padding

kikukkakomnw--

Your telegram 1027 of 28 December7:

this

Reuters had informed us of the termo of

Riyami's Tepły,

Please act as you propose, indicating

that you re doing so on my instructions.

You should i that it is our genuine iesire

to ket relations with China on to a normal

the

footing, but that detention of Grey is à

serious stumbling block.

Ande

M Hilary

With the compliments of

icto

THE BRITISH EMBASSY

さ

возорг

75 24/

焖

J. D. I Boyd, Esq.

Far Eastern Dett

F. X.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

(K.M. Wilford)

17 Dec 1968

Peking refuses cable concerning Grey case

By John Hughes Staff correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

Hong Kont

Communist authorities in Peking have apparently imposed a blanket ban on the acceptance of communications concerning prisoned Reuters correspondent Anthony

Chinese Premier Chou En-lai has just refused to accept a cable from this cor. respondent in connection with the Grey case. The cable, sent from Hong Kong to Peking, was neither protest nor plea but a straightforward journalistic inquiry as to Mr. Communist China's conditions for Grey's release.

Although the cable was received in the Chinese capital, cable company officials say the Chinese authorities refused to accept it. In the past this correspondent has sent a number of similar journalistic inquiries to officials in Peking by cable. None has been replied to. But cables have always pre- viously been accepted, and presumably read. This is the first refusal to accept ene.

This turn appears to reflect increasing Chinese embarrassment over the Grey case. Speculation here is that top-level in- struction have been issued to reject all communications concerning. Mr. Grey, of whatever character.

Embarrassment seen

After fruitless months of quiet effort 10 secure Mr. Grey's release, the British Gov. ernment now is encouraging publicity about Mr. Grey's plight in the hope that this may persuade the Chinese to release him.

Accordingly various groups and organiza. tions of journalists the world over have been protesting to the Peking government over Mr. Grey's detention. Newspapers in many parts of the non-Communist world have written editorials in similar vein.

There is, of course, no question of Mr. Grey's having transgressed any Chinese law. He is a political prisoner, held hostage following the detention and imprisonment in Hong Kong last year of a number of Chinese Communists. The Communists were

involved in riots and subversion against the British colonial government of Hong Kong.

Originally, Peking suggested that Mr. Grey was hostage for eight Communist journalists detained in Hong Kong. Those eight have been released, along with most other detainees. Some 16 people are still detained by the Hong Kong authorities.

In addition, more than 400 Chinese have been charged in the courts on various crimes connected with last year's disturb aaces, been found guilty, and now are serv ing their sentences in Hong Kong prisons. A Chinese official in London has hinted that Mr. Grey will not be released until various "journalists" among these convicted prison- ers are set free.

Intelligence sources say local Communists in Hong Kong are urging Peking to use Mr. Grey's ultimate release as a lever to gain maximum possible concessions in Hong Kong. But the Peking authorities must bal ance these pressures from their Hong Kong supporters against the bad international press they are getting for Mr. Grey's con- tinued imprisonment.

12. Counsell

Kisa Desk

Ah. With y 4 Enti

(me Guy)

не

بت با هر ایز

४.

Ethiopian Press Reports of Er. Foley's Recent Visit

Juper

Ꮀ

Er. Foley may be interested to

the attached

letter from ir Crosby informing us of the very favourable

reports carried by the press in Addis Ababa about the

Parliamentary Under Boeretazy's recent visit. A copy of

the text of the editorial in the Ethiopian Herald is also

attached. As this newspaper sets as the mouthpiess of the

Ethiopia Government, we can safely samme that the Emperor

and his Government vere flattered to have been singled out

for a visit a spesial omissary from the British Prime

Minister.

(D. J. Moss)

24 December, 1968

East Africa Departmem $

Copies with both enclosures to:

Ir. Tebbit

nest Afpisa Department

Information Research Department

Copy of letter only:

Par Kastern Departamt

(1/8)

CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Moss,

}

CM 241 Xu

BRITISH EMBASSY,

ADDIS ABABA.

16 December, 1968.

LAD

Ethiopian Press

You (and other departments) may be interested to know that we had a very good press here in connection with Mr. Foley's recent visit. The visit was the main news item in all five papers and the editorials all welcomed the proposed British initiative on Nigeria while making it clear that in their view the Nigerian problem was an African problem to be solved by Africans. The Herald editorial of 12 December (summarised in our telegram No. 656) was the most favourable we have had since the queen's visit and I attach a copy. I have no doubt that this was commissioned from on high.

2. I.R.D. may also like to know that the 0.0.1. International Commentary on Anthony Grey (045/68 of 29 November) written by Terence Prittie, diplomatic correspondent of the Guardian, was carried prominently by the Voice of Ethiopia and the two Amharic dailies. We were especially pleased about this as the · Ethiopian Press is reluctant to carry anything in the least bit controversial. If the Russians had been under attack it would no doubt have been a very different atory.

3. Bince dpafting the above the Voice of Ethiopia have also carried 'an FiW.P. story on Anthony Grey which was most favourable to us!

East Afridan Department,

D. J. Mosa, Beq..

Foreign and A.W..

Torever, Ich look

(J. K. Grosby)

ommonwealth Office,

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES.

ZA DECLA

JEG 3/548/3

ᅡ

CONFIDENTIAL

Spparte minute.

DOM 24/m

RECEIVED IN

ARCH=1:

CODEC 1508

FECIZ

My New Keith

O FED.

1) News Dept.

Enter bran

Muri Spila

ed dertify quitation at asterisk.

British Embassy,

Grateful if

Padyan Sincla

3) P.A.

buty

-?".

Rangoon. Indir

I have seen to Men Trilan she her

to put with

ant to persu 24 December, 1968

liter i

содер

Nur Dept

دو پیار

بخار

나기

Thank you for the copy of Rawalpindi Telegram N/R No. 1342 of 28 November about what Mr. Stewart said on the subject of Anthony Grey during his Pakistan visit. I am glad to have seen this: but I wonder whether it is the whole story. As you may know the joys of life in Rangoon have been added to recently by a total cessation of newspapers from London for a fortnight or more. Since one is already sufficiently cut off, I had to rectify this by ignominiously borrowing his airmail Times from the Australian Ambassador. I have just digested about a week of these during three days holiday in Sandoway, and I seem to remember reading somewhere that among other things the Secretary of State said was something like 'Chinese bellicosity exceeds their capability'. I think this is probably what was biting the Chinese Charge here when I spoke to him always assuming that I have remembered what I read correctly and that this really was said during the Pakistan visit.

At all events this seems to me to illustrate the inadequacy of the arrangements for keeping us properly informed in Rangoon.

You

us sur

K. Hamylton Jones, Esq.,

South East Asia Department,

Halfmel

(Trafford Smith)

F.C.O.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

WOOL 51-7406

RESTRICTED

DRAFT

Letter

From: Mr. James Murray

To:

H. Phillips, Esq.,

Dar-es-Salaam.

Anthony Grey

Thank you for your letter 31/6 of 10 December

about your talk with Mhando.

I am very glad that you were able to speak about

Mr. Grey. I am sure you are right not to expect that

I am sure you

this will result in a publicity on the ease in

beer gained

surtigg something win bags gained

Tanzania.

As you şe

something will ́bav,

if this has added to the Tanzaniaq's knówɗedge of the

sort of behaviour, which the Chinese are capable of

showi when there is no need to päintain an artificial

atmosphere of co-operation,

3. If on any future ɖccasion an obvious opportunity

of bentiening Kr.\grèy and the other British subjecta

detained in China arises, you might fish to set this

issue in a wider context by referring to the citizens

the are algo, as far as we know, of other countries who are also, as far as we know,

in prison or detained in China. The relevant

information is contained in paragraph 2, section 7 ď

the Guidance Talegrań number 295 of 28 November.

RESTRICTED

Ed (5084)

UNCLASSIFIED COVERING RESTRICTED

Reference...

Mr. WiXson (Far Eastern Department)

Mr. Murray (Far Eastern Department)

Anthony Grey

DUNG

I attach a draft reply from Mr. Murray to Mr. Phillips' letter of 10 December.

\ 192

고

Iain c.Our

This

(I. C. Orr)

(19 December, 1968)

has now been ourtaken by

an exchange of telegrams with

Mr Phullifs.

Плаж

31 Dec

UNCLASSIFIED

COVERING RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED

Jes

RECEIVE!

ARCHIV.

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION,

(92)

31/6

- 3 JAN JOU

DAR-ES-SALA AM.

FEC 13C the dumpt utly from 10 December, 1968.

draft

Dear James,

me to the Mulligs.

The 16 the

Anthony Grey

slo On

Коран,

N/R

In my letter No. 62/3 of today to Le Tocq of East African Department I reported that on 6 December I had an opening to raise the case of Grey with the recently appointed Tanzanian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

2. I had just been talking to him about the imprisonment of a young Englishman up-country here (since released) for over six weeks without being charged or brought before a magistrate. I said this was the kind of thing which could so easily hit the headlines in Britain and be used by people less anxious than the Minister and I were to improve the image of our respective countries in the other. lhando agreed with me and said he hoped to be able to get the Ministry of Home Affairs to speed up their procedure in such cases. Quite apart from the adverse publicity, there was the question of human dignity. Tanzania's struggle against the exploitation of man by man stemmed from the concept that the smallest individual should be granted a decent peaceful existence, and, if he had to be punished by society, should know why and by what process.

3. I seized this opening, spoke about Grey, and gave Mhando a copy of the London Press Service Topical Commentary No.045/68 of 29 November on the subject. I made it clear that in doing so I realised I was criticising a country in friendly relations with Tanzania. But my criticism had nothing political in it; nor was I engaging in a public campaign, e.g. by circularising diplomatic missions in Dar-es-Salaam or trying to get local editors to publish denunciations of the Chinese action. (I was of course making a virtue out of necessity, given that the press here is either biassed outright towards the communist world or afraid to offend it without covering authority). I was simply putting the case to him in terms of justice and human dignity, so that at least he and the President

James Hurray, Esq., IG,

Far Eastern Department,

Foreign & Commonwealth office,

S..1.

RESTRICTED

and leaders of Tanzania could know the facts and frankly, I hoped, consider whether Tanzania could not make its voice heard in favour of the release of Grey.

But

4. Mhando naturally did not commit himself. he was not unsympathetic. And he was, I think, relieved that I had not sought publicity here for the case. He said it was something which I had properly brought to his notice, and he would look at the L.P.S. commentary.

5. It would be over-optimistic to suppose that my approach will result in inspired publicity for the case here, far less any mention of it by Mhando to the Chinese chargé d'affaires. But my effort will have served even if it only adds a little more to what I suspect the President and others already know about the real nature and aims of their Chinese friends.

Yours ever,

Grace Phillie

copied to:

Consular Department, FCO

Peking

(H. Phillips)

RESTRICTED

ED IN

NAITISH EMBASSY,

WASHINGTON D.C

5 December 1968

FEC1345.

Dea Janes,

раз

I attach the text of an article which appeared in the New York Times of 5 December, date line Hong Kong. You will see that it apparently records what was said by Chen Yi to some foreign visitor to Peking about Anthony Grey and other detainees. The remainder of the article does not appear to be of any particular interest.

Yours ever

Michael hifford

K.M. Wilford)

James Murray, Esq.,CMG., Far Eastern Department,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London.

c.c.

A.F. Maddocks, Esq., Hong Kong P. Cradock, Esq.,CMG., Peking

Алек

17. Wild/14/12

No Shigiland

Enter -ph.

Ed (1626

PEKING RELAXING

Businessemen Oppose Publicity

PRISONER STAND the profits and prospect of fu-

Hope Growing for Release of Datained Foreigners

Special to The New York Timel

HONG KONG, Dec. 4-At a recent meeting in Peking with a foreign visitor, Foreign Min- ister Chen Yi showed a marked! interest in world reaction tol· Communist China's detention of a Reuter's correspondent, An- thony Grey, and more than 30 other foreigners.

Mr. Chen told the visitor that Britain and the other countries concerned were responsible for the detention of their citi zens, but he asked questions and indicated concern bout what the rest of the world thought about Peking's actions.

In Hong Kong, local Commu- nist officials are prepared to argue at length on almost any topic except the question of Mr. Grey's detention, which they avoid, according to one non- Communist businessman, with "something very much like guilt symptoms."

"If the present trend to moderation in Peking con tinues, some of the British and Japanese nationals now under detention have a good chance; of being released before long." one informed observer com- meated.

British Intensify Efforts These signs of Chinese sen- sitivity to world opinion, and other indications that Peking is looking outward again after the introspective years of cul- tural-revolution turmoil have encouraged the British Govern- ment to intensify its efforts to obtain the release of Grey and 12 other British subjects.

"There is evidence that the Chinese are quite sensitive to foreign opinion at the present, time, particularly suggestions that they are behaving in a bar- barous fashion," one informed source said. "Our best hope is to mobilize international cpin- fon to hit hard at them where they don't like it."

There is some division of opinion among diplomats, busi-' nessmen and others, however, over the value of publicity and other forms of pressure against the Chinese.

Hong Kong business concerns, which balance their difficulties in dealing with China against).

ture trade, advise against pub- licity. Even concerns with rep resentatives in trouble in China advocate quiet. behind-the- gcenes negotiations, asserting that publicity upsets Peking.

Little publicity was given to Mr. Grey's plight during the first months after he was con- fined to his Peking home 16 months ago in retaliation for British seizure of Chinese jour- nalists in Hong Kong. Last month, Gerald Long, genera? manager of Reuters, was asked during a television interview if more might have been done to publicise Mr. Grey's case.

"Perhaps we might," he re- plied. "There are people who think we might, certainly, All I know is that we have done; what in conscience we have thought to be best."

In other detentions, Belgium has lifted a virtual news black- out on the fate of a Belgian banker, Frans van Roosbroeck, who was arrested last June 1 after having been denied

an exit visa for 15 years. The Bel- gian Foreign Ministry said it was making diplomatic efforts to obtain his release.

Foreign Ministry sources said that Mr. van Roosbroeck, who joined the Shanghai branch of the Belgian Overseas Bank 1950, was being held hostage in! a banking dispute.

Japan has adopted e hands- off policy with regard to 12 businessmen and ore news- paperman detained in China. some of them on charges of spying,

Prospects for the release of some of the foreigners held in China are brighter than for others. Only one of the British; detainees. George Watt, has! been tried and convicted of a crime. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment last March for alleged espionage. Four Americans have been tried, convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.

In the case of two Ameri- cans, Hugh Francis Pedmord of Yonkers, NY, and fchn Downey of New Britain, Conn., the term of imprisonment is life. Two others, Richard Fee- teau of Lynn, Mass., and Bishop James E. Walsh, were sentenced to 20 years' im prisonment. disop Weish was sentenced in 1560 when he was an years old.

VS.

المذاق

New York

limes

5.Dec. 1968

Japa

기

71:

★

SECRET

90 BAAAB

240

23 December, 1988

You wrote to Nicholas Barrington on 11 December about our letter ar 148 10 December which contained details of the dates of release for newspaper workers in prison in Hong Kong.

기,

The dates given in his letter allow for the full remission of one third of the sentence for good behaviour.

!. M. Palliser, Esq., C.X.G.,

10 Downing Street.

SECRET

WEL BUMD

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

DRAFT

Letter

To:-

A. M. Palliser, Esq., CMG,

Top Secret

Secret.

ICO

10 Downing Street.

Confidential. 16/12

Restricted. Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

*959

Type 1 +

Entrapa

62024/12

From

D. H. Day, Esq.

Telephone No, & Ext

Department

You work to Nishihen banighs

Thank you for your letter of 11 December about

my letter of 10 December which contained details of

the dates of release for newspaper workers in prison

in Hong Kong.

his

The dates given in my latter allow for the full

remission of one third of the sentence for good

viph

behaviour",

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

KENZIE MEŠAN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

DRAFT

Letter

To:-

A. M. Palliser, Esq, CMG,

Top Secret.

Secret,

ICO

10 Downing Street.

Confidential

16/12

Restricted Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

مل

In Confidenes

Type 1 +

From

D. M. Day, Esq

Telephone No. & Est.

Department

Thank you for your letter of 11 December in which

you refer to my letter of 10 December which contained

details of the dates of release for newspaper workers

in prison in Hong Kong.

The dates given in my letter allow for the full

remission of one third of the sentence for good

behaviour.

PRIME MINISTER

Emberapa

420 24/12

10 Downing Street

Qua

Whitehall

December 18, 1968

SECRET

Ju Nidden,

рарз

DAAD)

на

I wrote to Derek Day on December 11, with

reference to his letter of December 10 about m

Mr. Anthony Grey, with an enquiry by the Prime Minister.

I should be grateful to know when I may

expect a reply to that letter.

Juw

Mirael

Reply now

sunt.

N. Barrington, Esq.,

Foreign and Comm awealth Office.

Kr. Day

COVERING SECRET

Enterapulco 24/12/88

Jupe 711

240

148

Mr. Anthony Grey

Mr. Palliser asks in his letter to you of

11 December about the dates which you gave him in your

letter of 10 December for the release of newspaper

workers in prison in Hong Kong.

2. The dates given in your letter allowed for the

usual remission of sentence for good behaviour.

I attach a draft letter to Mr. Palliser.

James Money

(James Murray)

19 December, 1968.

COVERING SECRET

ECHETE HOWA

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret,

Secret.

Confidential

Restricted. Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

DRAFT Blue Minute

To:-

Mr. D. M. Day

Type 1 + palo 2 7/12

1+pales

From

Kr. James Kurray

Telephone No. & Ext.

Department

FED

Hr. Anthony Grey

The 19/12

Mr. Palliser asks in his letter to you of 11

December about the dates which you gave him in your

letter of 10 December for the release of newspaper

workers in prison in Hong Kong.

given

The dates in your letter allowed for the usual

remission of sentence for good behaviour.

attach a draft letter to Mr. Palliser.

4. I sending a copy of this letter to Miss V. I.

An am

Sce

Ed (5084)

Reference...

87. WI DALAD

M= Wibmn b- 17/12.

paly 27112

I attach a draft latter from M=

Day in reply to MC Palliser's letter of 111)eade The letter referred to in the Pallisers latter i Flag H. I also attach a covering blua minute from Me Murray.

Molly

I win c. Omr.

18 DEC

10/12

148

Enteropa 2024/12

DAAN (81

10 Downing Street Whitehall

December 11, 1968

PRIME

MINISTER

F.E. Just-

SECRET

for draft reps, please.

1-) 11/12.

小

Dee Beach,

Враг

기

The Prime Minister has seen your letter to me of December 10 about Mr. Anthony Grey.

He has asked whether the dates given in your letter apply before or after allowing remission of sentences for good behaviour.

Чать ши

Milare

D.M. Day, Esq.,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

PUER/CAT A

PRIORITY DAR ES SALAAM

TELEGRAM NUMBER

1027

RESTRICTED

FEC 13C

TOP COMDB)

Jupall

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

28 DECEMBER 1569

ADDSD TO FCO TELNO. 1027 OF 28 DECEMBER REPEATED

FOR INFORMATION ROUTINE TO PEKING.

Врем Bennsy NI. Beu

MỶ LETTER 31/6 OF 10 DECEMBER TO HEAD OF FAR EASTERN

DEPARTMENT ABOUT ANTHONY GREY.

PRESIDENT NYERERE'S (ENGLISH) PERSONAL ASSISTANT

HAS JUST INFORMED ME THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF REUTERS TELE-

CRAPHED THE TANZANIAN DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES

TO ASK WHETHER THE PRESIDENT WOULD MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO

THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON BEHALF OF GREY. HR. RIYAMI HAD

DEEN INSTRUCTED TO REPLY THAT ANY REQUEST FOR REPRESENTATIONS

SHOULD. BE INITIATED BY HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNNENT. PRESIDENT

NYERERE VOULD THEN CONSIDER THE REQUEST.

2. 1 AN SEEING THE PRESIDENT AT 0630 HOURS GMT 31 DECEMBER

FOR A GENERAL TALK ON ANGLO-TANZANIAN RELATIONS. ANYTHING

BY WAY OF A FORMAL REQUEST TO HIM TO CONSIDER MAKING REPRE-

SENTATIONS IN PEKING WOULD PROBABLY NOT GET MUCH FURTHER

THAN THE SIMILAR REGUEST ON REHALF OF THE PRITISH DIPLOMATIC

MISSION THERE IN JULY (DAR ES SALAAM TELEGRAM NO. 5955.

BỰT Í MIGHT USEFULLY APPEAL TO NYERERE'S DECLARED SENSE OF

JUSTICE AND HIMAN DIGNITY AND ASK HIM SIMPLY WHETHER,

/GIVEN

RESTRICTED

-2-

GIVEN THE FRIENDLY RELATIONS RETVEEN THIS COUNTRY AND CHINA,

HE WOULD CONSIDER USING HIS GOOD OFFICES WITH THE CHINESE

TO TRY TO SECURE THE RELEASE' 'OF GREY, UNLESS YOU SEE OBJECTION

1 SHALL ACT ACCORDINGLY.

F C O PLEASE PASS ROUTINE TO PEKING.

MR. PHILLIPS

DEP ANTMENTAL DI STRIBUTION

F. LAST, D.

HONG KONG DEPT.

E. AFR. D.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

[REFEATED AS REQUESTED]

KESTRICTED

FEC 13C/1

En Clair

IMMEDIATE

Teino 1026

DAR ES SALAAN TO FOREIGN AND COMMON, EALTH OFFICE

UNSSIFIED

28 December 1968

Pipary!

first thymediately following Priority telegram is for consideration

thing on Monday 30th.

Mr. Phillips

FILES

F. bast. D. E. Afr. D. kr. Moreton Er. Tebbit

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

BELLE

EF CLAIR

PRIORITY PEKING TO VOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELNO 1138 28 DECEMBER, 1968

ZCLASSIFIED

Japany, F

ADDRESSED FCO TELEGRAM NO.1138 OF 28 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

NCHA PEKING PUBLISHED A STATEMENT TODAY ON GREY CLAIMING THAT

CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT SHIFTED ITS GROUND IN RETAINING

GREY AFTER HSUEH P'ING'S RELEASE. STATEMENT POINTS OUT THAT

AFTER NCIA STATEMENT OF JULY 1967 THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

QUOTE WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE AND DETAINED MORE PATROITIC

JOURNALISTS IN SUCCESSION. UP TO NOW THIRTEEN OF THEM HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED,

SINCE THE HONG KONG BRITISH AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO KEEP THE

THIRTEEN PATRIOTIC CHINESE JOURNALISTS IN JAIL, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY JUSTIFIED IN CONTINUING TO RESTRICT GREY'S FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT. THIS IS THE CONSISTENT STAND OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

IN ITS ANTI-CHINA OUTCRY ON THE GREY QUESTION, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL ABSOLUTELY ACHIEVE NOTHING IN ITS EFFORTS TO

FORCE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS JUST STAND, THIS

UNREASONABLE ACTION DOES NOT HELP TO SOLVE THE QUESTION BUT ONLY MAKES IT MORE COMPLICATED UNQUOT. ENDS.

ER, CRADOCK

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTERN DET

HONG KONG DEPT

CONSULAR DEPT

NOTS DEPT

INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT

EN CLAIR

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO PEKING

TELNO 1003

JOSIFIED

27 DECEMBER 1968 (F)

(

2014 (83)

المكالماية برة

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELNO 1003 OF 27 DECEMBER AND TO HONG KONG,

TIMES REPORTS TODAY THAT MRS GRAY RECEIVED FOLLOWING TELEGRAM

FROM HER SON ON 26 DECEMBER:

2. "CHRISTMAS WISHES TO YOU DEAR MUM TO BE HAPPY NOT WORRY.

RECENT MEDICAL SHOWED TO MY RELIEF NOTHING SERIOUS. BEING TREATED

FOR PHARYNGITIS OTHERWISE WELL, LOVE TO JUNE, GEOFF, ALF, WIN

EVERYBODY ESPECIALLY YOU - TONY.**

3. REPORT CONTINUES: "THE TELEGRAM IS THE FIRST COMMUNICATION

RECEIVED FROM MR GREY SINCE A LETTER, DATED NOVEMBER 5, ARRIVED

LAST WEEK.

STEWART

FILES

F. EAST. DET.

H.K.D.

NEWS DEPT.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No. F

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Restricted

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

reach addressee(s).

29/12

536

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)......

Despatched

Flash Immediate Priority Routine

Unclassified. Le

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

272

[Sect

En Clair.

[

Ryphax

Draft Telegram to:-

PEKING No. 1003

K (Date) 27 Dic

And to:-

HONG KONG

Repeat to:-

Saving to:-

Distribution:-

Fitas

FED

H.K. Dept News Dept

Copies to:-

"Security classification"| -if any

Privacy marking ]

-if any 1.

[Codeword-if any].

-----

£fc.

Addressed to PEKING

telegram N..........

1003

(date) 27 Dec

And to

HONG KONG

repeated for information to

17/12

Saving to

AHAHHAA÷÷÷AAAAA+||--|||

following

Times reports today that us

Me Gray

from fier son on 26 December, pet follows:

2" Christmas wishes to

you

Grey vechive]^ telegram

Dear mum to be happy

SHOWED

relist nothing

. my not worry. Recent medical showed to

serious. Being treated for pharyngit's otherwise well. Lave to June, Geoff, Alf, Win, everybody expecially you-

Tony,"

3. Report Continues:

" The telegram is the first

swice a letter, communication received from Mt Grey 6 mee a

dated November 5, arrived last week.

مع

(FED) 27/12

[Resident itech has been informe?

Lag 27462]

-------

EN CLAIR

FEC

13C/1

TOP COPY

M3 &

NAIROBI TO FOREIGN AND COMMONERALTH OFFICE

NAIROBI TELNO. 4 TO PEKING

24 DECHIBER,1968.

UNCLASSIFIED

Прегр

ADDRESSED TO PCKING TELNO 4 OF 24 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO F.C.0.

ANTHONY GREY.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY EAST AFRICAN STANDARD

CARRIED EDITORIAL ON 23 DECEMBER HEADED THE PRISONER IN PEKING".

2 THE EDITORIAL ASKED READERS TO SPARE A THOUGHT FOR A HAN SPENDING CHRISTMAS **ALORE AND IN CONDITIONS OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CRUELTY''. HE HAD COMMITTED

NO CRIME AND WAS EMPLOYED BY AN AGENCY NOTED FOR

OBJECTIVITY,

THE REASON FOR THE ARREST WAS POLITICAL BLACKMAIL. MR.GREY WAS A HOSTAGE FOR CHINESE COMMUNISTS DETAINED

IN HONG KONG. THE EDITORIAL COMPARED THE CIRCUMSTANCES

OF THE LATTERS DETENTION WITH THOSE OF MR.GREY.

MR.GREY'S FORTITUDE WOULD KEEP HIM IN THE THOUGHTS

THE BEHAVIOUR OF HIS

OF MILLIONS ROUND THE WORLD.

CAPTORS WAS 'EVIL'.

F.C.O. PASS TO PEKING BY APPROPRIATE MEANS.

MR. NORRIS

[REPHATED AS REQUESTED]

DEPARTMENTI DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTER" DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

CO:SULAR DEPT.

NOYS DEPT.

I.4.D.

GUIDANCE DEPT.

COMMIS. DEPT,

• IN

No 31

- 3 JAN 1903

FEC BC//

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTE FOR THE RECORD

Mr. Grey and Hong Kong

Private/Secretar

etar

Priva

ARS (2009)

M. Wicken/ 12

Fintis - Pia. 188914

The Secretary of State held an Office meeting on

13 December to discuss Mr. Grey with particular reference to

The Governor of Hong Kong was present.

the Hong Kong aspects.

DISCUSSION

Discussion was on the basis of the recommendations in

Far Eastern Department's submission of 12 December and

Mr. Moreton's minute of the same date.

3. It was agreed that the time had come to do what we could

to restrain publicity about Mr. Grey in the belief that the

Chinese would be more likely to release him when not evidently

under pressure. It was noted that the co-operation of Reuters

would be essential in this; and Far Eastern Department

undertook to be in touch with Mr. Long, the General Manager.

It was also agreed that we should continue to resist

pressure to take retaliatory action against the Chinese in

this country. The Governor suggested however that it might

be worth looking into the possibility of some informal boycott

by the press of the activities of the New China News Agency.

(Far Eastern Department are looking into this.)

Discussion centred

on the only point on which

there was any considerable difference of emphasis between the

Far Eastern Department and the Governor. Far Eastern

Department had pressed the advantages of releasing all the

CONFIDENTIAL

/ remaining

CONFIDENTIAL

remaining detainees and dismantling most of the remaining

emergency measures in the very near future. The Governor

said that the problem of detainees was kept under weekly

review in Hong Kong. He argued that the Hong Kong authorities

would have to continue their careful review of cases

individually, having regard to the special security factors

in each. These security factors were complex and could really

be judged only in Hong Kong. He thought moreover that the

authorities had to pace the releases rather carefully; the

release of a large batch in the imediate future would be

considered in Hong Kong as a sign of weakness and would be

exploited as such by the communists. He would certainly

continue to let out detainees as fast as he safely could.

He thought that with the exception of two or three (and possibly

not as many as that) they should all be out by June. The

emergency powers of detention would have to remain in force

until the last detainees were released. Mr. Stewart said

that there could be no question of pushing the Governor into

action which he judged might jeopardise security in Hong Kong.

Parliament had expressed interest in the powers of detention

without trial; but he thought that such criticism as there

was could be coped with. If criticism became sharper he

would review the matter.

6. Mr. Stewart was informed that officials had also discussed

fully with the Governor what was involved in the dismantling

of the emergency measures other than the power of detention.

The Governor stressed that this was a process which had gone on

/ since

- 2 -

CONFIDENTIAL

since September 1967 and was under constant review.

The

powers which it was thought desirable to retain were being

incorporated in the permanent legislation as rapidly as the

necessary formalities could be concluded.

CONCLUSIONS

7. Thus the approach to the problem of Mr. Grey which

Mr. Stewart endorsed at the meeting was this.

We should continue to resist pressure to take action

against Chinese in this country.

Copies to:

We should not attempt to bargain with the Chinese about

Mr. Grey or to try to establish a firm price with them for

his release.

In particular we should not at present consider releasing

convicted prisoners in return for Hr. Grey's release.

We should continue a policy of firmness in Hong Kong while

taking what further steps we could to assist "de-escalation".

The Governor should continue to release detainees as fast

as he safely could.

We should now as far as possible restrain publicity about

Kr. Grey in the belief that the Chinese would be more

likely to release him when not evidently under pressure.

Private Secretary

Lord Shepherd

P.U.S.

Sir D. Greenhill

Sir A. Galsworthy Sir J. Johnston Mr. Moreton

Hong Kong Dept. News Dept. Consular Dept. Far Eastern Dept.

James

Reumay

(James Murray)

20 December, 1968.

3 -

CONFIDENTIAL

(23389

CONFIDENTIAL

기

CYPHER/CAT. A

PRIORITY FOR:SIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO PEKING

TELNO. 1002

24 DECEMBER, 1968. (F)

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NO 1902 OF 24 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO 1120. [GREY]

eeta

772

IN THE LIGHT OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, APPROVAL HAS NOW BEEN GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF GREY, A. WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO RESIST PRESSURE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST CHINESE IN THIS COUNTRY.

B. WE SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO BARGAIN WITH THE CHINESE ABOUT GREY, OR TRY TO ESTABLISH A FIRM PRICE WITH THEM FOR HIS RELEASE. C. IN PARTICULAR WE SHOULD NOT AT PRESENT CONSIDER RELEASING CONVICTED PRISONERS IN RETURN FOR GREY'S RELEASE.

D. WE SHOULD CONTINUE A POLICY OF FIRMNESS IN HONG KONG WHILE TAKING WHAT FURTHER STEPS WE CAN TO ASSIST QUOTE DE-ESCALATION

UNQUOTE.

E. THE GOVERNOR SHOULD CONTINUE TO RELEASE DETAINEES AS FAST AS HE SAFELY CAN,

F. WE SHOULD NOW AS FAR AS POSSIBLE RESTRAIN PUBLICITY ABOUT MR GREY IN THE BELIEF THAT THE CHINESE WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO RELEASE HIM WHEN NOT EVIDENTLY UNDER PRESSURE.

2. THIS APPROACH IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS ABOUT CHINESE INTENTIONS.

A. THE PEKING AUTHORITIES ARE INDEED UPSET AND EMBARRASSED BY THE PUBLICITY. BUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE ALREADY TAKEN A DECISION OF PRINCIPLE TO RELEASE GREY, THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO DO SO FOR THE TIKE DEING, LEST THIS APPEAR TOO DIRECT A CAPITULATION TO THE PRESSURES OF PUBLICITY.

B. THE PEKING AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO BE UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS TO OBTAIN A PRICE IN HONG KONG FOR GREY.

CORPIDENTIAL

/0. HET

CONFIDENTIAL

- 2

C. MET BY FIRMNESS ON OUR PART, THE PEKING AUTHORITIES, EMBARRASSED BY THE CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING ON TO GREY, MIGHT POSSIBLY BE

PREPARED TO OVERRIDE THE VIEWS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS AND NOT ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN A PRICE FOR HIS RELEASE.

D. THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, NOW APPARENTLY LESS INVOLVED IN THE THROES OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION, MAY BE PREPARED TO LOOK AT MATTERS IN A MORE PRAGMATIC WAY. THIS SHOULD INCREASE THE CHANCES OF AN OBJECTIVE REVIEW OF THE EMBARRASSMENTS TO THE CHINESE OF THE CONTINUING DETENTION OF GREY. ON THEY OTHER HAND WE ACCEPT THAT EVEN ON RATIONAL ANALYSIS THEY MIGHT CONCLUDE THAT PRESSURES ARE BUILDING UP AGAINST US AND THAT, BY HANGING ON TO GREY, THEY WILL IN THE LONG RUN OBTAIN A SUBSTANTIVE CONCESSION IN HONG KONG, 3. WE RECOGNISE THAT THE DEGREE OF PUBLICITY IS VERY MUCH BEYOND OUR

CONTROL. PARTICULARLY AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE CREW OF THE PUEBLO. REUTERS, HOWEVER, FOR THE TIME BEING SHARE OUR VIEWS ON TACTICS AND INTEND IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO KEEP THEIR OWN PUBLICITY IN FAIRLY

LOW KEY.

4. SEE ALSO MURRAY'S LETTER OF 17 DECEMBER.

STEWART

FCO DISTRIBUTION FAR EASTERN DEPT.

COMPINTTIAL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Ser

Confidential

Unclassified

24/12 Motors }

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

Priority

(Date)

Desparched

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

reach addressoc(s).

19500

और

HER

[Security_if any

Security classification

tion]

CONFIDENTIAL

Todd JLL | LF...............FINALE --||

[ Privacy marking

-if any

[Codeword-if any]

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

...

.......ILJI.

Cypher

Draft Telegram to

Addressed to

PEKING

telegram No.

No.

1002

And to

(Date)

And to:-

PEKING

1002 (date)

24/12 repeated for information to HUNG KONG

Saving to.....

----

24 Decenter

APPLY

IJILLE

-----

P‒‒‒‒‒J LIL

Repeat to:-

Hong Kong.

Saving to:-

Your telegram No. 1120 Grey J

In the light of discussions with the Governor

of Hong Kong, approval has now been given to the

following approach to the problem of Grey.

al We should continue to resist pressure to take

action against Chinese in this country.

b) iffe should not attempt to bargain with the

Chinese about Mr. Grey, or to try to establish a

Distribution:-

FCO

firm price with them for his release.

In particular we should not at present

consider releasing convicted prisoners in

return for Kr. Grey's release.

和

Copies to:-

#e should continue a policy of firmness in

Hong Kong while taking what further steps we

could to assist "de-escalation".

24/12

The Governor should continue to release

GOLIA

12127/24/122

detainees as fast as he safely could.

/ 1)

We should now as far as possible restrain

publicity about Mr. Grey in the belief that

the Chinese would be more likely to release

him when not evidently under pressure.

This approach is based on the following

tentative conclusions about Jhinese intentions.

The Peking authorities are indeed upset and

embarrassed by the publicity.

But whether or

not they have already taken a decision of

principle to release . Grey, they are

unlikely to do so for the time being, lest this

appear too direct a capitulation to the pressues

of publicity.

The Peking authorities continue to be under

pressure from the local communists to obtain

a price in Hong Kong for f. Grey.

Ket by firless on our part, the Peking

authorities, embarrassed by the consequences

of holding on to . Grey, might possibly be

prepared to override the views of the local

communists and not attempt to obtain a price

for his release.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now

apparently less involved in the throes of the

Cultural Revolution, may be prepared to look

at mattere in a more pragmatic way. This

should increase the chances of an objective

review of the embarrassments to the Chinese

the of/continuing publicity about the detention

of Kr. Grey. On the other hand we accept

that even on rational analysis they might

conclule that pressures are building up

/ against

(77 kort) 1768_0.W_H_Lat. G130

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Dd. 32855 Ed (4208)

portcendanleg after the release

the crean Me Pueblo.

against us and that, by hanging on to

Grey, they will in the long run obtain

a substantive concession in Hong Kong,

We recognise that the degree of publicity is very much beyond our control.

Reuters,

however, for the time being share our tactical

the ties

view, and do not intend in the next few weeks

Reef their own

to go out of their way to initiate publicity-

in fairly low hay.

You may be interested to

see the attached telegram which reports

an exchange in the Canadian House of

Commons on the subject of Anthony Grey.

Yours sincerely,

W. Graham.

Mr. C. Wilson,

Far Eastern Department,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

Downing Street,

LONDON S.W. 1

Viva

FM EXTER OTT DECII/68

TO LDN YSS I

INFO HKONG WSHDC

IAMENTARY QUESTION-ANTHONY GREY

Ri...

ARCHIVES No.3:

1 8 DEC 1968

FEC134/11

FOLLOWING EXCHANGE TOOK PLACE IN HOUSE DECIO.TEXT BEGINS QUOTE

MR BREWIN(GREENWOOD) #WILL THE GOVT GIVE CONSIDERATION TO MAKING

REPRESENTATIONS TO THE GOVT OF THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN

RESPECT TO THE CASE OF THE JOURNALIST,MR ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS,

WHO HAS BEEN IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT FOR A YEAR AND FIVE MONTHS IN

PEKING,NOT/NOT APPARENTLY ON ACCOUNT OF ANY ACTIONS BUT AS A REPRISAL

AGAINST COMPLAINTS IN REGARD TO CHINESE JOURNALISTS IN HKONG,A'D

WILL THE SECRETARY OF STATEINDICATE THAT THIS BREACH OF

FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS CANNOT BUT DAMAGE THE FUTURE GOOD RELATIONS

BETWEEN THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND CDA.

2.HON MITCHELL SHARP (SSEA) MR SPEAKER, AS THE HON GENTLEMAN KNOWS,

WE DO NOT/NOT HAVE DIPLO REPRESENTATION WITH THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC

OF CHINA. IT IS OUR OBJECTIVE TO TRY TO ATTAIN A MUTUAL RECOGNITION.

WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTERNMENT OF THIS GENTLEMAN.

I DO NOT/NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WOULD HELP VERY MUCH IF WE WERE

TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS THROUGH OTHER CHANNELS,BUT I CAN ASSURE

THE HOUSE THAT WE SHARE THE HON MEMBERS CONCERN ABOUT THIS GENTLE-

MAN AND WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP,

3.MR BREWIN:A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION,MR SPEAKER.WOULD THE SSEA

CONSIDER BY SOME MEANS OR OTHER GETTING A MSG TO THE GOVT OF THE

PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA SAYING THAT THIS BREACH OF FUNDAMENTAL

HUMAN RIGHTS MIGHT DAMAGE THE FUTURE GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN CDA

AND THAT GOVT?

4.MR SPEAKER : ORDER "PLEASE. I TAKE IT THAT THE MINISTER HAS NOTED THE

HON MEMBERS SUGGESTION, UNQUOTE,TEXT ENDS,

My Dear Keith

RESTRICE-D

LivED **AES No.3!

.968

FEC130/

For Fastern Des

(Mr. Boyd)

Is there a dotement which Set-lat the Andes for have by 21. Xü by?

pares 20/12

BRITISH EMBADOT,

RAN GOO

7. xü

11 December, 1968.

Copy of Rawalguide

tel. 1342 sent by by to Rangon

When tearfully saying farewell to Madan Poc at the airport last Sunday, I ran into the Chinese Chargé and his interpreter. For want of something better to say, I remarked "I hope there will be sume good news about Anthony Grey soon". There

$17.

followed a few exchanges about our releasing people Ms Suiker detained in Hong Kong, and then the Chinese went on

to say "Your Secretary or State's speech in Rawalpindi does not help in these situations".

4/2.

But what did

ekes

19/12

I did not pursue the argument. the Secretary of State say in Rawalpindi?

E. Hamylton Jones, 209.,

أحمد

South East Asia Department,

200

быт

caffinal

(Trafford Smith)

A DARICADO

* Cambition Ambid and reas

-v.glamorous].

WITH THE COMPLIMENTS

R EASTERN DEPARTMENT

I.D. I Boyd

S.E.A. Division

6/1342

-pl. send hoop te 1342

Rup"

by bay Arised

H.M. Ambassador

Bgn. (^; Jhatpark Juke) under

い

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

ךי

S.W.1

12., 1968

c.d. from

ref. his letter g

11 December.

$1.xi

تنا

EN CLAIR

IMMEDIATE

RAWALPINDI

200 1342

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

.28 NÓVEMBER 1968

UNCLASSIFIED.

ADDRESSED TO FCO TELEGRAM NO. 1342 OF 28 NOVEMBER, REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO KARACHI, LAHORE, DACCA, NEW DELHI, PEKING AND HONG KONG,

FOLLOWING FOR NEWS DEPARTMENT, FROM" HAYDON:

SECRETARY OF STATE'S PRESS CONFERENCE: ANTHONY GREY.

MY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING TELEGRAM.

AT HIS PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, MR. STEWART SAID:

"I WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN WHAT YOUR FOREIGN MINISTER HAD TO TELL ME ABOUT HIS VISIT TO CHINA AND YOUR RELATIONS WITH THAT COUNTRY. IT IS OBVIOUSLY OF ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE TO THE WORLD THAT THIS HUGE COUNTRY SHOULD BE BROUGHT MORE AND MORE INTO THE WHOLE FAMILY OF NATIONS.

"ONE THING THAT HAS BEEN A PARTICULAR DIFFICULTY FOR US OVER RELATIONS WITH CHINA AND WHICH DOES NOT AFFECT YOU IS THE WAY THEY ARE TREATING SOME OF OUR CITIZENS. THE CASE OF 'MR. ANTHONY GREY' WILL BE WELL KNOWN TO YOU. AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHERS OF OUR CITIZENS DETAINED WITHOUT JUSTIFICATION OR REASON. I HAVE BEEN GLAD TO NOTICE THAT AT LEAST MR. GREY HAS BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A VISIT RECENTLY. BUT I WAS VERY MUCH DISTRESSED TO LEARN OF THE INHUMAN CONDITIONS IN WHICH HE HAS BEEN KEPT AND THAT THIS HAS BEEN CONE NOT FOR ANY ACT OF HIS, OR ANY ALLEGATION OF AN ACT OF HIS, BUT PURELY FOR POLITICAL REASONS. I WOULD HOPE THAT, WITH THE GRADUAL EASING OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PEKING AND US AND PEKING AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, HIS RELEASE WILL BE POSSIBLE".

NOT

IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION MR. STEWART SAID HE HAD SOUGHT PAKISTAN'S HELP IN THIS CONECTION, BUT HE HAD ASKED AND HE THOUGHT HE HAU OBTAINED THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FOREIGN MINISTER THAT THIS WAS ONE OF THE DIFFICULTIES BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. "YE FELL THAT YOU, BEING HEIGHBOURS, MAY BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEM THAN WE HAVE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ALL OF US THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RELAXATION OF TENSIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD."

REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION, THE SECRETARY OF STATE EMPHASISED THAT, WILIKE THE JOURNALISTS ARRESTED IN HONG KONG, "THERE IS NOT EVEN THE SUGGESTION THAT HE (GREY) HAS DONE ANYTHING WRONG EITHER BY OUR STANDARDS OR BY CHINESE STANDARDS." THE JOURNALISTS HAD BEEN TRIED AND CONVICTED IN HONG KONG.

PLEASE PASS IMMEDIATE TO C.0.1. AND REPEAT TO OTHER POSTS AS

NECESSARY.

SIR C. PICKARD

DEPART'ENTAL DISTRIBUTION

NEVS DEPT.

SOUTH ASLAN BEPT.

FONG

TASTERN DEPT.

REPEATED TO C.0.1. AND HONG KONG/

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

RESEARCH DEPT.

INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT. UNITED NATIONS DEPT.

SPION POLICY DEPT.

CONFIDENTIAL

Fas Gurlton Depth 1 M= with Jose

2) Enter

pelare, 8/12

• RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

1 6DEC 1968

FECISO

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London S.W.1

Dear Michael,

29 November, 1968.

You may just like to know (and I shall also be telling the Department) that at the beginning of The Queen's talk this morning with the Pakistan High Commissioner, the conversation turned at once to the subject of the Chinese and their treatment of Mr. Grey. I mentioned that the Pakistanis had been taking a certain amount of trouble in recent years with their relations with the Chinese, and The Queen asked

Mr. Haroun whether they had found any explanation of

Chinese behaviour in such matters.

Mr. Haroun said that the Pakistanis were just as mystified as everybody else. They had found that up to a point it was possible to conduct relations with the Chinese as with other people, but that there always seemed to come a point where Chinese behaviour was inexplicable and did not seem to be measureable by

standards applied by other nations.

Consequently, he

thought that there was a limit to the degree of closeness

which Pakistan could achieve in its relations with

China.

3. The Queen observed that the whole phenomenon was a

Lt.-Col.

The Rt. Hon Sir Michael Adeane, G.C.B.,

G.C.B., G.C.V.O.,

Buckingham Palace,

S.W.1.

CONFIDENTIAL

/puzzling

• d

CONFIDENTIAL

puzzling one since the Chinese seemed, under their

impassive exterior, to have a capacity for being very

very good or very very bad.

4. The conversation then switched to reminiscences

about Her Majesty's visit to Pakistan in 1961.

Paullo

(P.H. Gore-Booth)

for

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

PRIORITY OTTAWA TO FOREIGN AND COLZIONWEALTH OFFICE

PRIORITY OTTAWA T ́LEGRAM NO. 9 TO PEKING

CONFIDENTIAL.

16 DECEMBER 1968

TOP COPY

DRESSED TO P-KING TELEGRAM NO.9 OF 16 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR

INFORMATION TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND SAVING TO

WASHINGTON AND HONG KONG

F.C.O. TELEGRAM NO. 1315 TO RAWALPINDI

ANTHONY GREY,

1 RIVED W

ARCHIVES No.31 17:1968

کام

हिट13/1

patro 19/12

WE SENT YOU EN CLAIR BY COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHIC CHANNELS ON

12 DECEMBER THE TEXT OF A HELPFUL STATEMENT IN THE CANADIAN HOUSE

OF COMMONS BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND,

SEPARATELY, EXAMPLES OF CANADIAN PRESS COMMENT ON THE GREY AFFAIR

INDICATING THE STRONG FEELING AROUSED AND LESSONS DRAWN IN CANADA.

CONFIRMATORY COPIES HAVE BEEN SENT TO YOU BY BAG, (WITH COPIES TO

F.C.0. AND OTHER ADDRESSEES),

2. THE CANADIAN POST OFFICE HAS TODAY TOLD US THAT THE PEKING

TELEGRAPH OFFICE HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT THESE TELEGRAMS, AND THEY

ARE BEING RETURNED TO US.

3. MAY WE ASSUME THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL HAVE TAKEN

COPIES SO THAT THE POINT OF THE EXERCISE WILL HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED?

OR WOULD YOU LIKE US TO SEND THEM AGAIN, PERHAPS SPLIT INTO A

SERIES OF SHORT TELEGRAMS? ALTERNATIVELY, WOULD YOU LIKE US TO

TELEGRAPH THE TEXTS EN CLAIR BY D.W.S.?

FCO PASS PRIORITY TO PEKING AND SAVING TO HONG KONG

SIR C. CROME

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

.DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR. EASTERN DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT.

RESEARCH DEFT.

INFORMATION FOLICY DEPT.

GUIDANCE DEPT.

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT A

PRITY HONG KONG

TELAH NUMBER 2267

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDCITIAL

TOP COPY

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFRECEIVED I

14 ucCchbER 1968.

ATIVES N..51

ADDRESSED FCO AS MYTEL 2267 OF 14TH DECEMBER REPEATED PEKING

CFCO PLEASE PASS)

1 6DEC 1968

ракопт

GREY. THIS HORNING'S ENGLISH LANGUAGE HONG KONG, STANDARD

CARRIES AN QUOTE EXCLUSIVE UNQUOTE INTERVIEW WITH DR. T.P.WU,

DESCRIBED AS A QUOTE TOP HONG KONG RED UNQUOTE, AND A QUOTE

LEADING MEMBER OF THE ALL CIRCLES ANTI- PERSECUTION STRUGGLE

COMMITTEE UNQUOTE. ON GREY, WU WAS QUOTED INTER ALIA AS SAY-

ING, QUOTE NO MANOEUVRES BY THE WESTERN PRESS, NO COMMENTS AND

EXHORTATIONS IN THE BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS, NO APPEALS

BY THE GOVERNOR, OR ANYONE ELSE WILL HAVE ANY EFFECT. HE WILL

BE HELD UNTIL THE LAST CHINESE HAS BEEN RESTURED TO FREEDON BY

THE BRITISH IN HONG KONG. J WANT TO MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR

SO AS TO END THE DAILY FARCE IN THE NEWSPAPERS UNQUOTE.

2. AS THIS STORY MAY BE TAKEN UP BY CORRESPONDENTS HERE

YOU MAY WISH TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING BACKGROUND.

THOUGH HE HAS BEEN HERE SINCE THE 1920's VU IS AN INDONESIAN

CHINESE AND STILL HOLDS A DUTCH PASSPORT. HE IS A LONG TERM

COMMUNIST SYMPATHISER AND YERY ANTISQUVERNIENT. A MENGER

OF A NUMBER OF COMMUNIST CONTROLLED ORGANISATIONS, HE WAS LISTLU

AS A MEMBER OF THE ALL CIRCLES ANTI-PERSECUTION STRUGGLE

COMNITTLE WHEN IT WAS FORMED IN MAY 1967.

4. WU IS NOT, HOWEVER, THOUGHT TO HAVE ANY INFLUENCE IN

COMMUNIST CIRCLES AND IS CERTAINLY NOT A QUOTE TOP RED UNQUOTE.

THERE IS NO CREPEAT NOD REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT HIS REMARKS

PEFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNIST HIERARCHY, HE HAS A HABIT

OF BAKING PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND THESE HAVE HOHE OFTEN THAN NOT

CALDOU AS MUCH EMBARKASSZENT TO THE COMMUNISTS Aɔ TO GOVERNMENT,

VIZ

יה

CONFIDENTIAL

-2-

POO PLEASE PASS PEKING

SIR D. TREKCH

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTER. DEPT

HONG KONG DEPT

CONSULAR DEPT

INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT

RESEARCH DEPT P.U.S.D.

INFORMATION POLICY DEPT

NT'S DEPT

CONFIDENTIAL

طنا

Fecisel

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

PRICRITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO LUSAKA

TELEGRAM NO.2287

13 DECEMBER 1968

Man

COPY

pak 17/12

CONFIDENTIAL

YOUR TELEGRAM NO.3126, PUBLICITY FOR GREY.

REUTERS AGREE THAT THEIR LOCAL CORRESPONDENT MAY APPEAR ON

Z.B.S. PROGRAMIE IF IT CAN BE ARRANGED, THEY ARE INSTRUCTING HIM TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO DISCUSS THE PROJECT.

STEWART

FILES;

FAR EASTERN DEPT

NEVIS DEFT

GUIDANCE DEPT

CONFIDENTIAL-

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

reach addressee(s)

MIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FES$39/1

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Date)

Top Secret

Goergenicy

}

Despatc

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Confidential Restricted Unek csified

Priority

168

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Erair. Code

[

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Draft Telegram, tó: LUSAKA

No.

(Date)

And to:-

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[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

telegram No...

2087

And to.

13/12

-------

CONFINENTIAL

[Lusaka.]

(date)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬4+Himor----------------------------TOT-monokikomorat-------FIRLITIT▬▬▬▬▬-------YOYOTE YATURE

repeated for information to

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TOP COPY

(821

ヒ

ER/CAT A

PRIORITY HONG KONG

CONFIDENTIAL

TO FURLIGN AND CUNKONWEALTH OFFICE

TELEGHAI: NO. 2262

12 DECEMBck 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

19/12

RECEIVED 'N ARCHIVES No.31

1968

FECISS/1.

AUDRESSED FCO AS MY TELEGRAM NO. 2262 DATED 12TH DECA.BER, REPEATED

FO:: INFORMATION TO PEKING.

YUUK TELEGNAM NO. 976 TO PEKING ↑ ANTHONY GREY.

MANALER OF REUTERS OFFICE WENT TO CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE YESTERDAY

TO DISCUSS CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR REY. CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE WERE

PULITE, IN MANKLO CONTRAST TO PREVIOUS DAY WHEN REUTERS' MESSENGER

WAS GIVEN HOSTILE RECEPTION CPARAGRAPH 1 OF YOUR TELEGRAM UNDER

REFERENCE),

2. MANAGER WAS RECEIVED BY A QUOTE LEADING CAURE UNQUOTE, WHO SAID

THAT THE REQUEST TO SEND PARCELS TO GREY WOULD HAVE TO BE PUT TO

PEKING. IN MANAGER'S PROSENCE CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE OFFICIAL #KOTE

TWO LEITERS, ONE TO PEKING, THE OTHER TO THE CHINESE CUSTOMS AT

SHUM CHUN, HE DECLINED TO CABLE REQUEST AND SAID HE WOULD LET

REUTERS KNOW THE RESULT IN A WEEK'S TIME.

FCO PLEASE PASS ROUTINE PEKING.

SIR D. TRENCH

FILES

F. LAST. D.

HONG KONG DEPT. CUNJULÁR DEPT. NAS DEPT.

[REPEATED AS. KËQUESTED]

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT A

FEC139/1.

CONFIDENTIAL

PRIORITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELEGRAM NUMBER 978

13/12 مسانه ام

TO PEKING

JAME

10 DECEMBER 1958 (FE

CONFIDENTIAL

AdOƆ

ADDSSD TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 979 OF 18 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR

FYN TO HONG KONG.

ASTHONY GREY.

SHEN REUTERS OFFICIAL VISITED THE OFFICES OF THE CHINA TRAVEL SERVICE IN HONG KONG TO PICK UP DECLARATION FORKS FOR CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR GREY FROM HIS HOTHER, NISS MCGUINN, AND REUTERS STAFF HE WAS TOLD QUOTE IF YOU ARE FROM REUTERS TRYING TO SEND PARCELS TO GREY WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THEM UNQUCTE,

REUTERS CLAIM THAT THEY SENT PARCELS THROUGH THIS CHANNEL LAST YEAR AND THAT GREY RECEIVED THEM. WE DO NOT HAVE A RECORD CF THIS HOWEVER YOUR TELEGRAM NO 312 OF 5 DECEMBER 1967 REPORTED THAT YOU HAD SEKT GREY A PARCEL OF WHISKEY AND CIGARS THROUGH THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE BUREAU WHICH WAS ACCEPTED AND THAT YOU WERE PREPARING A FURTHER PARCEL FOR CHRISTMAS.

GENERAL MANAGER OF REUTERS MR LONG, HAS TELEGRAPHED CHOU EN LAI TO PERMIT PARCELS TO BE SENT TO GREY.

GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD APPROACH NEWS DEPT AND FIND OUT AN ACCEPTABLE WAY OF DELIVERING CHRISTMAS PARCELS.

STEWART

FILES:

F. EASTERN DEPT. HONG KONG DEPT

NE79 DEPT.

CONFIDENTIAL

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FE4134/1

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Exp-cret

PRIORITY MARKINGS

Emergency Intimadiase

}

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

reach addressee(3)

(Date

Despatched

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Confidential Restricted

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En Chir. Gode Cypher

[

Draft Telegram jø?-

Peking

(Date)

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978

10/12.

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ILINI...

CONFIDENTIAL.

Peking.

Crabh HHHHHEITI

(date) 19/12

Anthony Grey

REUTERS Reuters

the offices f

BY TH

official visitée

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10/12

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the

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declaration

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from Renters trying

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they

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lest

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accept-oste

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

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

reach addressee(s)

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Stret

Confidential Restricted Unatíssified

En Clair Gode Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

No.

Peking

- FIL

(Date)

And to:-

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Emergency Ingmediate Priority Routine

[

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f.wa 10/12.

EN CLAIR

FEC134/1.

peko 13/12

PRIORITY FOREIGN AND COMHCHLEALTH OFFICE

TELEGRAM NUMBER 977

IFIED

TOP COPY

TO PEKING

10 DECEMBER 1968 (FED)

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 977 OF 10 DECEBER REPEATED FOR

INFORMATION TO PRIORITY HONG KONG.

ANTHONY GREY.

NEWS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY ON THE RECORD.

BEGINS

CASKED IF HR. CRADOCK IN PEKING HAD SEEN THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF

FOREIGN AFFAIRS ABOUT MR, GREY) QUOTE YES, HE CALLED AT THE MINISTRY

YESTERDAY AND WE ARE NOW STUDYING A REPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM HIM

UNQUOTE, QUOTE NR. CRADOCK HAD SEEN MR. YUAN THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR

OF THE NEWS DEPARTMENT IN THE MINISTRY UNQUOTE.

CASKED ABOUT THE RESULT OF THE MNETING) QUOTE AS WE SAID BEFORE, MR.

CRADOCK WAS ASKING FOR AN INTERVIEW PARTICULARLY IN THIS INSTANCE TO

MAKE REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF MR. GREY'S TREATMENT

BUT LE WERE NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVE UHICH IS TO

SECURE HIS RELEASE UNQUOTE,

STEWART

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

F. EASTERN DEPT.

H. KONG DEPT.

NEWS DEFT.

INFO. RESEARCH DEPT.

RESEARCH DEPT.

ENDS.

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

Каза Fed

FEC1391.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Secre

Secres

Confidential

"Restricted"

Unclassified

Emergency Immediate

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

reach addressee(s)

(Date)

toter 17723

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FEC1391

Talex to Paris and North American Special

Foreign and Cosmou realth Office news conference, 1230.10th december 1938

if there was any nowɑ about

Asked fawzzbusbonus the British reply to the Sovint note, pybskābakuut

2 "Hone but you may like zymetunt, the spożomsan said mattributably, #fugasodhim to get in touch with us later in the day." mnds unattributable.

Referred to Lord Shepherd's departure to Nigeria last night and asked whather his visit was basically geared to a new peace initiative, the mokamaŢI replied unattributa ly, "This does not imply a change in British policy,

A 11 aspects of the Nigerian situstion will be discussed," onds mattributabļa.

Q uestión: Then you say it does not moen any change in British paligy, do you mean that x Britain will contime to deliver arms to

#igeria?

Answer. I mean that it moins there is no change in our policy

füh 201 103ge,

Asked if Kr. Cradock in Paking had seen the Chinezo Ministry of

Foreign Affaire about Kr.

Grey)

-rophéet) "Yes, he called

at the Ministry yesterday and we are now studying a report we have received

from kin,"

MR. Yu

Roded that Mr. Cradook had

seen the Deputy Director

of the News Departamt in the Ministry

•Asked

about the remilt of the necting

text

erkkokukky, Mas we said before, Mri gradock was asking foran datorview - particularly in this x instance to mito ropresentations about the conditions abdivovalendavaimamute of Mr. Groy's troutzent but we were not losing

sight of the main objective stich is to secure his release, "ands unattributable,

referred

Further preggod, the rookesman pukul sedalaihx macõeśl

luch to

the fact that there would ha a fozuign Affairs debate in the house of Cormons

when

on_iharaday undoubtedly the subject would be discussed.

}

JEORET

FEC134/1.

Enter ko 10/12

ape

FED (NVS)

10 December, 1968.

Mr. Anthony Grey

1146

Thank you for your letter of 2 December reporting the Prime Minister's discussion with Mr. Mullay about Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters.

In the second paragraph of your letter there are references to communist journalists in prison in Hong Kong, which are misleading. The exact position is this. In attempting to justify the detention of Mr. Orey, the Chinese Foreign Ministry on 22 July, 1967 announced that "in view of the Hong Kong British authorities' unreasonable persecution of the correspondents of the Hong Kong Branch of the New China News Agency and other patriotic newsmen, the Chinese Government has decided to limit the freedom of movement of the British Reuters' correspondent in Pekin

Mr. Oray's detention followed the arrest of eight communist journalists in Hong Kong. Three of these, including Hsueh P'ing were employees of the Ñ.E.N.A. Seven of the

were pluding two of the N.C.N.A. men, were

fined HK$ 50 on 5 August, 1988 and released. Haugh P'ing was released with full remission on 16 November, 1968. Thus all the communist newspaper workers covered by the statement of July, 1967 have now been released.

However after Mr. Grey's detention various communist newspaper workers were arrested and subsequently convicted for offences in connection with the troubles. of these 13 including a

/N.C.N.A.

A. M. Palliser, Esq., C.M.O..

10 Downing Street.

SECRET

N.C.N.A.. Correspondent

have hai

168ond entanto 950 $171, 13, prison

official prison visit to gain access to Mr. Grey.) out early next year. out in September, 1969;

are still special quasi all 13 in order to

of the 13, one is due 11 including Lo, are due but one is not due out

SECRET

NB. Paksgiver in final

Hakoguar paragraph apply after allowing rewissmnat & sentence for good

ixhariar. Jame for

16/2

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Enterape les 10/12

Registry Feces/l

No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret. Secret. Confidential

Restricted. Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

DRAFT

Letter

Type 1 +

To:

A. M. Palliser, Esq.,

No. 10

C.M.G.,

From Private Secretary

Telephone No. & Ext.

Department

In Confidence

otter desnitched by rivate Secretary's Dept.

10 DEC 1968

Mr. Anthony Grey

Thank you for your letter of 2 December

reporting the Prime Minister's discussion with

Mr. Mulley about Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters.

2. In the second paragraph of your letter

there are references to communist journalists

in prison in Hong Kong, which are misleading.

The exact position is this. In attempting to

justify the detention of Mr. Grey, the Chinese

Foreign Ministry on 22 July 1967 announced that

"in view of the Hong Kong British authorities'

unreasonable persecution of the correspondents

of the Hong Kong Branch of the New China News

Agency and other patriotic newamen, the Chinese

Government has decided to limit the freedom of

movement of the British Reuters' correspondent

in Peking".

Kr. Grey's detention followed the

arrest of eight communist journalists in Hong

Kong. Three of these, including Hsueh P'ing,

were employees of the N.C.N.A. Seven of the

eight, including two of the N.C.N.A. men, were

fined HK$ 50 on 5 August 1968 and released.

Hsueh P'ing was released with full remission

on 16 November 1968. Thus all the communist

/newspaper

1488

DHL. 32835 Ba (4200)

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

بجی

newspaper workers covered by the statement of

July 1967 have now been released.

However after Mr. Grey's detention various

communist newspaper workers were arrested and

subsequently convicted for offences in connexion

with the troubles, Of these 13 including a

N.C.N.A. correspondent, Lo, are still in prison

(and we have had to grant a special quasi-

official prison visit to all 13 in order to

gain access to Mr. Grey).

due out early next year.

due out in September 1969;

out until 1971.

Of the 13, one is

11 including Lo, are

but one is not due

1.1

9/10

RECEIVI

Enterepe to 19/12

(ARCHIVIO Mɔ 31

11 DF 1968

36 WWD

Private Secretary

Flag A146

-(148)

MR. ANTHONY GREY

Fee139/1

Kr. Palliser wrote to you on 2 December reporting

a discussion between the Prime Minister and Mr. Mulley

about Mr. Grey.

2. The second paragraph of the letter contains references

to communist journalists in prison in Hong Kong, which are

erroneous.

+ 3. I attach a draft letter to Mr. Palliser.

James Welumang.

(James Murray)

5 December, 1968.

Copy to: Miss Hughes

M. William..

correcting

accmat

す

1. Mulleys conversation

inte

the firm,

You

should

the

litte

bufare despatol.

سمجھا

51.2.

PRIME

MINISTER

Cast:

SECRET

M. Moreton 4/12 Far Eastin Dept.

Ra, Sa

1147

(55)

10 Downing Street Whitehall

December 2; 1968° 31

1) th. Williams

2) MV. Goodey 3) P. U.S.

11.. 368

() Nowy text.

1/12

tol 31ızı

FEC13/1.

Dear Durch,

The Prime Minister discussed the question of the continued detention in Peking of Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mulley) when he and Lord Chalfont were with the Prime Minister this evening. explained that Mr. John Beavan of the Daily Mirror, with a group of leading journalists, had asked to come to see him to raise the question of Mr. Grey.

Mr. Mulley explained that Lord Shepherd had held a meeting earlier today to discuss this and other related matters connected with our relations with China.. H.M. Chargé d'Affaires in Peking had been instructed last week to see the Chinese Foreign Ministry to make our position clear to them.

It was considered preferable that he should do this before there was any question of raising the matter with the Chinese Chargé here. We had however gained the impression from secret sources that there was a chance of Grey being released three weeks after the release of the Chinese journalists imprisoned in Hong Kong, for whose imprisonment his detention was believed to be a reprisal.

Although only one of these men had been let out so far, with remission for good behaviour, and the second was not due for release for another eighteen months, there seemed nevertheless a reasonable chance that the Chinese might act over Grey unless a counter-productive campaign for his release developed here. In that case the Chinese might continue to detain him.

- 2-

The Prime Minister said that he had been asked about this at a luncheon given by the Sunday Times on November 29. He had warned his hosts against excessive publicity and whipping up anti-Chinese feeling, since this might be counter-productive for Mr. Grey's own interests.

It was agreed that for the time being it would be preferable not to stir up publicity in this matter; and that we should at least delay for a further week or so to give an opportunity for Cradock to pursue the matter in Peking. The Prime Minister said that he thought that he would see Mr. Beavan privately; and, without revealing what Mr. Mulley had told him he would give him to understand that it would be preferable, in Mr. Grey's interest, to be patient for à little while longer.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Gruffydd Jones (Cabinet office).

Milan

D.M. Day, Esq.,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Ed (5084)

Reference.

FELIB/1

145

See Annex.

$3)

MAN

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31)

1 ODEC 1968

تاہم

FEC134/1 pako 13/12

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Telno 1096

CONFIDENTIAL

10 December, 1968

Addressed to FCO telegram No. 1095 or 10 December Repented for information to: Hong Kong,

Your telegram No. 976: Barey.

In answer to questions by one or two colleagues I have said that I made a protest, This may get out, but I think you could risk waiting until 12 December,

FCO pass Hong Kong:

Mr. Cradock

(Repented as requested]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

Far Eastern Dept

Hong Kong Dept

News Dept

Consular Dept

CONFIDENTIAL

bbbbb

Fering

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT A

IMMEDIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TO!

1 "AM NO 976

TO PEKING

pako 132 9 DECEMBER 1968

+52 141

(F)

Јартты

CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NO 976 OF 9 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR

INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO 1994: GREY

WE SHOULD PREFER TO DELAY ANY ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW UNTIL THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE ON 12 DECEMBER. HAS THE FACT OF THE INTERVIEW BECOME PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE IN PEKING?

STEWART

137

METI

142_

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTERN DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NNNNN

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

хх

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FE2134/1

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Segret

Confidential

Prip

Unclefethed

(Date)....

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

Despatched

reach addressce{s).

1955

-------

141

LJJJJ

CYPHER

CONFIDENTIAL .

PRIVACY MARKING

'Security classification"

In Confidence

En Clair. Code

[

Privacy marking -if any

]

Cypher

PEKING

Draft Telegram to:-

telegram No............

No.

Paky 446

And to

(Date)

[Codeword-if any].

Addressed to

976 (date)

9/12 repeated for information to

9/12

HONG KONG (IMMEDIATE).

And to:-

Repeat to:

Hory

Saving to:-

Distribution:

Se fortaunted

FED H.K.D

News beft.

Copies to:-

Saving to

Your tel No 1094

[of 9 dee ]: GREY.

We should prefer to delay any

announcement about this interview until

the Farigar Affairs debate an

D Ph

12 Decembe

Has the fact of the interview become puble Lawledge in Peking?

Jee.

9/12

17459|12-2

111

سلا

31/5

CONFIDENTIAL

RÉCEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

Paluss 12/12

10 DEC 1968

1. Musi Sud PECs 9/12.

2. Pho

3. Far Easton Dept.

BRITISH EMBASSY,

RANGOON.

6 Docenter, 1968.

Dean Keith,

FEC136/1

You will, no doubt, be aware of 7.0.0. Guidance Telegram No. 295 of 26 November, secking maximum puòlicity in the foreign press for the case of Tony Grey, the Reuters correspondent held in Peling

Given the delicacy of Sino/Burmese relations, I considered it useless to propose independent publicity by the Burnesc, although I did prepare a Bout de Pavier mi, had I as originally planned, called on Colonel Tin Tun, I would have handed it to him for use at his discretion..

3. In the event, I have not been in contact with the Ministry or Information on other business and nave not stimulated their interest in the case. However, I enclose cuttings from the Working People's Daily and The Guardian which appeared on 4 and 5 December, which show that they are quoting the consents of others received via Reuters. I think this is as much so we can expect in the circumstances hart. 30 fur nothin, ims appeared in the Burmese Lunguzeo capers, but we are keeping our eyes open anu will let you know if anything comes to light.

تنا

болм

Reten

(A. 3. P. Smart) Head of Chancery

inylton Jons, Nade y

south-East Alie Department,

200

GUARDIAN

Grey described as "prisoner of conscience"

LONDON, Dec. 4-Amne:ly | International. the group that works on behalf of political prisoners, has described Reuters Peking correspondent Anthony Grey as a "prisoner of consci-

2009

Mr. Grey has been confined ! to his house in Peking since July last year as a reprisal for the jailing of Chinese journalists in Hong Kong.

Aa Amnesty International pokesman høre said its branches in Solna, Sweden, and is The Hague had taken up the case of Mr. Grey. They would pres for his release by means of letters to the authorities and general publicity.

Amnesty has about 1,600 "prisoners of conscience" under option at the moment.

The spokesman also said that Amnesty

headquarters here would be making moves to sek Mr. Grey's release.

Yesterday, the Foreign Office said Mr. Percy Cradock, British Charge d'Affaires in Peking. ¦ had made a number of attempts | to see the Chinese authorities about Mr. Grey but there had been no positive response so far. la Parliament, Prime Minis for Harold Wilson was asked whether he would

put Mr. Grey's detention on the agenda for the Commonwealth prime minictory' conference Dext month.

He replied: "It is not customary to make public the agenda for the Commonwealth prime ministers' moding but | thall be discussing with my Commonwealth colleagues inter- national problems including relations with China and Bri- tish subjects in detention in China will notutally arise this context.

"Mr. Grey's detention is to- tally unjustified.and we shall continue to do everything possi- ble to secure his "release." NAB/Router.

5.12.1968

GUARD TAN

Chou refuses to

accept FIJ cable

BRUSSELS, Dec. 3-Chinese Premier Choo B-lai has refus ed to accept a telegram from the International Journalists' Federation (FJ) urging the re- lease of British correspondent Anthony Grey, under house arrest in Peking, it was nounced here Monday.

А-

The Belgina Post Office infor- med the FU, whose headquar- ters in is Brussels, that a message from Peking said the telegram, sent on Friday, had been refused by the addresses. -NAB; Reuter.

4.12.68

Fate of European detenus in China

LONDON,

December 3-The Guardian newspaper said today that the miserable situation of Reuters cor. respondent Anthony Grey continues to cause justifiable outrage but other European Retained in China may ba worse off.

The newspaper, in an editorial mid: "Mr Grey's miserable situation in Peking, where he has been under house arrest since July last year, con- tinues to cause a justifiable sense of outrage in this country,

"But what of the other Britons who have disappeared in China (not to mention a number of other Western Europeans from different countries)? The sad fact is that more protest is made about Mr Grey, not because his position is worse, but because we at least know what is happening to him.

"The others may indeed be worso off. Mr Gray is given consular access, if only once or twice a year. To that extent there is some minimal restraint over the Chinese, even though his treatment is deplorable enough

"With the others there is no cop- sular necess. Some of them have disappened without trace and their relatives and family have no .ides where they aro."

The Guardian's editorial referred to Mr Eric Gordon, a British journalist, who has not been heard of for 13 months after being detained by the Chinese authorities, Inquiries by his family and the British Foreign Office have recrived no reply,

The Guardian said it seemed unlike. ly that quiet diplomacy would now help those people.-NAB{Reuter

4.12.1968

Cyphe/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY M

1 RECEIVED IN

IMELIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COLLONTALTH OFFION "

أكراد

Ino. 1094

CONFIDENTIAL

9 December, 1968

UDEC 1968

pales

11/12

FECITY

Jepeated

Addregged to FCO tele:rem ..o. 1094 of 9 December. for information to Hong Kong.

My immediately preceding telegrams.

By local standards this was a mild session.

Yuan was defensive

in manner and avoided usual blood-curdling stories about

ong Kong prisoners. He was obviously embarrassed and upset by publicity campaign, repeatedly saying this was wicked distortion and would not help a solution.

He was also anxious to

get over the point that Chinese would look after Grey's health. He refused to be drawn however into giving any explanation of Grey's continued detention or suggesting a price. The most

I got was a reference to further arrests after detention of Grey. ちゅ You may wish to publicise fact of interview and protest. In view of Chinese sensitivity I suggest reference to my heving etressed concern for Grey's health and demanded full medicel treatment and to Chinese statement that Grey's conditions were "lenient".

FCO poss Immediate Hong Kong.

Mr. Cradock.

VILES

Far Eastern wept.

Hong Kong Dept.

Consular Dept.

Repeated as requested/

Information research Dept.

Research ept.

Information Policy Dept.

Xeng Dept.

ADVANUL COPIES DENT

CONFIRA TAL

XXXXX

CYPHER CAT A

IMMEDIATE

TELNO 1093

CONFIDENTIAL

TC:

PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

9 DECEMBER 1968

pala 1912

RECEIVED I A "HIVES N. 51

¡ODEC 1968

GREY.

FEC139

ADDRESSED TO FCO TELNO 1095 OF 9 DECEMBER. REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG,

HY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING TELEGRAMS:

Tat 1991 st hoed

Tel_1072.

I BEGAN BY REFERRING TO CHINESE STATEMENT OF 21 JULY 1967 POINTING OUT THAT ALL THE CHINESE REFERRED TO IN THAT STATEMENT HAD NOW BEEN RELEASED AND I MUST THEREFORE ASK WHAT WERE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS IN RESPECT OF GREY. YUAN REPLIED BY READING OUT A PREPARED SERIES OF POINTS TO THE EFFECT THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT VERE FULLY JUSTIFIED IN RESTRICTING GREY'S FREEDOM;

2 GROUPS UNDEC.7 WAS LENIENT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WERE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM; THE BRITISH GOVERNVET:7 HAD DONE THEIR UTMOST TO SPREAD SINISTER PROPAGANDA ON SUBJECT OF GREY'S TREATMENT MISLEADING PUBLIC OPINION IN A PLANNED WAY, BUT THIS WOULD BE OF NO AVAIL AND WOULD ONLY COMPLICATE MATTERS. IN PARTICULAR HE INSTANCED YOUR STATEMENT OF 27 NOVEMBER AT RAWALPINDI ABOUT "INHUMAN RESTRAINT", SAYING THAT THIS WAS DISTORTION AND SLANDER.

2. ❘ PRESSED FOR AN EXPLANATION OF CHINESE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION, POINTING OUT THAT IF 1967 STATEMENT HAD ANY MEANING GREY SHOULD HAVE BEEN RELEASED. YUAN REPEATED HIS PIECE, THOUGH HE SAID AT ONCE THAT SINCE 1967 ANNOUNCEMENT THE BRITISH SIDE HAD GONE FURTHER

IN PERSECUTING AND ARRESTING LARGE NUMBERS OF PATRIOTIC COUNTRYMEN AND PRESS WORKMEN, SOLUTION COULD ONLY COME THROUGH ACT BY

BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

I SAID THAT I WAS INSTRUCTED TO DEMAND GREY'S IMMEDIATE RELEASE. I ALSO LODGED THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE PROTEST AGAINST THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH HE WAS HELD, I DEALT WITH THESE IN DETAIL COVERING ISOLATION, DETERIORATION IN CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO ACCESS TO BOOKS, MAÍL, VISITS, ACCESS TO OFFICIALS. I STRESSED OUR SERIOUS CONCERN OVER EFFECT OF HIS LONG SOLITARY CONFINEMENT UNDER THESE

INHUMAN CONDITIONS UPON GREY'S HEALTH AND CALLED FOR PROPER MEDICAL TREATMENT.

YUAN REJECTED THE PROTEST AND REFERRED TO CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG, THOUGH IN A SOMEWHAT HALF-HEARTED WAY. HE SAID ON SUBJECT OF HEATLH "WE KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THE RELEVANT PROBLEMS OF GREY'S LIVELIHOOD",

5. I REBUTTED HONG KONG CHARGES, DRAWING ON MATERIAL SUPPLIED BY ACTING GOVERNOR AND POINTING OUT THE HANY RESPECTS IN WHICH HONG KONG PRISONERS WERE TREATED BETTER THAN GREY. I DEMANDED IMEDIATE IMPROVEMENT IN GREY'S CONDITIONS AND STRESSED CHINESE RESPONSIBILITY FOR GREY'S HEALTH. I REMINDED YUAN THAT DESPITE CHINESE WISHES FACTS COULD NOT BE HIDDEN FROM PEOPLE OUTSIDE CHINA, YUAN REPEATED HIS PARTY PIECE, AGAIN STRESSING THAT CHINESE KNEW HOW TO LOOK AFTER GREY'S HEALTH.

6. SEE MY MEDIATELY FOLLOWING TELEGRAMA,

13.

REPEATED AS REQUESTED/

ANCE

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

FCO PASS IMMEDIATE HONG KONG.

MR. CRADOCK

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUT JON

F. EAST, D.

CONS, D.

H.K.D.

RES. D. I.P.D. NEVS D.

CONFIDENTIAL.

I.R.D.

QUEEN

66.

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

MBA

TOP COLL

شام

RECFIVED I

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COM ONWEALTH OFFICE ARCHIVES No 31

Telno 1092

CONFID-NTIAL

9 December, 1968

LODEC 1968

pala 1962

FECIS/1.

Addressed to FCO telegram No. 1092 of 9 December Repeated for information to: Hong Kong

Your telegram No. 952: Grey.

I obtained an interview with Yuan Deputy Director of News Department this afternoon.

Report and comments follow in my immediately following

telegram,

FCO pass Immediate Hong Kong.

136

Mr. Cradock

[Repeated as requested]

DEPARTIENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Far Eastern Deyt

Hong Kong Dept

Consular Dept

Information Research Dept

Research Dent

Information Policy Dept

News Dept

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

CONFIDENTIAL

SECRET

CYPHER/CAT A

IMEEDIATE HONG KONG TO FOREIGN AND COMMON/EALTH UNTI

TEL NO. 2250

TOP COPY47

RECEIVED IN: ARCHIVES No.3 i

9 DECEMBER 1968

10 DEC 1968

RECsel

(117

SECRET

ADDRESSED FCO TELEGKAH NO. 225P OF 9TH DECEMBEN KEPEATED PEKING.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO. 1644: GREY.

WE HAVE GLEANED NO MORE THROUGH OUR INFORMAL CHANNEL THAN IS REPORTED Іін MY TELEGRAM NO. 2246. WE HAVE NO OTHER EVIDENCE OF THE CHINESE INTENTIONS REGARDING GREY.

Not get feed.

2. BEGINNING WITH CRADOCKS PRESS CONFERENCE ON 30 OCTOBER THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE PUBLICITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNIST PRESS ABOUT DETAINEES, NEWSWORKERS AND CONFRONTATION PRISONERS GENERALLY. THE GROWING AGITATION ELSEWHERE ON BEHALF OF GREY MAY HAVE ENCOURAGED THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO HOLD ON TO GREY LONGER IN THE HOPE OF EXTRACTING SOME CONCESSIONS FROM US, BUT OUR BEST LOCAL INTELLIGENCE IS THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ARE CONTEMPLATING HIS RELEASE. ADMITTEDLY THAT INFORMATION IS NOW SONE WEEKS OLD BUT IT DOES SEEM TO US WORTHWHILE TO MAINTAIN The FOLICY OF NOT BARGAINING OVER

GKEY IN THE HOPE THAT The PERING GOVERMENT, IN SPITE OF LOCAL COMMUNIST AGITATION, WILL ACT UPON THOSE LINES.

FCO PLEASE PASS IMMEDIATA PEKING.

SIR D. TRENCH

(REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

FAN ZASTERN DEPT

HONG KONG DEPT

CONSULAR DEFT

NES DEPT

SECRET

ADVANCE COPIES SENT:

CYPHER/CAT A

ROUTINE LUSAKA

TELEGRAM NUMBER 3126

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP

TOP COPY

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

6 DECEMBER 1968

FEC14/1.

RECTIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

-9DEC 1968

14112 FEC1341

CONFIDENTIAL,

GUIDANCES NOS 295 AND 296.

DETENTION CF GREY AND OTHERS IN CHINA.

VE HAVE GIVEN LPS PIECE FULL DISTRIBUTION BUT 17 HAS NOT

REEN USED IN LOCAL PRESS. VIZNEVS PIECE ON GREY DID HOWEVER

APPEAR ON ZTV NEVS ON 2 DECEMBER.

2. WE HAVE IT IN MIND TO SET UP INTERVIEW BETWEEN 299 REPORTER

AND LOCAL REUTER CORRESPONDENT, POSSIBLY HANGING IT ONTO

IDA WILCOX'S REPORT NO 31 ON REUTER CC01 REFERENCE.C/69/2211).

PROVIDED YOU AND PEUTER AGREE, THEIR CORRESPONDENT VOULD BE

PREPARED TO RAISE QUESTION OF GREY IN INTERVIEW ON LINES

OF GUIDANCES UIDER REFERENCE.

HR. PUMPHREY.

FILES

F. EAST. DEPT.

CONS. DEPT,

NEWS DEPT.

GUID. DEPT.

PRIV. OFFICE P.U.S.

CONFIDENTIAL

EN CLAIR

ROUTINE PARIS

T: .EGRAM NUMBER 1236

CLASSIFIE

TO: FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

6 DECEMBER 1968

TOP C

VOLA

ODRESSED TO F.C.O. TELEGRAM NUMBER 1236 OF 6 DECEMBER 1968) REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO PEKING (COMMERCIAL HEANG-).

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES Ma31

MY TELEGRAM NO 1219.

- 9 DEC 1968

100

MR ANTHONY GREY.

12/12.

FE434/1

FRENCH PRESS CONTINUES TO SHOW CONCERN.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT IN THE IMPORTANT FRENCH REGIONAL NEWSPAPER VOIX DU NORD OF 28 NOVEMBER:

• A YOUNG REUTERS CORRESPONDENT, ANTHONY GREY, HAS BEEN IMPRISONED IN PEKING SINCE JULY 1967. HE IS UNDER SURVEILLANCE IN A TINY ROOM IN HIS OWN HOUSE WHICH IS ICY COLD IN WINTER AND STIFLING IN SUMMER, IN SIXTEEN MONTHS HE HAS NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO READ A SINGLE BOOK. HE HAS ONLY RECEIVED TWO SHORT VISITS, THOSE OF MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH LEGATION LAST APRIL AND ON 26 NOVEMBER. HE CANNOT EVEN LOOK THROUGH THE WINDOWS,

WHAT CRIME HAS HE COMMITTED

HE HAS NOT EVEN BEEN CHARGED

AN OFFICIAL PEKING COMMUNIQUE

THEY ARE BOARDED UP WITH PLANKS. TO DESERVE SUCH TREATMENT 2.NONE. AND HAS THEREFORE NOT BEEN JUDGED. HAS SPOKEN OF REPRISALS AGAINST EIGHT CHINESE PRISONERS IN HONG KONG FOR HAVING TAKEN PART IN CIVIL RIOTS THERE. PRISONERS HAVE BEEN RELEASED BUT THAT HAS NOT CHANGED THE FATE OF THE BRITISH JOURNALIST. MR. GREY, WHO IS SUFFERING FROM BRONCHITIS, IS IN A STATE OF EXTREME NERVOUS AGITATION.''

THESE

F.C.O. PASS PEKING,

MR SO AMES

REPEATED AS REQUESTED

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F. EAST. DEPT.

H.K.D.

CONS. DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

I.P.D.

Far Eastern Dept.

(3/14)

Dear Department,

CONFIDENTIAL

V ́S No.31

- JDEC 1968

FECBel1.

BRITISH EMBASSY,

BERNE.

5 December, 1968.

pal2016/12

Detention of Anthony Grey and others

1406

FECHA 138

Will you please refer to guidance telegrams 295 and 296.

2. The Swiss press has publicised this case and that of the other detained British subjects quite satisfactorily. The "Gazette de Lausanne" in particular has appealed for Grey's release in the enclosed article.

3. We have been in touch with the International Press Institute at Zürich. This organisation exists for the protection of the interests of journalists and of the press world wide, and also for the maintenance of a free press, publishes a fortnightly journal which is distributed world wide, including, of course, countries in a position to bear some influence on the Chinese. The Institute say they have been pressing Grey's case in a low key and are surprised at the sudden publicity. In their experience public pressure has been counter-productive, for the release of the prisoners in the light of publicity would involve loss of face on the part of the detaining power. The Institute added that in the opinion of their Hong Kong representative publicity would elicit counter-publicity for the Chinese held without trial in Hong Kong. However, the Institute will now give the matter more publicity in its journal.

Yours ever,

Peta thang-Jone

Information Officer (F. Arengo-Jones)

Western European Department,

Foreign & Commonwealth Office,

Downing Street,

S.W.1.

c.c. N. Gaydon, Esq., Information Policy Dept.

CONFIDENTIAL

Gazette de Lausanne

| LES

LES FAITS DE DEMAIN

Une dépêche Reuter

Anthony Grey, 30 ans, correspondant de l'agence Renter en Chine populaire, sera-t-il enfin libéré ?

Arrété au mois de juillet 1967 en re- présailles pour la condamnation de huit journalistes chinois de Hong-Kong. Grey est détenu dans une chambre de son appartement de Pékin.

Pour la première fois, depuis de longs mois, son isolement total a été brisé. Mardi dernier, en effet, le chargé d'Af- faires britannique M. Percy Cradock, et le consul général Roger Garside ont été autorisés à rendre visite (vingt-cing mi- nutes) au représentant de Reuter.

Alors que les huit journalistes chinois ont tous été libérés par les autorités de Hong-Kong, Anthony Grey reste confiné dans sa chambre comme olage.

Hier encore, l'intersyndicale de l'agen- ce Reuter en appelait à M. Chou En-laï et au peuple chinois pour qu'ils rendent à son pays leur " frère syndicaliste ".

Nos confrères londoniens ont consti- tué un contité pour la libération de Grey.

La Gazette de Lausanne " se joint à eur. Elle souhaite que le premier mi- nistre chinois ait assez de pouvoir pour mettre un terme à une détention scan- daleuse.

V. F.

29.11.1968.

Ed (5084)

Reference

FEC130/1119

See ANNEX.

GPHER/CAT A

SECRET

IMMEDIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM NUMBER 1644

TOP COPY

TO HONG KONG

6 DECEMBER 1968. (FE)

pakozz/iz

SECRET

ADDRESSED TO HONG KONG TELNO 1644 OF 6 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO PEKING.

GREY.

TILERE 15 TO BE A FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT

0' 12 DECEMBER. THIS WILL GIVE MINISTERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFER TO THE PLIGHT OF GREY AND OTHER BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED IN

CHINA,

2. IF OUR CHARGE D'AFFAIRES HAS NOT SUCCEEDED IN MAKING

REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CHINESE ABOUT GREY IN THE MEANTIME IT IS

THE INTENTION TO HAVE SHEN PING CALL HELE ON 10 DECEMBER.

3. WE SHALL IN ANY CASE BE REVIEWING THE NEXT STEPS WITH THE GOVERNOR ON 13 DECEMBER PRIOR TO HIS RETURN. IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF YOU COULD LET US HAVE BY 1000 HOURS BST ON 10 DECEMBER ANY RECENT INFORMATION WHICH YOU MAY HAVE GLEANED THROUGH YOUR INFORMAL CHANIEL OR FROM OTHER SOURCES, WHICH MIGHT CAST LIGHT ON THE INTENTIONS OF THE CHINESE WITH REGARD TO GREY.

STEWART

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F. EAST. D,

HONG KONG DEPT.

NELS DEPT.

CONSULAM DE

DEPT.

SECRET

17352

6/12/08

NOTHING TO BE WRITING in this

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

SECRET

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

Kardashind

6/12

Flash

Immediaca

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

THER

reach addressee(s)

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PRIVACY MARKING

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[Security_if any

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[

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2/644

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י.

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HONG KONG

--------------------------------|

repeated for information to

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MILL

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6 December

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----- -. -...

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SZINTZILIPE

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117

----

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Jefatural

RED. Har kuniy Akas

Copies to:

Grey.

There is xpublix to be a Foreign Affairs debate

in Parliament on 12 December. This will give

Ministers an opportunity to refer to the plight

of Grey and other British subjects detained in

China.

2. If our chargé d'Affaires has not succeeded

in making representations to the Chinese about

Grey in the meantime it is the intention to have

Shen P'ing call here on 10 December.

3. We shall in any case be reviewing the next

steps with the Governor on 13 December prior to his

return. It would be helpful if you could let us

have by 1000 hours BST on 10 December any recent

Year information which you may have gleaned through the- informal

severe channel or from other sources,which might

cast light on the intentions of the Chinese with

regard to Grey.

Jose SECRET

11. T

Miss Hughes

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL

Enterapa

2010/12

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

6DEC 1968

FEC138/1.

Mr. Anthony Grey

As requested, I attach a Note on the present position

of the case of Mr. Anthony Grey for possible use by

Mr. Mulley in Cabinet tomorrow.

вить грамму.

(James Murray)

4 December, 1968.

Copies to: Private Secretary

Mr. Moreton

Mrs. James Mysay

The entict

لابتهال

them.

mily briefly

alunded to

morning.

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTE

LIR. ANTHONY GREY

The Present Position

Mr. Cradock, our Chargé d'Affaires in Peking, has not

yet succeeded in obtaining an interview with the Chinese to

make representations about the conditions of detention of

Mr. Grey

and to ask about his release.

2. We had from the outset accepted that, even if the Chinese

had decided to release Mr. Grey in return for our release of

Heueh P'ing on 16 November, they might well delay up to a

month; and we had thought it politic to play things quietly

in the meantime. However the visit to Mr. Grey has

It would still seem

inevitably aroused public interest.

desirable to play things quietly for a little longer in the

hope admittedly slight that the Chinese will release

Mr. Grey in the near future. In view of public interest,

however, we can hardly delay the making of an official statement

beyond the middle of next week; and I propose to recommend

that the Secretary of State should make a statement on about

11 December.

3. Such a statement will be expected to include an account

of representations to the Chinese. If the Chinese continue

to refuse to see Mr. Cradock, it would be desirable to summon

their Chargé d'Affaires here before the statement is made.

/ I suggest

CONFIDENTIAL

I suggest that this might be done on 9 or 10 December.

4. Much must depend on whether or not the Chinese, in Peking

or in London, formally name a definite price for the release

of Mr. Grey, e.g. the release of all 13 communist newspaper

workers at present in prison in Hong Kong. If they do, this

will pose problems for the drafting of the statement.

would in any case seem best not to refer publicly to any

Chinese price until we have decided the next policy steps.

(The Governor of Hong Kong is due in London for discussions on

12 and 13 December.).

Meanwhile six more detainees have been released in Hong

Kong (leaving 23 still in detention).

This reflects the

increasing confidence of the Hong Kong authorities that an

increased rate of releases does not carry security risks.

We have, however, to be careful what we say in public about

this, since we do not want it to appear that we are ready to

use detainees as political pawns in a negotiation. But since

the Chinese themselves have emphasised to us that it is deeds

not words that matter, these releases ought to have some

value as a gesture on our part towards the settlement of

outstanding issues in Hong Kong.

Far Eastern Department,

4 December, 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

Fecise/1.

FOREIGN AND

玉

паст

paleo 5/12

COMMONWEALTH OFFICE,

5 December, 1968.

I enclose a monumental collection of press cuttings which will give you some idea of the coverage given in the British press during the last two weeks to Grey's case and that of other British subjects detained by the Chinese. I fear that you will find a lot of inaccuracies in the newspaper accomta, but in general it is favourable from our point of view and reflects well on the hard work of News Department in keeping the press on the right lines.

P. Cradock, Esq., C.M.G.,

PEKING.

(C. Wilson)

Far Eastern Department

RESTRICTED

凇

Cypher/Cat A

IMMEDIATE

Telao 1083

STRICTED

PEKING ΤΟ FOREIGN AND COMMONAEALTH OFFICE

5 December 1968

||2

Addressed to FCO telegram No. 1083 of 5 December. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

RECEIVED AN ARCHIVES N8.31.

- 6 DEC 1968

FEC134/1.

B.B.C's News last night carried report that Shen Ping, in answer to representations by journalists in London, had said Grey would not be released until the 13 news workmen in prison in Hong kong were released.

Grateful for text of his statement by Immediate telegram,

FCO please pass to Hong Kong,

Mr. Cradock

[Repeated as requested]

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

DEP AKTHE NTAL DISTRIBUTION

F. East. D.

I.A.D.

I.F.D.

News Dept.

Hong Kong Dept.

Consular Dept.

I.K.D.

Research Dept.

EEEER

RESTRICTED

FECIBell.

RESTRICTED

pales 6/12

TOP COPY

ник за

CYDER/CAT A & BY BAG

HITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM NUMBER 1315

RESTRICTED

TO RAWALPINDI

2 DECEMBER 1968. (FED)

ADDRESSED TO RAWALPINDI TELEGRAM NUMBER 1315 OF 2 DECEMBER AND TO

FECIS CERTAIN OTHER POSTS REPEATED FOR INFORMATION SAVING TO PEKING,

WASHINGTON AND HONG KONG.

PGDANCES NOS 295 AND 296. ANTHONY GREY.

34) H.M.CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN PEKING HAS SUGGESTED THAT VARIOUS POSTS

SHOULD TELEGRAPH TO PEKING EN CLAIR AND BY COMMERCIAL CHANNELS EXCERPTS FROM NEWS REPORTS AND EDITORIAL COMMENTS CONCERNING GREY WHICH MAY APPEAR OR HAVE APPEARED IN LAST FEW DAYS IN LOCAL PRESS. THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT DEGREE OF FOREIGN INTEREST IN GREY CASE IS BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF THE CHINESE. GRATEFUL IF THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS TELEGRAM WOULD DO THIS IF POSSIBLE AND APPROPRIATE

STEWART

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

H.K. D.

CONSULAR D.

NE78 D.

I.R.D.

RESEARCH D.

I.P.D.

GUIDANCE D.

RESTRICTED

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

OF FE434/1.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Reserlered

enclassified

Flash Immediate Priority

}

(Date)

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

reach addressee(s)

espatead

2/12

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Originst th: GK 301/3/1 Ti's Cay to FE Dept.

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With the compliments of

CONSULAR DEPARTMENT

As requested.

FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

CLIVE HOUSE, PETTY FRANCE,

LONDON, S.W,1.

5 December 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

Cypusta/ENT A AND BY BAG

CONFIDENCIAL

PRIORITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM GUMBER GUIDANCE 295

TO CONTAI

28 1.

RECEIVED AN ARCHIWES No.3

-6DEC 1968

CONFIDENTIAL.

Бил

FEC13C/1.

40.$/12.

CHINESE DETENTION OF ANTHONY GREY AND OTHERS,

WE WISH TO OBTAIN MAXIMUM PUSLICITY IN THE FOREIGN PRESS FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS FOR GREY'S CASE AND THE GASES OF OTHER BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED BY THE CHINESE, WE ARE PARTICULARLY KECH TOC CO SO IN COUNTRIES WHERE THE CHINESE HAVE CONSIDERABLE INFLUENCE, AND ¡SBELS WHEREVER THEY HAVE A MISSION, THE POSTS HOST OBVIOUILLY CONCERNED ARE THOSE RECEIVING THIS GUIDANCE AND GUIDANCE 24 TELEGRAPHICALLY. THE BULK OF THE REPORT BY H.M. CHANGE D'AFFAIRES IN PEKING ON HIS VISIT TO GREY ON 26 NOVEMBER HAS BEEN CARNIED

THE L.P.S. FURTHER STORIES WILL FOLLOW IN THIS SERVICE, AND A FOLLOW-UP C.0.1. FEATURE ARTICLE 13 ALSO PLANNED.

2. THE POINTS WHICH WE ARE PARTICULARLY KECH TO GET ACROSS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

(1) THE JOURNALISTS AND NEWSPAPER WORKERS DETAINED IN HORG gen WERE ALL TRIED FOR SPECIFIC CRIMES AND SENTENCED TO DEFINE PERIODS OF BURISONMENT, THEIR SENTENCES ARE SUBJECT TO REMISSIGA FOR COOD BEHAVIOUR. GREY, BY CONTRAST, HAS 107 SCCL ACCUSED OF ANY CRIME AND HAS NO IDEA WHEN HE MAY BE RELEASED

(11) SILCE GREY WAS ORIGINALLY DETAL-ED IN REPRISAL FOR 9 JOURNALISTS, ALL NOW RELEASED, THE WINESE SHOULD BY THEIR 04, RECKONING RELEASE HIM, FILIR FAILURE TO DO SO SUGGESTS THAT Y MAY HAVE SHIFTED THEIR GROUND.

(11) THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE CONVICTED PRISONERS ARE DETAINED IN HONG KONG ARE INTTITELY SETTER THAN THOSE OF GREY IN PEKING, THE PRISONERS "KCEIVE REGULAR MONTHLY VISITS FROM

RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THE PRISON LIPKARY AS REQUIRED: GREY IS DENIED ACCESS HIS OWN ROCKS, GREY IS !!

S SOLITARY CONFINEMENT: COST OF THE PHILONERS ARE IN SPIELE CALLS HUT ALL HAVE DAILY EXERCISE IN GROWS AND THOSE WHO AL PRIMARIA TO WORK ARE 19 CONSTANT TOUCH WITH FELLO-ISONERJ, THE PRINTER DAY HAVE ACCESS DI ANY TIME TO PRISM OFFICIALS: GREY HAS HAD

10 CONTACT WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS 51-25 HE WAS DETA IRSD. (IV) GREY HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM CUEST PAINS BUT, THOUGH HE "AS LEEN BY A DOCTOR, HE WAS REFUSED AR XRAY.

FeReal

}

CONFIDENTIAL

(V) TRE MAIL FROM HIS MOTHER AND GIRL FRIEND WHICH GREY IS USUALLY ALLOWED TO RECEIVE, HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY DELAYED,

APART FROM GREY THERE ARE 12 OTHER DRITISH SUBJECTS DETAIN' OR BELIEVED TO BE DETAINED IN CHINA, IN NO OTHER CASE HAVE THE CHINESE ALLOWED CONSULAR ACCESS NOR HAVE THEY PROVIDED DETAILS OF THE CHARGES, IF ANY, AGAINST THOSE DETAINED, DESPITE REPEATED REPRESENTATIONS IN LONDON AND PEKING, IN SOME CASES THEY HAVE EVER FAILED TO CONFIRM THE FACT OF THEIR DETENTION, (VII) IT IS NOT ONLY BRITISH SUBJECTS WHO ARE DETAINED. THERE ARE ALSO, TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, 13 JAPANESE, 5 AMERICANS, ABOUT 8 WEST GERIANS 1 SELGIUM AND 1 ITALIAN, APART FROM ↳ OF THE AMERICANS WHO WERE SENTENCED TO LONC TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT IN THE SO'S, THEIR CASES ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE DETAINED BRITONS, SO FAR AS IS KNOWN THE GOVERNMENTS CONCERNED WAYE BEEN EQUALLY UNSUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING A SATISFACTORY REPLY FROM THE CHINESE.

3. MY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING GUIDANCE TELEGRAN GIVES FURTHER

. BACKGROUND ON THE CASE OF GREY AND THE OTHER BRITISH SUBJECTS IN

QUESTION, AND MAY BE DRAWN UPON FREELY.

STEWART

BY TELEGRAPH

BONN BRUSSELS COPENHAGEN

THE HAGUE

OSLO

PARIS

ROME

WASHINGTON BAGHDAD

BEIRUT

ALGIERS CAIRO

KINSHASA

MOGADISHU

BELGRADE BERNE

HELSINK! STOCKHOLM VIENNA

NEW YORK (BIS)

PCOVANI DISTRIBUTION GUIDANCE DEPT.·

KHARTOUM

KATHMANDU

PHO. PÊNH RANGOON

ALL PRIORITY/

CONFIDENT | AL

TOKYO VIENTIANE

NEW DELHI RAWALPINDI COLOMBO SINGAPORE

KAMPALA

NAIROBI

LUSAKA

MAURITIUS

DAR ES SALAAM HONG KONT (GOV) HONG KONG (POLAD) HONG KONG (RIO)

CYPHER/CAT A

PRIORITY BEIRUT

TELEGRAK NUMBER 1059

Await anl.of.

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

4 DECEMBER 1968

pa. Rico!?

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

5DEC 1968

FECI30/1

YOUR GUIDANCE TELEGPAK NO. 295.

THE LEPANESE PRESS HAVE BEEN REPRODUCING REUTERS MESSAGES ON

GREY'S DETENTION AND ONE OF THE LEADING PAPERS CAL HAYATƆ HAS

PUBLISHED AN EMBASSY PRESS DRIEFING BASED ON YOUR GUIDANCE AND

HAS LINKED THE CASE WITH THE ARAB CONFERENCE 0:1 HUMAN RIGHTS WHICH

HAS JUST OPENED IN BEIRUT,

A LEBANESE EDITOR HAS SUGGESTED THAT FURTHER PUBLICITY NIGHT

DE GENERATED IF REUTERS OR SOME OTHER INTERESTED PARTY WERE TO

ADDRESS A MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE WHO IS MR.

GEORGE HAKIM, FORMER LEBANESE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND

NOW VICE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY.

3. I PUT THIS IDEA TO YOU WITH SOME DIFFIDENCE AS YOU WILL BE

IN A BETTER POSITION TO JUDGE WHETHER IT WILL DO GREY ANY GOOD.

THE CONFERENCE ALTHOUGH OSTENSJELY RELATED TO HUMAN RIGHTS YEAR

IS REALLY AN ARAS PROPAGANDA EXERCISE AND I AC YNABLE TO SAY WHETHER

ANY MATTERS OUTSIDE THE FILESTINIAN CUESTION VILL RECEIVE ANY

ATTENTION,

MR. KING

DEPARTHENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

FAR LASTERN DAFT

CONSULAR DEPT

HONG KONG DEPT

NEWS DEPT

UNITED NATIONS DEPT

INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT

RESEARCH DEPT NEAR EASTERN DLFT

INFORLATION POLICY DEPT

INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION DEPT

CONFIDENTIAL.

CONFIDENTIAL

FED

Private Secretary

RECEIVED 1 ARCHIVES N. →l

- 4 DEC 1968

FECIC/

ROUND-UP TELEGRAM TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE

next wee

Mr. Anthony Grey

I suggest that to-day's round-up to the Secretary of State might include a paragraph about Mr. Grey on the following linea:-

In a

Cradock has been trying unsuccessfully since 30 November to obtain interview with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make representations about the conditions of detention of Grey. Parliamentary reply this afternoon the Prime Minister indicated that the matter could be discussed at the Prime Ministers' Conference if Grey had not been released by then. Parliamentary and press interest remains high. Our present thinking is that you might make a statement fon 11 December, We shall in the meantime have called in the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires here if Cradock has not succeeded in making representations in Feking.

Copy to: Mr. Moreton

(James Murray)

3 December, 1968.

Mr. M

مسا

Muras.

pako 4/12

धार

Thank

you.

CONFIDENTIAL

.)...).g

3/12.

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY

135

FLASH PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COZON/DALTH OFFICE

no. 1078

3 December, 1968

- 3DEC 1968

RECEIVED INT ARCHIVES No.31||

603/12

FEC134/1.

CONFIDENTI AL

Addressed to FOO telegrem lio. 1078 of 3 December. Repeated for information to ong Kong.

Your telegram lo. 962: Grey.

(33)

See my telegram 30. 1074. No progress made. Chinese have not directly refused interview but in onsser to repeated requests have said with some direourtesy that they have no news.

In the circumstances I should see no objection from this end if Prime Minister wished to ex:lein that so far Chinese are proving very reluctant to see me over Grey.

FCO pass Routine Hong Kong.

Kr. Crɛdock.

Repeated as requested_/

FILES

F. East. D.

ir. Loreton

Sir J. Johnston. Z.K.D.

Sir A. Galaworthy News D

P.U.S.

Private Secretory.

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

COMET DEAN

F434/1

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY

FLASH FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO PEKING

TGRAM NUMBER 962

pacio

3/12

2 DECEMBER 1968 (FED)

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TEL NO 962 OF 2 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR

7592 INFORMATION TO HONG KONG,

YOUR TEL NO 952 TO HONG KONG PARAGRAPH 3: GREY. GRATEFUL TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED IN ARRANGING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE M.F.A. PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION IS DOWN FOR ANSWER BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND IT WOULD BE HELPUL TO BE ABLE TO REPORT THAT REPRESENTATIONS HAD BEEN MADE.

STEWART

FILES

F. EAST. D.

MR. MORETON

SIR J. JOHNSTON

HONG KONG D

SIR A. GALSWORTHY NEWS D.

P.U.S.

PRIVATE SECRETARY

CONFIDENTIAL

Auto

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

15002

2/12/68

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC134/1

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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PRIORITY

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TELNO 1074

2 DECEMBER 1968

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVE $0.31

¡FIDENTIAL

C 1968

Fease/i,

ADDRESSED TO FCO TELEGRAM NO. 1074 OF 2 DECEMBER

REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO. 952: GREY.

I HAVE BEEN TRYING SINCE 29 NOVEMBER, SO FAR WITHOUT SUCCESS, TO OBTAIN INTERVIEW, THE PUBLICITY ON ACCESS AND BBC'S STATEMENT THAT I WOULD BE MAKING PROTEST HAVE NO DOUBT DECIDED THE CHINESE TO KEEP ME WAITING.

FCO PASS HONG KONG.

I SHALL CONTINUE TRYING.

MR. CRADOCK

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED/

pa. J=1/12

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTERN DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

CONSULAR DEPT.

I.R.D.

RESEARCH DEPT. I.P.D.

NEWS DEPT.

NNNNN

CONFIDENTIAL

321

Cypher/Cat A

PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TOP COPY

CONFIDENTIAL

POSFIVED IN

: No 311

fees/I.

palio 5/12 работа

Welno 1075 3 December, 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to FCO telegram No. 1075 of 3 December Repeated for information to: Hong Kong.

I see that the Economist of 16 November reverts to the idea of reprisals against N.C.N.A. London if Grey is not soon released, Would it not be advisable to speak privately to the Economist and explain the point that action against Chinese officials in London would merely produce stronger counter-action against British officials in Peking without assisting Grey? The lessons from 1967 are clear enough if they could be put to the Economist in confidence.

F.C.O. pass Hong Kong

Mr.Cradock

[Repeated as requested]

DEPARTI'ENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Far Eastern Dept

Hong Kong Dept

News Dept

Information Policy Dept

Information Research Dept

Guidance Dept

P.U.S.D.

bbbbb

CONFIDENTIAL

FEC134/1.

CONFIDENTIAL

CYPHER/CAT -A-

IN DIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM NUMBER 963

pakoslo

TOP COPY

TO PEKING

3 DECEMBER 1968 (FED)

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAM NUMBER 963 OF 3 DECEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION PRIORITY TO HONG KONG.

GREY.

B B C FAR EASTERN SERVICE HAVE BEEN GIVING EXTENSIVE COVERAGE TO GREY'S CASE IN THEIR CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE SERVICES, YOU WILL BE INTERESTED TO KNOW, THAT MRS GREY WILL BE INTERVIEWED DURING THEIR CHINESE TRANSMISSION ON WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER AT 12.00

NOON G M T.

STEWART

FILE 8:

FAR EASTERN DEPT. HONG KONG DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

INFORMATION POLICY DEPT. INFORMATION RESEARCH DEPT.

MR. MORETON

SIR J. JOHNSTON

CONFIDENTIAL

•

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC34|1.17

FED

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top-Secret Secret

Confidential

Restricted Unclassified

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No.

Peleng

963

(Date)

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(Date)

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THHINA-MARIHANTémaqulimakkaam

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Peking

3/12

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.........................

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Grey.

BB.C. For Kostér fervice have been, youring extensive poverage,

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Wednesday, 4 December, ol, 12.00 noon GIMT

C.4 3/12

AESTRIEFED CONFIDENTIAL

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Reference...

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Support they have given

us.

RECEIVED IN

Publicity on 14th Grey

1.428/11.

ARCHIVES No.31

- 4DEC 1968

FECIBE/1

ME Edith Temple-Roberts of BBC External Services (tel Caveat Garden 3456 xt 2581) phmed to ask our advice on a broadcast thay plan to sew out

M= Grey in their "Asian Topical Comments" series. This will be a human appeal' to the Chinese in the form of a commentary on the news of yesterday's

visit to 1* Grey. She said they intended to highlight

that

the fact of it such and over other H.K. primers whom

have

the chinese hal mentine 2 now been vedeased, as well drawing attention to the conditions under which Mcgrey is confined. Ska asted for comparative in formation on treatment of H.K. prisners a detainees. I said I would ring her back.

Ian C.Our 26/11.

2. I sputke later to Mteven Charlton (who is well-the down and respected in than a Pakistani journalist circles) who is in fast writing the talk on Grey. This will be in a "journalist talking about a fellow journalist" theme and is not designed to make much play of the contrast "chinese barbarity in Peking British humanexes in Itay King" He was, however, ylal to have some back ground material (which I cleared with 11t Carter in H.K. Dept.) on the treatment of Jetainees

gave me detail & 3. Later I spoke to M2 House who

In the recent External Services coverage of M2 Grey's case. In

Среј'яске, те last eight days there have been eight broadcasts in the Chinese and other Far Easter transmisions about 11= Grey.

CONFIDENTIAL

OVEN

3-cats.

very

beater on Grey in the British Press has been put in

the wir in chinese to wall do every ve

do every reference in Parliament. One interview with Mt geral? lng his been

carried and there will be mother me in a test days time. An interview with the P.M. was also came. For our private information rly M2 House told me that they plan to carry an interview with 11 Grey (the twist the wards in English). We will be told the Jak of trimmission in adorace, we will also be sent transcripts of met interview and of MF Charlton's

talk.

Iain C.Or 26/11.

Not

"Arad.

$293

RECEIVED IN

TOPALORY

CHIVES No.3!

ZDE 1968

En Clair

PRICKITI" HONG KONG TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH "FICE

Felno 221

UNCLASSIFIED

29 November, 1968

Your telegram Guidance 296: British Subject Detained in China.

The first sentence of paragraph 1 of your telegram under reference is incorrect. Grey was placed under house arrest following arrest of 8 journalists only 3 of whom were ployees of NCNA. Seven of these including two of NCNA ze were fined 50 Hong Kong dollars on 5 August and released. The only one of the 8 sentenced to a term of imprisonment was the MCNA reporter Hsueh Ping who has now been released.

Sir D.French.

FILES

H.K.D.

F.East Dept. Sir J.Johnston Hr., Koneton News Dept. I.P.D.

I.R.D. Guid,Dept. Mr. Peck

88888

TOP COPY

RESTRICTED

Cypher/Cat A

RECEIVEDAN ARCHIVES NO 31

PRIORITY PEKING TO POREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE -20 1968

elno 1069

RESTRICTED

29 November, 1968

1F643/1.

Addressed to FCO telegram No.1069 of 29 November, Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

Grey.

You may wish to consider asking various posts such as Washington, Rawalpindi, Rangoon, Phnom Penh, Paris, Stockholm, Dar es Salaam, Ottawa and Kathmandu to telegraph to us en clair by commercial channels excerpts from news reports and editorial comment concerning Grey which may have appeared in local Press in the past few days. This would ensure degree of foreign interest in Grey case is brought to the attention of the Chinese.

FCO pasa routine Hong Kong.

Mr. Cradock

[Repeated as requested]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.East Dept.

H.K.D.

Cons Dept.

News Dept.

I.R.D. Res .Dept. I.P.D.

88888

RESTRICTED

FEC134/1

CYPHER/CAT A

CONFIDENT IAL

IMMEDIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELEGRAM NUMBER

1613

TOP COPY

TO HONG KONG

29 NOVEMBER 1968 (F)

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED TO HONG KONG TELEGRAM NUMBER 1613 OF 29 NOVEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO PEKING.

ANTHONY GREY: PRESS COVERAGE.

THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF INACCURATE AND UNHELPFUL ARTICLES IN THE BRITISH PRESS FROM HONG KONG-BASED CORRESPONDENTS. THESE HAVE STIM- ULATED QUESTIONS TO NEWS DEPARTMENT ABOUT ASPECTS OF THE GREY CASE ON WHICH WE HAVE BEEN REFUSING TO COMMENT (THE NATURE OF A POSSIBLE BARGAIN WITH PEKING AND RETALIATION AGAINST NCNA CORRESPONDENTS IN LONDON).

2. FOLLOWING ARE SOME EXAMPLES:

BEGINS.

THE BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE WILL

ECONOMIST, 16 NOVEMBER: QUOTE CONTINUE TO WAIT AND PRAY AND WILL NOT SANCTION ANY PROPOSAL FOR COUNTER-REPRISALS AGAINST THE FOUR ACCREDITED NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY CORRESPONDENTS WHO REMAIN ACTIVE AND AT LARGE IN LONDON. UNQUOTE. ECONOMIST, 39 NOVEMBER: QUOTE BUT THE FOREIGN OFFICE PERSISTED

IN ITS OWN WRONG-HEADED BELIEF THAT GENTLE PERSUASION COULD SECURE MR. GREY'S RELEASE MORE EFFECTIVELY THAT REPRISALS AGAINST THE FOUR- MAN NCNA STAFF IN LONDON, UNQUOTE.

SUNDAY TIMES, 24 NOVEMBER: ... QUOTE IT IS NOW KNOWN THAT BOTH THE ACTING BRITISH CHARGE D'AFFAIRES IN PEKING AND THE FOREIGN OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES HAD LONG SECRET TALKS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY IN HONG KONG DURING THEIR VISIT HERE. UNQUOTE. TIMES, 28 NOVEMBER: A) QUOTE ALTHOUGH NEITHER CHINA NOR THE HONG KONG COMMUNISTS HAVE SUGGESTED AN EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS, IT APPEARS THAT BRITAIN FOR ITS PART HAS NEVER PUT THIS IDEA FORWARD TO PEKING. UNQUOTE B) QUOTE FOREIGN OFFICE EXPERTS ON CHINA HAVE CLAIMED THAT EXCHANGING PRISIONERS WAS OF NO REAL INTEREST TO THE CHINESE, WHO WOULD REGARD ANY SUCH SUGGESTION FROM LONDON AS A GESTURE OF TIMIDITY. UNQUOTE,

/TIMES

CONFIDENTIAL

-2-

TIMES, 29 NOVEMBER: QUOTE THERE WERE INDICATIONS TODAY THAT THE HONG KONG AUTHORITIES MAY BE IN THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATING WITH LOCAL COMMUNIST REPRESENTATIVES FOR FURTHER VISITS TO MR. GREY IN THE NEAR FUTURE IN RETURN FOR SIMILAR ACCESS TO COMMUNIST JOURNALISTS IN THE COLONY'S PRISONS.

ENDS.

3. WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD DO WHAT YOU CAN TO STEER JOURNALISTS AWAY FROM ATTRIBUTING SPECULATION OF THIS KIND TO OFFICAL SOURCES.

STEWART.

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

F.EASTERN DEPT.

H. KONG DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

INFO. RESEARCH DEPT.

INFO.POL.DEPT.

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC1391.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

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

reach addressee(s)

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

זיו

Top Secres

9/11 Seccat

Flestr

Des atched

Confidential

Ungásalfiad

Mong Royerine

----......

PRIVACY MARKING

In Conflence

[Security classification]

En Clair.

[

Privacy marking -if any

Obie

[Codeword-if any]

CONFIDENTIAL

MNINI

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

Gol. HANK Work

1613

No.

(Date) __29/11

And to:-

Addressed to

MIILILI

telegram No.

And to

HONG KONG

1613

repeated for information to

ווי

Saving to....

Repeat to

Saving to:-

PU|

IINIMIIImmamuntetpompplNMA

(date) 29 Nalcabal.

PEKING (ROUTINE)

--- LLL

Anthony Grey: Press Coverage

There have been a number of inaccurate and

unhelpful articles in the British press from Hong

Kong-based cprrespondents. These have stimulated

abou questions to News Department on aspects of the

Grey case on which we have been refusing to

comment (the nature of a possible bargain with

Peking and retaliation against NCNA correspondents

in London).

Following are some examples:

Distribution:-

Begins.

Departmental F.E.D.

HONG KONG

NEWS DEPT.

I.R.D. I.P.D.

Copies to:-

Economist, 16 November:

"... the British Foreign

Office will continue to wait and pray and will not

sanction any proposal for counter-reprisals against

the four accredited New China News Agency

correspondents who remain active and at large in

London,"

-બેગ

12007/19/12

Economist

ידי

Economist, 30 November:

but the Foreign

Office persisted in ita own wrong-headed belief

that gentle persuasion could secure Mr. Grey's

release more effectively than reprisals against.

the E four-man NCNA staff in London."

Sunday Times, 24 November: ..."It is now known

that both the acting British Chargé d'Affaires

in Peking and the Foreign Office representatives

had long secret talks with representatives of the

New China News Agency in Hong Kong during their

visit here."

Times, 28 November: a) "Although neither China

nor the Hong Kong communists have suggested an

exchange of prisoners, it appears that Britain

for its part has never put this idea forward to F

Peking." b) "Foreign Office experts on China have claimed that exchanging prisoners was of no

real interest to the Chinese, who would regard any

auch suggestion from London as a gesture of temidity."

Times, 29 November: "There were indications today

that the Hong Kong authorities may be in the

process of negotiating with local communist

representatives for further visits to Mr. Grey in

the near future in return for similar access to

communist journalists in the colony's prisons.

Ende.

We should be grateful if you would do what

steer you can to stir journalists away from attributing

Sources

speculation of this kind to official thinking.

b. 11.

Repell f.4.29

1154mm (77 sorta)

3.L.M. GKM3

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

(13/17)

Den Wilson

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH EMBASSY,

MOSCOW

26 November, 1968

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

28 NOV 1968

FECI32/1

Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters

Your letter of 15 November to Chancery.

I have discussed with Reuteré correspondent here, Adam Kellett-Long, who was Grey's predecessor in Peking, how we should handle the situation if Grey should arrive here. We agreed that the best thing would be for Grey to be looked after in one of the Embassy flats until he could be sent on to London. We suppose that he would need a night's rest after the flight from Peking, but unless he were in very bad shape indeed we should not wish to keep him here longer than that, both to prevent his fellow journalists from pursuing him and to get him proper facilities for rest and recuperation.

3. There would be no point in sending anyone from Reuters. Apart from the delay in obtaining a visa for a visitor, Kellett- Long could do everything necessary.

4. I am sending a copy of this letter to Chancery at Peking.

C. Wilson, Esq.,

Far Eastern Department,

F.C.0.

Jure Given

(E. F.Given)

to of lift. fwz/9.

ofetiera to of agrees. I hate sfolian

ве

14. Wilson to

CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat A

IORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Tel No.1042 CONFIDENTIAL

22 November 1968

Addressed to FCO telegram No.1042 of 22 November, repeated for information to Rong Kong and Seoul

Grey.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

25 NOV 1968

FEC134/1

Your despatches for Kore ton: Seoul telegram No.305:

•Patio 25/11

I do not dissent from assessment in paragraph 1 of telegram under reference. I would add anyway that immediate object of Chinese request for another round of special visits coming just at this time was almost certainly to blur the effect of Hsueh's release and to try to involve us in implied admission that Hsueh is not enough as a price for Grey since Grey is linked with Chinese news workers still in prison. Ther re probably differences of emphasis between Peking and Hong Kong Communists over Grey, but request for special visits was a concerted operation, probably planned sometime ago, with aim of getting visits as near as possible to Hsuch's release.

2. This does not entirely exclude possibility of a quiet release of Grey over next few weeks. But it now looks more and more as if Chinese are not going to set Grey free without having a try for some concession affecting Communists still under detention or in prison. The statement reported in my

1024? telegram No.1038 makes this seem more likely.

3. We shall have to give more thought to tactics in next few weeks on the assumption that Grey is not released. The first event is likely to be that I shall be summoned to News Depart...t and told of forthcoming access to Grey. If the April timing is followed this will happen about 29 November. I do not think this interview with News Department would be best time to make the representations about Grey's release referred to in paragraph 3 of telegram under reference, but I shall have to say that though I accept offer of access I consider Grey should have already been released, particularly in view of release of such and all others referred to in Chinese statement of June/July 1967.

4. A few days after access I suggest I should seek an interview with News Department, reminding them of release of all referred to in Chinese statement June/July 1967 and ask their intentions in respect of "rey. Assuming I receive an unsatisfactory any". I "culd go on to make representations for improved conditions of detention based on evidence from my meeting with Grey.

/5. We should

CONFIDENTIAL

- 2 -

5. We should also consider publicity. Access will naturally attract publicity. But I suggest you consider publicity

We now also for fact of interview in paragraph 4 above. have strong publicity point that whereas all Chinese referred to in statement of June/July 1967 have been freed Chinese still hold Grey and (we could argue) have therefore shifted their ground. It would seem in our interest to get this about as widely as possible.

6. I should be grateful for your early comments.

FCO pass routine to Hong Kong and Seoul.

Mr. Cradock

[Repeated as requested].

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

Far Eastern Dept Hong Kong "ept

Consular Dept

News Dept

Information Research Dept Research Dept

Information Policy Dept

dabodala

CONFIDENTIAL

FRO 130/1

CONFIDENTIAL

21 November, 1968.

Mr. Anthony froy

Grey

Jould you please refer to your telegram No. 1010

of 6 November about the contingency plans for Grey's release. I explained your difficulties to David Chipp in Reuters, who readily agreed to produce a letter of instructions for Grey which is enclosed. I

I am also sending you a copy for your own files.

2. I can see that Reuters' instructions on the handling of publicity would have placed you in an invidious position with the local press corps who will no doubt be under strong pressure from their offices to file a story on Grey's release. În the oiroumstances their concern for Grey might well be subordinated to professional considerations. However I would have thought that they would realise that it is not in Grey's interests to say anything about his detention which might prejudice his chances of obtaining an exit vien, In any case it would be unhelpful to say the least if they filed stories about Grey which the Chinese might consider provocative before he left the country. Ko doubt you can make these points informally to local correspondente.

P. Cradock, Esq., 0.1.0.,

PALING.

CONFIDENTIAL

( C. Wilson )

244

FEC 130/1

CONFIDENTIAL

21 November, 1968.

نون

Mr. Anthony Grey

Yould you please refer to your telegram No. 1010

of 6 November about the contingenoy plans for Grey's release. I explained your difficulties to David Chipp in Reuters, who readily agreed to produce a letter of instructions for Grey which le enclosed. I am also sending you a copy for your own files,

2. I can see that Restere' instructions on the handling of publicity would have placed you in an invidious position with the local press corps who will no doubt be under strong pressure from their offices to file a story on Gray's release. In the circumstances their concern for Grey might well be subordinated to professional considerations. However I would have thought that they would realise that it is not in Grey's interest to say anything about his detention which might prejudice his chances of obtaining an exit visa, In any case it would be unhelpful to say the least if they filed stories about Grey which the Chinese might consider provocative before he left the country. No doubt you can make these pointa informally to local correspondents.

P. Cradock, Req., C.X.6.,

PELO.

CONFIDENTIAL

(C. Wilson)

1-7-%

24)

.~C 130/1

Colin

My dear

REUTERS

Etä

November 7, 1968.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

21 NOV 1968

FEC134/1

Here is a letter signed by the General Manager for Tony Grey. I attach a copy for your records and there is also one for Peking.

You will see that Mr. Long has made the point about there not being any interview with Grey in Peking. Please reinforce this to the Mission. I realise it may be difficult for them but if the Tanjug and DPA men are the friends of Grey they claim to be they will surely realise that it would be extremely risky for anything to be published about his experiences until he is out of the country.

We must meet soon and I will give you a ring next week,

You

enter

كيدا

Colin Wilson, Esq.,

Far Eastern Department, Foreign Office,

Downing Street,

London, S.W. 1.

198

David Chipp The Editor Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone 01-353 6060

Anthony Grey, Esq.a Reuters, Peking.

Kovember 7, 1968.

This is a welcomặng letter to greet you when you emerge after your long ordeal. The relief you must feel now this unjust imprisonment is anded is shared by all of us.

Naturally we leave it to you to decide, in consultation with your friends in Peking, how long you stay there before travelling home, We want to make everything as easy as

possible for you.

It all depends on how you feel.

The last thing I want to do is to bother you with details at this time but there are a couple of things which may help you in taking decisions. Don Ferguson vill fly to your point of exit from China and will be there to help you when you some out. I have suggested to the British Mission that they route you out if possible by a way other than Hong Kong. This would mean that you would avoid the likely strain of being immediately overwhelmed by the large press corps of the Colony.

Naturally enough you are going to be of considerable neva value when you come out and we have thought about this in some detail as you yourself must have done. Here are one or two pointer

Vo do suggest that for obvious reasons you file nothing and say nothing about your experiences until you are safely out of China. This may be difficult with your friends and colleagues in Peking but I am sure that, if it is explained to them, they will realise that it is solely in your interests that this should be so.

2. When you do get out and you feel up to it ve should obviously like a good story for Reuters, Don Ferguson will discuss this with you.

3. Again when you feel up to it we shall have to

a press conference,

Visnews will want to do something with you.

5. Undoubtedly you will have many enquiries about

I features, television appearances and possibly books. your case I have decided that we shall waive the condition in every Reuter contract about outside work. I feel you should go ahead and exploit your experiences as much as you

(2)

vish. Reuters does not want to benefit by them. To will help you as much as we can and in this connection have been in touch with a London agent on your behalf, Don Ferguson will have all the details so you can make any arrangements or plans you like straight away,

Don't think from the above that I am trying to press you into doing anything but I know that as a reporter all these things will have been uppermost in your mind during the past months, You need and deserve a good rest and we shall see that you got it.

I greatly look forward to seeing you as do all your friends here. As soon as we know your return plans we shall make all arrangements for you this end,

With very best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

(SGD.) GERALD LONG

CONFIDENTIAL

Enterage 22 wongil

ما

Fr. Foretor.

Parliamentary Orfice

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No.31

21 NOV 1968

FEC139/1

Flag A

Our Note of 22 October on Kr. Grey, which formed

the basis for the Secretary of State's discussions with

the Governor of Hong Kong on 22 and 23 October, is

attached. It was agreed during the course of those

discussions that our immediate policy regarding

Mr. Grey should be to await the release of Hsueh P'ing

and then see what happened. Heuch P'ing will be

released on 16 November.

2. At the time of Kr. Grey's detention the Chinese

announced that they were acting against him "in view

of the Hong Kong British authorities' unreasonable

persecution of the correspondents of the Hong Kong

branch of the New China News Agency and other patriotic

newsmen". In their accompanying publicity the Chinese

listed a number of communist correspondents in Hong Kong,

totalling some eight, over whose conviction they felt

concern. With the release of Hsuch all these perso..s

will now have left prison. This situation gives us

the opportunity to lay an increased moral obligation to

release Grey at the door of the Chinese, and the draft

reply seeks to exploit this opening.

3. Other comunist journalists were of course arrested

and convicted of various offences after the detention

CO:FIDENTIAL

Flag B

CONFIDENTIAL

of Kr. Grey.

Thirteen of these, some of whom have

been sentenced to substantial terms, are still in

prison. The Chinese probably regard the release of

all these people, ideally, as the price they would

like to have for the release of Kr. Grey and there

has recently been some speculation on these lines in

the Britist. press. For example, the Chinese insisted

on visiting all the correspondents in exchange for

the one visit to Fr. Grey in April 1968. The second

round of special visits which takes place on 18 and 19

Bovember will also be to all the remaining journalists

and ne..aworkers. Since we cannot seriously contemplate

the premature release of this group of convicted

prisoners, at least as a body, it is in our interest

to emphasise the connection between Fr. Grey and the Chinese journalists(already released) in relatiation

for whose imprisonment he was detained.

Detainees in Hong Kong

Supplementary questions may result from a letter

of 11 October in The Times in which an Assistant

Lecturer at fong Kong University suggested that, since

Bome thirty detainees were still being held in Hong Kong

under the emergency regulations, the Chinese had the

moral right to hold Kr. Grey, A letter from the

Director of the ong Kong Government Office in London,

published in The Times of 15 October, has already

↓

2 -

CO: FIDA TIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

challenged this suggestion.

Public discussion on

the Hong Kong Government's policy towards detainees

will need to be nandled with care and should be avoided

in this context. But if it is raised in connection

with "r. Grey it is worth emphasising that the Chinese

have not claimed that Mr. Grey's case is linked with

the detainees.

Further visit to Mr. Grev

5. The last visit to Mr. Grey was on 23 April 1968.

This took place in exchange for a round of "special

visits" 1.e. in audition to those normally allowed

under prison regulations) to the communist journalists imprisoned in Hong Kong. On 6 July our Chargé d'Affaires

in Peking offered a further exchange of visits on the

Bane terms. No response was received until 1 November

when the Chinese reverted to the matter through the

X.C.N.A. in Hong Kong. It has now been agreed that

officials of the N.C.N.A. may visit the imprisoned

journalists on 18 ovember. In exchange for this the

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peking has

virtually guaranteed another visit to Kr. Grey. Why

the Chinese have chosen this moment for a further

exchange of visits is open to speculation;

but it is

the view of the Department that they intend to depict

a new visit by British officials to Fr. Grey as their

concession in exchange for the release of Hauen P'ing

CONFIDENTIAL

in Hong Kong. It is hard to see this move as

immutinia

consistent with the early release of Kr. Grey.

Press coverage

6. The Daily Express of 15 November announced that

in their view Hr. Grey would be released on the same

day as Hsueh P'ing, 16 Bovember. This is typical of

a current of optimism running through the British

press to the effect that Mr. Grey's release will follow

that of Hsueh P'ing; but for the reasons set out above

we do not believe that this is likely. The Economist

of 16 November reiterates the conclusion of an earlier

article that we should retaliate against the N.C.N.A.

correspondents based in London if kr. Grey is not

released hile it praises the Hong Kong Government for

refusing to give in to "Peking's blackmail" by releasing

convicted prisoners.

7. I attach a draft reply, Notes for Supplementaries

and previous parliamentary references.

I have make the manuscript

changes on this page mice we should woh he tor pessimistle about

shear lotto this

yen. Eurek

& ilson

(C. Wilson)

15 November, 1968.

immediately

#lei.

- 4-

CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCES

Enterapa

Flag C

P.Q. by Mr. A. koyle (Mr. Grey)

Flag D

P.Q. by Mr. A. Royle (Mr. Grey and N.C.N.A.)

Flag E

Flag F

Flag G

Flag H

P.2. by Mr. A. Royle (Mr. Grey)

P.Q. by Kr. hitaker (Mr. Grey)

P.Q. by r. A. Royle (Mr. Grey)

P.Q. suspended by Mr. A. Royle (Mr. Grey)

Plag I

Debate on the Consular Relations Bill

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES.

20 December, 1967

21 December, 1967

22 January, 1968

16 February, 1968

21 February, 1968

26 February, 1968

28 March, 1968

13 June, 1968

Flag J

Debate on the Adjournment

Flag K

P.Q. by Kr. Big, B-Davison (General)

14 October, 1968

Flag L

P.Q. by Kr. A. Royle (Ir. Grey)

21 October, 1968

Flag

Debate on the Address

31 October, 1968

KOTES FOR SUPPLEVE TARIES

Representations to the Chinese

1. My right honourable Friend the Parliamentary Under-

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs last spoke to the

Acting Chinese Chargé d'Affaires about this on 17 October.

In audition repeated representations have been made by

Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Peking. We wish to

normalise our relations with China and in some respects

there has been an improvement; but we have made it clear

to the Chinese that the cases of Mr. Grey and other British

subjects are a major obstacle to progres6,

ther

ew China News Agency correspondents imprisoned in

ziong Kong

2. It is true that there are thirteen Chinese

correspondents and newspaper :orkers imprisoned in Hong

Kong but they were arrested after Mr. Grey's detention.

Action if Er. Grey 18 not released

If Mr. Grey is not released within a reasonable time

se should need to reconsider our position. At this stage

I cannot say what further steps might be taken.

Retaliation against the New China News Agency

4. There are a number of objections to such a course,

Juck

of which the most important is that measures are unlikely

to secure the release of Mr. Grey. The Chinese have made

it clear that in their view the solution to Mr. Grey's case

lies in the treatment of certain New China News Agency

These

correspondents in Hong Kong. have now been released.

Connection between Mr. Grey and detainees in Hong Kong

5. I have read the recent correspondence in The Times.

Notever the Chinese have claimed a connection between the

case of kr. Grey and those of the detainees, none of whom

are journalists.

Power of Hong Kong authorities to detain without trial

6. This is another question.

Possibility of an Agnesty in Hong Kong

7. This is another question.

18. Possibility

Possibility of an exchange

8. Not long after Kr. Grey's detention we offered the

Chinese an exchange of Hsueh P'ing for Mr. Grey whereby

Hsueh would leave Hong Kong and Mr. Grey would leave China.

The Chinese have shown no interest in such a solution.

Visit to l'r. Grey

9. The British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking has so far

been permitted only one visit to Mr. Grey. That was on

the 23rd of April, 1968. We shall continue to press the

Chinese for further visits.

Health of Mr. Grey

10. When the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking visited

Kr. Grey on the 23rd of April he was in good heart; but

seven months have now gone by and I do not have the

information on which to make any pronouncement about Mr. Grey's

health at present.

Letters

11. We know that Mr. Grey has been receiving a certain

number of letters.

He has been allowed to write to his

mother and a friend in this country.

FEC134/1.

स्थिर

Cypher/Cat A

CONVIDENTIAL

IEDIATE FOREIGN AND COLICON "EALTH OFFICE TO PEKING

Telno. 945

18 November, 1968 ( F)

CONFIDENTIAL

پال

19/0 pe

Your telegram No. 1028 of 16 Kovember: Grey. Following are texts of mense e for Anthony Grey.

From Mr. Gerald Long, General Lanager of Reuters.

Begins.

All your colleagues and friends in Reuters join me in serding (reetings. You are in our thoughts continually and we continue to press for your release in every way we can.

:est wishes from us all.

Ends.

From irs. Grey.

Begins.

Tony darling longing for your return and hoping all the time for your speedy release. I am well and enjoy my new job. David Chipp is keeping in touch and we exchange news about you. It is lovely to have your letters and a great excitement when they srrive. Lots of love.

Enda.

From r. Devid Chipp, Reuters,

Be ging

I visited your mother in Norwich on Thursday 14 November, She is very well and perfectly all right in every way and enjoying her new job. ie are thinking of you all the time.

Enda.

Stevert.

FILES

Far Eastern Dept.

CONFIDENTIAL

XXXXX

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

FEC139/1.

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

reach addressec(3)

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)

Top Secret C

Flash

Secret 18/11 Immediate

Confidentit

Restricted

Unclassified

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

En Clair.

Code

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

PEKING

No.

(Date)

And to:-

94.5.

18/4

Priority

Routine

De sa he

18/1

Hauteu

CYPHER ΟΥΓ

[Security classification

www.www

-if any

Privacy marking ]

-if any

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

telegram No......

And to

יי

SIIVI

repeated for information to

CONFIDENTIAL

PEKING

(date)

ו---י יבי

ו יו

-------

NOTHING TO BE Written in this marGH)

Repeat to:-

Saving to...

Grey.

Your telegram No. 1028 of 16 November:

Following are texts of messages for Anthony

Saving to:--

Distribution:-

Files

F.E.D.

Copies to:-

Grey.

From

Mr.

Gerald Long, General Manager of Reuters.

Begins. All your colleagues and friends in Reuters

join me in sending greetings. You are in our

thoughts continually and we continue to press for

Best wishes

your release in every way we can.

from us all. Ends.

Tony darling longing

From Mrs. Grey. Begins.

for your return and hoping all the time for your

speedy release. I am well and enjoy my new job.

David Chipp is keeping in touch and we exchange

news about you. It is lovely to have your letters

Lots of and a great excitement when they arrive.

love. Ende.

Routers.

From Mr. David Chipp, Begins. I visited your

mother in Norwich on Thursday 14 November.

18207187/12

110382). DJ 3020057156m (77 sorts). 1/68)

3.LM. Gş.143

She is very well and perfectly all right in every

way and enjoying her new job. We are thinking of

you all the time.

Ende.

18 1.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

SECRET

TOP COPY

GYTALK/CAT A

IRNELIATE SEOUL

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELECRAI: KUNDER 306

18 NOVEMBER 1960.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

1 9 NOV 1968

FEC13C

SECRET

AUDRESSED TO FCC TELEGRAM NO 306 OF 10/11, REPEATED

FOR INFGANATION TO HONG KONG AD PEK Ca

PERSONAL FOR MORETON FROM MURHAY.

NIPT: GREY,

IN THE UNHAPPY EVENT THAT GREY HAS NOT GEEN RELEASED BEFOREHAND.

THE LISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR IN NID DLCEKLER VOULD PROVIDE

AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSILEN THE NEXT STEP.THE FOLLOWING

COURCES VOLLD HAVE TO DE REVIEVED 1-

A RUNISSION OF THE SUITENCES ON VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF PRISONERS

INCLUDING THE 13 NEWSPAPER WORKERS.

B REMISSION OF THE SENTENCES ON THE 13 NEWSPAPER WORKERS,

C REMISSION OF THE SENTENCE ON LO,

D AN OFFER TO THE CHINESE TO £PEED UP THE RELEASE OF DETAINEES

IN RETURN FOR CHUY,

E A POLICY OF WAIT AND SEE.

2. CRADOCK ARGUED STRONGLY FOR COURSE A, BOTH TO SECURE

THE KILLACE OF GILY AND Eu none CNEVAL GROUNDS, FUT HE

FAILED TO KOVE GALS, AND I PERSONALLY

LOULD TULLA IT

CUT OF THE CUESTICH TO FRIES THE GOVSENOR ALONG THESE LINĖS AT

ALLY RATE FOR THE TING 2016,

SIRET

SECRET

3. BY MID CECEMBER WE MIGHT HAVE FAIRLY CLEAR INDICATIONS THAT

COURSE D VAS THE MINIMUM PRICE FOR GREY. BUT VE COULD EXPECT

STRO.G RESISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNOR, ESPECIALLY IF THERE WAS

AO FIRM GUARANTEL THAT REMISSION WOULD SECURE THE RELEASE OF AD

GREY. IN ANY CASE, I PERSONALLY WOULD BE

MOST RELUCTANT TO RECOMMEND TO MINISTERS THAT VE SHOULD DENO

TO CHINESE PREYSURES IN THIS WAY.

RELEASE OF

4. I NOV SEE LESS MERIT THAN DEFORE IN CCURSE C. IF THE

ALL THIRTEEN NEWSPAPER WORKERS, THE CRIME E WERE STANDING OUT FOR THE RELEASE OF/LO ALONE WOULD

NOT HAVE MUCH EFFECT AS A CESTURE. AND IF LO VERE RELEASED

WITHOUT RESULTS, THE GOVERNOR VOULD UNDERSTANDABLY BE MORE

RELUCTANT TO CONSIDER ANY FURTHER MEASURES OF CLENENCY.

5. TO FUT COURSE D FORMALLY TO THE CHINESE, WITH THE

TULLIITY

THAT LICHT RESULT, LOULD CXPOSE US TO THE CHARGE OF USING THE CETAINEES AS POLITICAL PAVNS AN ISSUE WHICH HAS

CECOME MORE SENSITIVE SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF REAR S LETTER.>

IT COULD PROBABLY ONLY BE PUT INFORMALLY THROUGH COVERT CHANNELS

IN HONG KONG, .GASS 8 PRELIMINARY REACTIONS WERE NOT UNFAVOURAULE

FROVIDED SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS PERFITTED THE RELEASE OF A

LARGE ENOUGH NUMBER, IT MIGHT HAVE SOME ATTRACTIONS FOR THE

COMMUNISTS LOTH IN HONG KONG AND PEKING. BUT WE HAVE NOT REALLY

MUCH OF A SARGAINING POSITION.

C. WHETHER COUPSE E REMAINED FEAST:LE IN MID DECEMDEN

RIGHT DEFEND AS RUCH ON THE PRESSURES OF PULLIC OPINION IN THE

UK AS ON ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE.

SECRET

/7. IN

SECRET

SEOUL TELEGRAM NO. 306 TO FOREIGN AND COLTTONWEALTH OFFICE

7. IN REACHING A DECISION WITH THE GOVERNOR MUCH WOULD DEFEND

ON EVIDENCE CBTAINED MEANULILE ABOUT CHINESE INTENTIONS, THE

REPERCUSSIONS OF ANY VISIT TO GREY IN DETENTION, AND OUR

ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PEKING AUTHORITIES

AND THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS AND I OCUST IF MATTERS CAN USEFULLY

EL TAKEN FURTHER NOW.

ALVANCE COPY TO MR NORETON GY 10.0055T 18/11

MR. HACKENZIE

DEPART. LENTAL DISTRIBUTION

FAR EASTEIN DEPT.

HONG KONG DET.

E. & 0. DEPT.

CONSULAR DEPT.

NE'S DEPT.

INFOR ́ATION RESEARCH DEPT.

RESEARCH DEPT.

INFORMATION POLICY DEPT.

SECRET

ADVANCE COPIES SENT.

SECRET

TOP COPY

ER/CAT A

"JATE SECUL

TO FOREIGN AND COMYONWEALTH OFEJCE.

TELEGRAM NO. 335

18 NOVEMBER 1968

SECRET.

OFF

ADDRESSED TO FCO TELEGRAM NO. 335 CF 18/11 REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG AND PEKING.

FERSONAL FOR MORETON FROM MURRAY.

GREY

RECEIVED ARCHIVES No.31

19NOV 1968

FEC13C/1

Jann infu

AT BEST THE LATEST MOVES BY THE CHINESE OVER GREY (THE APPROACHES THROUGH COVERT CHANNELS AND THE REQUEST FOR ANOTHER POUND OF FRISON VISITS) COULD HEAR THAT THEY ARE TAKING THE LAST ADVANTAGE BEFORE RELEASING HIM, MORE PESSIMISTICALLY, THE OVES COULD BE AN INDICATION THAT (SIC) THE RELEASE OF OTHER 13 COMMUNIST PEWSPAPER WORKERS AS WELL, THIS MIGHT WELL BE THE FESULT OF PRESSURE BY THE LOCAL COMMUNISTS. IF SO, THE

THE

CUESTION WOULD BE WHETHER THE ASKING PRICE WAS THE FINAL PRICE

CR WHETHER, FET BY FIRESS CY OUR PART, THE PEKING AUTHORITIES, ON THE ASSUMPTICH THAT THEY NCK WISH TO SETTLE THE CREY CASE, MIGHT QUIETLY DROP THEIR DEMAND, I THINK IT PREIATURE TC ATTEMPT AN ASSESSMENT OF THIS.

2. EVEN IF THE CHINESE INTEND TO LET GREY OUT IN RETURE FOR HSEUH, WE CANNOT EXPECT HIS RELEASE WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS.

| CCLSIDERED CAREFULLY WITH CRADOCK WHETHER THERE MIGHT BE ADVANTAGE

IP RIS MAKING EARLY REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CHINESE ALONG THE LINES THAT WE HOPED THAT THE RELEASE OF HSEUH WOULD BE MATCHED BY THE

RELEASE OF GREY. WE WERE BOTH OFFSET. WE THOUGHT THAT SUCH

CFPUS

A APPROACH MIGHT MERELY INCITE THE CUINEST TO NAME AN EXAGGERATED

SECRET

RICE

SECRET

PRICE AND THAT WE OUCHT TO GIVE THEM A REASONABLE INTERVAL IN LPICH TO REACT TO THE RELEASE OF HSEUH. I HOPE, THEREFORE,

THAT IN CUR PUBLIC STATEMENTS WE CAN INITIALLY CONFINE OURSELVES TO SAYING SIPELY THAT WE TRUST THAT THE RELEASE OF HSELK HAS FACILITATED THE RELEASE OF GREY, I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THERE IS STILL A FAIR CHANCE THAT THE CHINESE WILL QUIETLY LET GUT GREY WITHIN THE KEXT (? GRP OMITTED) WEEKS.

?. HOWEVER, IF AT THE END OF ABOUT THREE WEEKS THERE HAS BEEN NO MOVE FROM THE CHINESE SIDE, INTEREST IN THE UK IS LIKELY TO BE SUCH THAT, WHATEVER THE TACTICAL MERITS OF SUCH A NOVE, FORMAL REPRESENTATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE TO THE CHINESE IN FEKING AND POSSIBLY ALSO IN LONDON, WE MIGHT IN THIS WAY CSTAIN SOME CLEARER INDICATION OF CHINESE INTENTIONS. THOUGH EVEN THEN IT MIGHT BE NO MORE THAN A STATEMENT THAT WLESS WE STOPPED OUR SUPPRESSION OF COMMUNIST NEWSWORKERS IN HONG KONG THERE WAS TO POSSIBILITY OF SETTLING THE GREY CASE. (YEANWHILE, THE COVERT CONTACTS IN HONG KONG MIGHT HAVE ROUGHT SCHE CLARIFICATION).

4. AT THIS STAGE WE WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF REVIEWING THE CASE WITH THE GOVERNOR BEFORE HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG ON 15 DECEMBER. SEE P IF T.

ADVANCE COFY TO HR. KORETON BY 10.00 A.E. BST 18 NQÇİBER.

IR. TAGKE:ZIE

RELATED TO PELING AND HONG KONG /

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

ADVANCE COPIES SENT.

FAR EASTERN DET.

HONG HONG DEPT.

E. & 0. DET.

CONSULAR DEPT.

ND'S DEPA

INFONATION RESEARCH DEPT.

RES, ARCH DEED,

INFOEATION POLICY DEPT.

SECRET

CYPHER CAT A-

CONFIDENTIAL

TOP COPY

PRIORITY

HONG KONG

TELEGRAM NUMBER 2178

TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

15 NOVEMBER 1968

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No 3!

1 8. JV 1968 |

FEC130/1.

CONFIDENTIAL .

Jagre i57

PERSONAL FOR MORETON FROM MURRAY.

DUE TO FLY TO SEOUL THIS

MORNING. 1 PROPOSE TO REVIEW MY COMMENTS ON THE GREY CASE IN

THE LIGHT OF THE MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND TO TELEGRAPH

IMMEDIATELY FROM THERE.

SIR D. TRENCH

FILES

FAR EASTERN DEPT.

HONG KONG DEPT.

E & O.D.

SIR J. JOHNSTON'

MR. MORETON

CONFIDENTIAL

•

HKKY12

TOP COPY

Cypher/Cat A

CONFIDENT IAL

PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Telno 1028

CONFIDENT IAL

16 November, 1968

Addressed to FCO telegram No.1028 of 16 November, Repeated for information to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong telegram No.2176 to Fco.

¡ RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No 3:

1 8 NOV 1968

FECIBC

Please telegraph any messages for Grey which his mother, Miss McGuinn or Reuters would like passed to him in the event of our obtaining access.

FCO pass routine Hong Kong.

Mr. Cradock

FILES

Far Eastern Dept. Consular Dept. Hong Kong Dept.

Je porty,

Kid Mr

[Repeated as requested is the Compp\

Hesseps abă 1874

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round this!

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88888

CONFIDENTIAL

Far Eastern Department

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

18 NOV 1968

FECIBC/

13€/1.

Liter

Sebarisin

made

bursin

for p. 187,

Mr. Anthony Grey

Mr. Gerald Long, the General Manager of Reuters, who is to call on the Secretary of State tomorrow afternoon, telephoned to me this morning. He said that he thought it right to warn me before he saw the Secretary of State that his attitude on the Grey case might be undergoing a change. For some time now he had had reservations about the policy of the Hong Kong Government. I would have seen the letter in today's Times from Mr. John Rear. While Mr. Long did not accept everything said in that letter, he might in certain circum- stances feel bound to probe into the Hong Kong Government's policy on detentions. He would be under strong pressure to do so if Hsueh Ping were released and Mr. Grey continued in detention.

2. I thanked Mr. Long for speaking so frankly, and said that I hoped the Secretary of State, who had recently had a long discussion with Sir David Trench, would be able to reassure him about the Hong Kong Government's policies. Mr. Long admitted, as he had done in several previous conversations with me, that he had a strong sense of personal guilt over Anthony Grey, and he hoped we would make allowances for the strain this case caused him. I asked Mr. Long to be assured that we fully understood his very difficult position.

3. In briefing the Secretary of State for tomorrow's talk with Mr. Long, would you please cover the points recorded above and include a note on Mr. Rear.

Meeting took place on 12 Worzale, 1968. As it was private in Africa's were possent

no wheat was taken.

42021/2/69

c.c. Secretary of State

Sir J. Johnstor Mr. Koreton News Department

Afolaitand

(D.J.D. Maitland) 11 November, 1968.

Sir A. Galsworthy Hong Kong Department.

FEZ139/1.

CONETRANATAL

POREIGN AND

COMMORA "ALIN OFFICE,

15 November, 1968.

hony drey of xeuters

Jayan 187!!

One of the XGIA coʻrespenients convicted in connection with events in Hong Kong in 1967, Haush 7'ing, is due for release ch 16 November. he is the last of the original list of communist journalists imprisoned in iong Kong in retali: tion for "hoss arrest and conviction the Chinese declared on 22 Jul, 1967 that tay rare "limiting the freedom" ar ie, 'nthany Oray the Reuters correapenient in Peking. ...ith the release of Flush, therefore, there is a chance (albeit a slim ans) that the Chinese sill in the coming weeks releaDE Gray.

2. If Gray in released from house arrest he will set nauennarily be permitted to leave China; bat on balanes we should expeat vis rapid expul§ 100, The Thinése aaye in the past expelled detainees through Hong Zone," liveever, it is possible that the special factors involved in the asse of Grey say lead them to send him out of China bự another route, e.g. by Aeroflot, Air Franse or P.I.A.

wou

3. Grey's departure from China could take place at very aŭort notice and the Chinese might well withhold the information from 1.X, "hergé d'Affaires in Peking. The purpose of this lutter is therefore të requcat you, and the other posts to which it is eppied, to inform the office by flugh telegram should you learn of irez'a appearance in your parish. Reuters savo told us that they t:ansalves wish to be responsible for arrangments for Orgy's reception in third countrics and will fly out a senior member of the Reuters staff to meet him, This will oơri uly take time and we should be grateful if you a look after him in tim interval. we do not know what wil! bo Grey state of health shen he emerges frem aetention but he may well need medical attention, At the least he will need privacy and quiet while ne adjusta again to the outside sorld. target of his fellow jouɛalista nná sa, well require some help in He will also be the protecting himself from their attentions. welcome a press conforange and I doubt whetɛer Oray will be fit

Cautere we know will net enough to fase one, Clearly we must leave this in the light of legal sirousa tanees, to look after his and shield his as boat you can watil the loutera official arrivas.

on to desile how to play Your main object must

Oopies of this letter go to Changeries in Paria and Phnom Penh, the Righ Commission in kawalpindi, Deputy Righ Commission in Dassa and also for informatiem to Hong Kong and Paking.

Chancery,

BOSCOW.

(G. Allnem)

Far Eastern Dapertamen t

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry FECM3C/1. DRAFT Letter

No.

Type 1 +

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

To:

From

Top Secret.

Secret.

Confidential.

Restricted.

Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

Chancery, MOSCOW.

Mr. C. Wilson

Telephone No. & Ext

Department

0.0.

Chancery; Manta. Paris,

Phnom Penh,

Hori

Peking/ Pruning Alumin

Hong Kory H.C. Rawalpinde. D.H.C Dacca.

1970

છે.

es. My

Aeroful's Ani Fromis or PIA.

Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters

One of the NCNA correspondents convicted

in connection with events in Hong Kong in 1967,

Hsueh P'ing, is due for release on 16 November.

He is the last of the original list of

communist journalists imprisoned in Hong Kong

in retaliation for whose arrest and conviction

the Chinese declared on 22 July, 1967 that they were "limiting/the freedom" of Mr. Anthony Grey

the Reuters correspondent in Peking. With the

release of Hsueh, therefore, there is a chance

(albeit a lim one) that the Chinese will in the coming whens

If Grey is released

release, Grey.

Grey.// If

from house arrest he will not necessarily be

permitted to leave China; but on balance we

should expect his rapid expulsion. The

Chinese have in the past expelled rgázésin

detainees through Hong Kong. However, it is

possible that the special factors involved in

the case of . Grey may lead them to send him

oute Mr. Grey's

out of China by another route

departure from China could take place at very The Chirices malaltia wet intikat tu information from Man tanca 'Affman in Miam

short notice and the purpose of this letter is

you and în obuv pršle to when the capurleg d to request pete to inform the office by

Hath

Sigma Leam (c) Sing's appeavana in your pantry telegram should HaveĚJVAČE SÍ

Beyond Ente

_have_no-particular guidance for posts.

Hot Reuters have told us that they themselves

wish to be responsible for arrangements for

ni tim coutimer,

Grey's reception. However we enclose-for

/your

14.

your information a copy of a personal

letter from the Genepal Manager of Reuters

to Mr. Grey setting out the lines on which

Reuters hope Grey can play his return to

Me outside world.

the

Copies of this letter w

go to Chancers Paris, Phaom Penh,

and awo for innifampie 167

Hong Kong and Peking

This High Commission in Rawalpinde, Deputy

High Commission

Commission in Dancer

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

[

CONFIDENTIAL

1015/11

وا پیل

سا

Mr. Wilson, Far Eastern Department

Then Enair Jazy..

IS VED IN ARCHIV.S No.31

14NOV 1968

pa 15/11

Fecise/

ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS

When Mr. Gerald Long, the General Manager of Reuters, called today, Mr. Stewart spoke on the lines of the Talking Points prepared by the department. Mr. Stewart also told Ir. Long that a reply to Mr. John Rear's letter would be appearing in the Times tomorrow. Mr. Long said that Reuters would certainly carry this reply. He added that he had also taken up a number of Mr. Rear's points in a letter which he hoped would appear tomorrow.

Mr. Long said that he deeply appreciated Mr. Stewart's personal concern with the case of Mr. Grey. There was nothing in Mr. Stewart's handling of this case that he thought might have been done otherwise. He accepted that it was right to wait to see what happened after the release of Hsueh Ping. Mr. Long went on to say that if Mr. Grey were not released within a reasonable period of the release of Hsueh Ping, he would have to consider some form of action. It had been exceedingly difficult remaining inactive during all this period. Mr. Stewart said that it might also seem that the Government had been inactive, but this was in fact not so. Since Mr. Gray's detention, the Government had been doing everything possible to create the kind of atmosphere in our relations with the Chinese which would enable them of their own volition to release Mr. Grey. Mr. Long accepted this.

3. In answer to Mr. Stewart's question, Mr. Long said that the sort of action he might take in the event of the continued detention of Mr. Grey would be action designed to anticipate the kind of "rubber bulldog" argument that the Daily Sketch had used over the pilots detained by the Algerians.

/r. Stewart

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Stewart pointed out that the mood of the House of Commons when he had last referred to this case had been one of sympathy and understanding. There was this difference in the situation that Mr. Grey's family and Mr. Long himself had exercised commendable restraint. Moreover, it was obvious to public opinion that there was movement in our relations with the Chinese. After all, Sir D. Hopson and other members of our mission had been allowed out, and three ship's officers had been deported. Mr. Long accepted that, to this extent, the cases were different. He thought that if Grey were not released, pressure might be exerted on the Chinese through a press campaign in numerous different countries. He would have no difficulty in organising this. Mr. Stewart asked Mr. Long to warn us before instituting this campaign. He added that if the Chinese were to learn in advance that such a campaign was being organised this might be sufficient to move them. There were some grounds for thinking that the grant of exit visas to members of our mission had been influenced by the knowledge that we were mobilising the support of our friends.

4. Finally, Mr. Long thanked Mr. Stewart for receiving him and for the close consultation there had been throughout between Reuters and the Department.

c.c. Sir J. Johnston

Sir A. Galsworthy

Mr. Moreton

Mr. Carter, Hong Kong Dept.

News Department

Domait and Famaitian

(D.J.D. Maitland) 12 November, 1968

CONFIDENTIAL

Flag D Flag F

Flag F

Flag G

CONFIDENTIAL

(COVERING SECRET)

ARUI 2.5 NO. 31

14 NOV 1968

FECIBC/1.

530

Mr. Moreton

rece for a copy i

Private Secretary

MR. ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS

Mr. Gerald Long will be calling on the Secretary of State

at 5.30 p.m. on 12 November.

This takes the place of his

call on 6 November when the Secretary of State was unable to

see him.

Problem

2. Mr. Long telephoned the Private Office on 11 November in

connexion with a letter entitled "Held in Peking" which was

published in "The Times" of the same date from a Mr. John Rear.

A copy of the letter and the Biographical Note on Mr. Rear are

attached. The letter referred to the problem of detainees in

Hong Kong and compared their position with that of Mr. Grey under

house arrest in Peking. It contained a number of misconceptions

about the treatment of detainees in Hong Kong and implied

incorrectly that the detention of Mr. Grey was linked with the

cases of the detainees. A reply setting the record straight

has been sent to The Times" under the signature of the Director

of the Hong Kong Government Office in London. A copy is

attached.

Argument

3. The problem of Hong Kong detainees was given careful

consideration during discussions with the Governor of Hong Kong

from 22 to 23 October. ▲ record of the discussion on this

CONFIDENTIAL

(COVERING SECRET)

/ point is

CONFIDENTIAL

(COVERING SECRET)

- 2.

Flag H

point is attached. The general conclusion was that the

release of detainees could and should make a contribution to

the process of de-escalation in our relations with China but

that the security requirements of Hong Kong should remain the

paramount consideration in determining the rate of releases.

The number of detainees has fallen from the maximum of 54 at

the height of the crises to 32 as of now. Further releases

will be made as and when conditions permit.

It would appear from Mr. Long's telephone conversation

that he himself has been confused by Mr. Rear's letter and

fears that Grey's release could be delayed by the Hong Kong

Government's policy towards detainees.

feelings on this point is indicated by the fact that the Reuters

service has distributed the text of Mr. Rear's letter. It is

Evidence of his

to be hoped that they give the same treatment to our corrective

reply when it appears in "The Timea". I attach a Speaking Note.

5. In paragraph 5 of my submission of 5 November I reported

the Chinese request for another round of visits to N.C.N.A.

correspondents and news workers imprisoned in Hong Kong in

exchange for a special visit to Grey. There has been no

substantial progress in this matter yet. A second meeting

between the Political Adviser in Hong Kong and N.C.N.A.

officials was held on 7 November but no agreement was reached

on the N.C.N.A. demands for a group meeting and the right to

distribute "The Thoughts of Mao" to prisoners.

A further

meeting is to take place shortly.

Copies to:

Sir J. Johnston

Sir A. Galsworthy Mr. Carter

& Wilson

(C. Wilson)

12 November, 1968.

CON

(COVERING SECRET)

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Mr. John Rear

Mr. Rear is a barrister in his early thirties and

has been in Hong Kong for about two years. He is

employed as an Assistant Lecturer in the Extra Mural

Department of Hong Kong University.

He has a record of

criticism of Hong Kong legislation having broadcast his

views over the local radio and published them in journals

like the Far Eastern Economic Review.

The acting Governor of Hong Kong has commented that

"he is idialistic and naive in his political attitudes

but not a communist".

Far Eastern Department

12 November, 1968.

TALKING POINT

Mr. Anthony Grey

I understand that you are concerned about a letter

published in "The Times" yesterday by a Mr. Rear comparing

Anthony Grey's position with that of certain detainees in

Hong Kong which implied that Grey's fate was in some way

associated with the release of those detainees. In my view

this is a false analogy. As you know the Chinese have

stated publicly that Grey was detained in retaliation for the

arrest of a number of New China News Agency correspondents

and news workers in Hong Kong. These newsmen were all

tried and sentenced by the courts. So far as we are aware

the Chinese have not linked his case with that of the detainees.

The detainees are a special group including a number of hard

liners responsible for bomb incidents last year in which women

and children were killed. Their number has fallen from a

maximum of 54 at the height of the crisis to 32 and further

releases will be made as and when conditions permit. But I

am sure that you will understand that releases can only be made

in the light of the security requirements of Hong Kong and when

it is felt that releases will present no danger to the local

population. The Hong Kong Government dialikes the use of these

detention orders, but bearing in mind the scale of violence

last year they have been used with moderation.

Far Eastern Department

12 November, 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

Eveê

124.15

ERCEIVED Pe

Primal

Saceling

ARCHIVES No.31

1 1 NOV 1968

Kr. Mofoton

Ker f/2, 14/11

FEC130/1

Mr. Anthony Grey of Reuters

The Secretary of State has agreed to see Mr. Gerald Long,

General Manager of Reuters, at 4.55 p.m. on 6 November.

attach talking points.

Flag A

Flag B

2. Mr. Long wrote to the Secretary of State on 23 July

asking that consideration be given to an act of clemency under

which Chinese newspaper workers imprisoned in Hong Kong would

be released, in the hope that this would secure the release

of Mr. Grey, the Reuters correspondent who has been under house

arrest in Peking since July 1967. The Secretary of State sent

an interim reply promising to go into the matter with the

Commonwealth Secretary, but underlining that Mr. Long's request

raised far-reaching and delicate questions involving the

maintenance of our authority in the Colony. Since then the

Private Secretary, Far Eastern Department and News Department

have kept Mr. Long regularly in touch with developments.

Head of Far Eastern Department saw Mr. Long on 17 October and

gave him a fairly detailed account (omitting names) of the

covert probe of Chinese intentions recently conducted in Hong

Kong. Reuters are therefore aware of general developments;

it is important that we have their full co-operation in the

delicate stages in the handling of the Grey case which may

lie ahead.

The

/ Argument

CONFIDENTIAL

Argument

3. At the end of Mr. Long's discussion with the Head of Far Eastern Department on 17 October, Mr. Long said that he accepted that the correct course, for the present, was to wait now for the release of Hsueh P'ing, the New China News Agency correspondent imprisoned in Hong Kong. Hsueh will be released

on 16 November. Like ourselves, Mr. Long is prepared to wait in the hope that the release of Hsueh will result in the release of Mr. Grey; but, also like ourselves, Mr. Long is concerned

about the situation with which we shall be confronted if the

release of Hsueh does not in the event secure the release of Grey.

It might be better if the Secretary of State did not take the initiative with Mr. Long in raising the matter of an amnesty in Hong Kong " Our discussions with the Governor on 25 October

underlined the difficulties. There was general agreement that an amnesty for any considerable number of convicted prisoners was quite out of the question. Mr. Long may also press the Secretary of State to consider at least the release of Lo Yu-ho, the only other N.C.N.A. correspondent imprisoned in Hong Kong. While we have at no stage encouraged Reuters to believe that we would necessarily be ready to make this concession, it is nevertheless something which has been canvassed in the Press,

notably in the "Sunday Times" of 20 October. Mr. Long is therefore likely to put it as a possibility to the Secretary of State and we should be ready for this eventuality. However if Grey is not released by December we may well have to consider

/ the desirability

CONFIDENTIAL

the desirability of the premature release of Lo. In view of

the Governor's strong objections to this course, it would be

wiser not to raiseit with Mr. Long. I have included guarded

defensive talking points in case Mr. Long raises these subjects.

5. Since Mr. Long's visit there have been further developments

in Grey's case. On 2 November the N.C.N.A. in Hong Kong asked

the Hong Kong Government for a further round of visits to

Chinese correspondents and newspaper workers imprisoned in the

Colony. In return the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peking

gave our Chargé d'Affaires to understand that arrangements

would be made for officials to visit Grey after the visits to

newspaper men in Hong Kong had taken place.

6. The first and last occasion on which we were given access

to Grey took place on 23 April this year and was also in

exchange for visits to Chinese newspaper men in Hong Kong.

On 6 July Mr. Cradock made a further offer of an exchange of

visits to the Chinese without eliciting any response. This

was in addition to our repeated representations for consular

access to Grey.

7. It is not clear what effect this development will have on

Grey's prospects for release following the release of Hsueh on

16 November. Subject to satisfactory arrangements being agreed

in Hong Kong for the visit to Chinese journalists there is no

reason to doubt that the Chinese authorities will permit a

further visit to Grey. In presenting their request the N.C.N.A.

have demanded a meeting with the whole group of prisoners

CONFIDENTIAL

/ (14 persons)

Flag C

CONFIDENTIAL

- 4-

(14 persons) to give them "the Thoughts of Mao". Similar

demands were made during the prolonged negotiations which

preceded the exchange of visits in April but they were later

dropped in the face of strong opposition from the Hong Kong

Government. It remains to be seen how seriously the Chinese

will press them on this occasion. It is possible that the

Chinese request marks a final attempt to extract the last ounce

of propaganda from the newspaper workers in Hong Kong before

releasing Grey. A visit at this stage is not incompatible with

a decision to release him although there are other ominous

features in this development. By demanding a visit to all 14

newspaper workers the Chinese are implying that Grey's fate (whether for the purpose of a visit or release) is linked with

the group and not with any one individual.

If it is not their

intention therefore to release Grey after 16 November they may

hope to divert unfavourable publicity by presenting the visit

to Grey as a aoncession on their part for the release of Hsueh.

8. Reuters have already been informed of the possibility of

a visit to Grey subject to satisfactory arrangements being

agreed in Hong Kong. We have offered to transmit to Grey any

special messages from them or Grey's mother.

Background

9. The background to the case of Mr. Grey is given in our

note of 22 October.

C. Wilson

wilson

(C. Wilson)

5 November, 1968.

Copies to: Sir J. Johnaton

Mr. Carter (Hong Kong Dept.)

CONFIDENTIAL

Sli

CONFIDENTIAL

Talking Points

ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS

Anthony Grey, your correspondent detained in Peking has

been very much on my mind in recent months. I know that my

officials have been keeping you in touch with what has been

going on. I have asked you to call today to underline my

personal interest and to assure you that I have been following

developments very closely. I had an opportunity to discuss

the whole matter in some detail last week with the Governor of

Hong Kong who has just come back to this country on leave.

We have always thought that it would be impolitic to try

to negotiate the release of Mr. Grey through formal channels

with the Chinese. As you know, at an early stage we offered

the Chinese a direct exchange of Mr. Grey for Hsueh P'ing.

They showed no interest in such an arrangement and this

reinforced our impression that a negotiation could only

encourage the Chinese to name a price quite unacceptable to us

(e.g. the release of large numbers of convicted prisoners in

Hong Kong); and this might well delay rather than speed the

conclusion of this unhappy affair. However, as the Head of

Far Eastern Department has already told you in confidence, the

Governor of Hong Kong was instructed last month to conduct a

probe of Chinese intentions through covert channels. The

/intermediary

CONFIDENTIAL

intermediary's initial reaction to our approach was somewhat

surprising. He made it clear that in his view any negotiation

with the Chinese about Grey would be an act of folly.

He gave

three reasons:-

(a) The Chinese would be bound to raise their terms, probably

demanding the release of newspaper workers imprisoned

in Hong Kong as the quid pro quo.

(b) It would encourage the Chinese to arrest more British

subjects as a means of exerting pressure on us.

(c)

It would embarrass the "moderate" elements in Peking, with

whom the intermediary was in contact, by showing that a

policy of seizing hostages produced results.

At subsequent meetings the intermediary intimated that he

had received messages from the Chinese on the following lines.

He should not go ahead with discussions with the Hong Kong

authorities about an exchange; any negotiation would embarrass

the Chinese authorities and force them to demand a high specific

price for Grey. In fact "there was no price". The Chinese

authorities would prefer simply to release Grey "in their own

time", which would in the view of the intermediary, be in the

fairly near future.

In the conduct of a cover operation of this delicacy the

difficulty is of course to decide how much reliance can be

placed on the intermediary. The Hong Kong authorities have,

They

however, had much experience with this intermediary.

regard him as reliable and think that he has faithfully retailed

what the Chinese have told him.

/ We accordingly

CONFIDENTIAL

- 3-

We accordingly decided that in this difficult situation

the least unsatisfactory approach was to let matters take their

course and to wait for the release of Haueh, the New China News

Agency correspondent in prison in Hong Kong, with full remission

on 16 November in the hope that this will result in Grey's release.

We have recently received indications from delicate sources

in Hong Kong that the Chinese may indeed be contemplating the

release of Grey shortly. We can only hope that this is correct.

To avoid any possibility of misunderstanding, N.C.N.A. in Hong

Kong have been informed that provided he behaves himself in the

meantime Hsueh will be released with full remission on 16 November.

Meanwhile we have been faced with a new development.

Hong Kong the N.C.N.A. have demanded a visit to all the

imprisoned news workers. Formally, this may be taken as a

delayed response to our offer in July of a further round of

special visits in Hong Kong in exchange for a further visit to

Grey. But coming at this moment the Chinese move can be assumed

to have a special significance. One possibility, we very much

hope the true one, is that the Chinese are simply trying to

extract the last ounce of propaganda advantage by visiting

their news workers before Grey is released (whereupon they

automatically lose this lever). However, we must also reckon

with the possibility that by agreeing to a further exchange of

visits at this time they simply hope to divert pressure on them

regarding the plight of Mr. Grey without necessarily planning to

release him. Another worrying reature of the N.C.N.A. demand

CONFIDENTIAL

/ for a

CONFIDENTIAL

- 4 -

for a further round of visits is the implied hint that they

equate all fourteen imprisoned news workers with Mr. Grey.

We shall simply have to see how matters develop in the next few

days. If Mr. Grey is not released fairly soon, say within

four weeks, after Hsueh's release we shall be faced with a

very serious problem indeed. We shall have to review with

care what our next step should be. We shall of course keep

in close touch with you.

Looking at the brighter side of things and in the

anticipation of the early release of Grey, I know that my

officials are in touch with Reuters about how we can help you

to make his home-coming as little a strain for him as possible.

Defensive Notes

If Mr. Long refers to an Amnesty

As you yourself acknowledged in your letter of last July,

the idea of freeing convicted prisoners in Hong Kong in the

hope of securing Grey's freedom raises far-reaching and delicate

questions involving the maintenance of our authority in the

Colony. It would be very difficult to ask the Governor of

Hong Kong to take any step which he firmly believed would

undermine public confidence in the Colony.

If Mr. Long refers to the possible release of Lo

I know it has been argued that the release of Lo, the only

other N.C.N.A. journalist at present in prison in Hong Kong,

is relevant to the release of Mr. Grey. In the event that the

release of Hsueh P1ing does not lead to the release of Mr. Grey,

the matter

CONFIDENTIAL

- 5-

the matter of Lo is something which we shall certainly have to

review. But I would not wish you to under-estimate the

difficulties involved. Lo was sentenced by due process of law

and in the normal course of events is not due for release until

September 1969 (with full remission).

Far Eastern Department

5 November, 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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Private Secretéry

CONFIDENTIAL

(Covering SECRET

Japa

4.15pm. 6 Now?!"

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

- 7NOV 1968

Reeroff with alations Submitted. seferelety.

superdity. Pu5/11 FECI3C/1.

ES. ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS

Flag A Kr. Gerald Long, the General, Kanager of Reuters, wrote

to the Secretary of State on 23 July, asking that consideration

be given to an act of clemency under which Chinese newspaper

workers imprisoned in Hong Kong would be released in the hope

that this would secure the release of Mr. Grey, the Reuters

correspondent who has been under house arrest in Peking since

last July. The Secretary of State sent an interim reply

promising to go into the matter with the Commonwealth

Secretary but underlining that Mr. Long's request raised

far-reaching and delicate questions involving the maintenance

of our authority in the Colony. Since then the Private

Secretary, Far Eastern Department and News Department have

kept Mr. Long regularly in touch with developments.

saw Mr. Long on 17 October and gave him a fairly detailed

account (@mitting names) of the covert probe of Chinese

intentions recently conducted in Hong Kong. It is important

that we have the full co-operation of Reuters in the delicate

stages of the handling of the Grey case which may lie ahead.

Recommendation

2. I recommend that the Secretary of State should see

Hr. Long and assure him of our concern for Mr. Grey.

I myself

I attach

talking points.

CONFIDENTIAL

(Covering SECRET)

Argument

CONFIDENTIAL

- 2 -

I do not link

Argument

3. At the end of my discussion with him on 17 October,

Kr. Long told me that he accepted that for the present the

correct course is now to wait for the release of Hsueh, the

New China News Agency correspondent imprisoned in Hong Kong,

on 16 November in the hope that this will result in the release

of Grey. But he, like ourselves, is worried about the

situation with which we shall be confronted if the release

of Haush does not secure the release of Grey.

4. It might be better if the Secretary of State did not

take the initiative with Mr. Long in raising the matter of

an amnesty in Hong Kong - Our discussions with the Governor

on 25 October underlined the difficulties. There was general

agreement that an amnesty for any considerable number of

convicted prisoners was quite out of the question. However

I personally think that if Grey is not released by December

we shall have to consider very carefully the desirability of

the premature release of Lo, despite the Governor's strong

objections to this course. - I have included a guarded defensive

Mare talking point on this aspect in the speaking notes.

da should qin I'm Long day hint of

this

at present.

Background

Flag C 5.

The background to the case of Mr. Grey is given in our

note of 22 October.

Copy to: Sir J. Johnston

Jan May

(James Hurray)

30 October, 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

The S.gs. agrees.

Sm 31

Folaul'

31/x.

CONFIDENTIAL

TALKING POINTS

MR. ANTHONY GREY OF REUTERS

Anthony Grey, your correspondent detained in Peking

has been very much on my mind in recent months. I know

that my officials have been keeping you in touch with what has

been going on. I have asked you to call to-day to underline

my personal interest and to assure you that I have been

following developments very closely. I had an opportunity

to discuss the whole matter in some detail last week with

the Governor of Hong Kong who has just come back to this

country on leave.

We have always thought that it would be impolitic to

try to negotiate the release of Mr. Grey through formal chanels

with the Chinese. Je consider that this could only encourage

the Chinese to name a price quite unacceptable to us (e.g. the

releaseof large numbers of convicted prisoners in Hong Kong);

and this might well delay rather than speed the conclusion of

this unhappy affair. However, as the Head of Far Eastern

Department has already told you in confidence, the Governor

of Hong Kong was instructed last month to conduct a probe of

Chinese intentions through covert channels. The intermediary

was selected by him with much care. The intermediary's initial

reaction to our approach was somewhat surprising. He made it

clear that in his view any negotiation with the Chinese about

Grey would be an act of folly. He gave three reasons; -

CONFIDENTIAL

/ a)

The

[

CONFIDENTIAL

- 2 -

a) The Chinese would be bound to raise their terms, probably

demanding the release of all newspaper workers imprisoned

in Hong Kong as the quid pro quo.

It would encourage the Chinese to arrest more British

subjects as a means of exerting pressure on us.

It would embarrass the "moderate" elements in Peking,

with whom the intermediary was in contact, by showing

that a policy of seizing hostages produced results.

At subsequent meetings the intermediary intimated that

he had received messages from the Chinese on the following

lines. He should not go ahead with discussions with the

Hong Kong authorities about an exchange;

any negotiation

would embarrass the Chinese authorities and force them to

dezand a high specific price for Grey. In fact "there was

no price". The Chinese authorities would prefer simply to

release Grey "in their own time", which would in the view of

the intermediary, be in the fairly near future.

In the conduct of a covert operation of this delicacy

the difficulty is of course to decide how much reliance can

be placed on the intermediary. The Hong Kong authorities

have, however, had much experience with this intermediary.

They regard him as reliable and think that he has faithfully

retailed what the Chinese have told him.

We accordingly decided that in this difficult situation

the least unsatisfactory approach was to let matters take their

course and to wait for the release of Hsueh, the New China News

/ Agency

CONFIDENTIAL

Agency correspondent in prison in Hong Kong, with full remission

on 16 November in the hope that this will result in Grey's

release.

We have recently received indications from delicate sources

in Hong Kong that the Chinese may indeed be contemplating the

release of Grey shortly. We can only hope that this is

correct. To avoid any possibility of misunderstanding, N.C.H.A.

in Hong Kong have been informed that provided he behaves

himself in the meantime Hsueh will be released with full

remission on 16 November.

If Grey is not released fairly soon, say within four weeks,

after Hsueh's release we shall be faced with a very serious

problem indeed. We shall have to review with care what our

next step should be. We shall of course keep in close touch

with you.

Looking at the brighter side of things and in the

anticipation of the early release of Grey, I know that my

officials are in touch with Reuters about how we can help you

to make his home-coming as little a strain for him as possible.

Defensive Notes

If Mr. Long refers to an Anebety7

As you yourself acknowledged in your letter of last July,

the idea of freeing convicted prisoners in Hong Kong in the

hope of securing Grey's freedom raises far-reaching and delicate

questions involving the maintenance of our authority in the

Colony. It would be very difficult to ask the Governor of

Hong Kong

CONFIDENTIAL

JONFIDENTIAL

- 4-

اشد

904.

Hong Kong to take any step which he firmly believed would

undermine public confidence in the Colony. To, the only

othez Nrð:Nrå, journalist at present in prison in Hong Kong,

is perhaps a special case. But this is a matter which we shall certainly have to review in the whhappy event that the release of Hsueh does not lead to the release or Gray.

Far Eastern Department,

30 October, 1968.

CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher/Cat A

SECRET

FEC

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31

EDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Telno. 1010

SECRET

6 November, 1968

Jsm

при

¡ -6 NOV 1968

FEC 13C/1

Wom

7/1

1010

Repeated

Addressed to FCO telegram No. 1010 of 6 November. for information to Hong Kong.

Your telegram No. 922.

While we shall respect Reuters wishes on the question of news conference, it might prove difficult to prevent Grey being "interviewed by other correspondents" especially since two of them (Bargnenn and Tanjug notebly) are almost his only surviving friends here. If Grey wishes to see then, I doubt if we have a right to prevent him.

2. May I suggest that most tectful course would be for Reuters to send us a sealed letter of instructions, which we can give Grey if he is released in Peking. This should leeve London by 8 November confidential beg if it is to reach here before 16 November.

FCO pass Routine Hong Kong.

Mr. Heaton

Repeated as requested/

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Far Eastern Department Hong Kong Department. Consuler Department. News Department.

XXXXX

SECRET

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

REUTERS

1 November 1968

Mr James Murray CMG

Far Eastern Department The Foreign Office Downing Street

London SW1

Incapurrature into

¡AKLEY NO

308

a fel. to Pelney.

ab.

Карты

FECIBC/10

Dear Mr Murray

David Chipp has told me of his conversation with you on October 30 about Anthony Grey and I am writing to let you know our thoughts about the procedure to be followed when he is released, I am presuming that the Chinese will not themselves take him to the border and hand him over but that he will simply have the restrictions lifted in Peking.

We know that he will be well looked after by his friends at the British Mission and I would be grateful if you would pass on the following points to the Charge d'Affaires.

Our view is that in no circumstances should Mr Grey give a press conference or be interviewed by other correspondents in Peking. We say this because we think we should get Mr Grey safely out of China before he says anything.

We should like an immediate report on Mr Grey's physical and mental health.

If he is fit, he should travel out of China by the fastest possible route. It would seem to us that Moscow might be the best way.

We leave the timing of Mr Grey's departure to Mr Cradock, if he has any say in the matter, as this will obviously depend on Mr Grey's state of health. He may want to get out quickly but on the other hand he may prefer to get used to the outside world among friends for a few days.

Gerald Long General Manager Reuters Limited 85 Fleet Street London EC4 Telephone Fleet Street 6060

[

- 2

Mr Grey will be met at whatever place he leaves China by a senior member of the Reuter Administration, This will almost certainly be Mr Donald Ferguson, an Assistant General Manager of the Company.

I shall write to you later about the house and the servants, if any remain.

Yours sincerely

Gerla bay.

(PEK/3)

Fécise!

bear Tamus,

SECRET

and see Tex

**922

Office of the Britieli

"grovera 1.0.1/11 двом

Chargé d'Affaires,

PEKING.

21 October, 1968.

Ja pastu

怎忧

If the reports which we have seen in recent telegrams from Hong Kong are reliable, the chances are increasing that the Chinese will release Anthony Grey following the expiry of Hsueh P'ing's sentence in Hong Kong on 16 November. I have been giving some thought to the question of how best to look after Grey if we suddenly find that his detention here has ended.

2. It seeme to me that if the Chinese intend to use the occasion of Hsueh's release as a pretext to let Grey out, they may well act fairly quickly in order to reduce the period of their embarrassment over Grey. But whether they release him sooner or later, the problems confronting us are essentially the same and our contingency planning will be unaffected.

3. It is possible of course that when the Chinese decide to let Grey go, they may hustle him from China under escort without allowing anyone in this Mission or any other foreigners here to have access to him. This would avoid the possible embarrassment to the Chinese of adverse publicity if Grey were to be allowed the company of foreign diplomats and journalists in Peking. this case, the responsibility for looking after Grey will rest with Hong Kong or with our Embassy in whichever country Grey is flown to (we ought perhaps to warn Pnosh Penh, Rawalpindi, Dacca, Moscow and Paris of this possibility). On the other hand, the Chinese have always been careful when talking of Grey to refer not to his "release" or "deportation" but to the "recovery of his freedom of movement", which they "limited" on 21 July 1967. They have never yet pretended that Grey is an undesirable resident or persona non grata. It would be in keeping with this charade and with Chinese methods if, shortly after 16 November, Grey were suddenly to find his front door open and no police guards on duty. What would we do then?

4. As I see it, the two main considerations are Grey's health and the need to protect him from overwhelming pursuit by journalists or diplomats in Peking. One cannot forecast Grey's state of health, but at the very least his sudden projection into the world again is going to be a tremendous psychological shock. He will need the company and care of friends, in any interval before he leaves China. I would therefore propose to have Grey move immediately from his house to a flat in the Wai Chiao Ta Lou, probably my own or John Weston's, where our nurse would be able to make a preliminary assessment of his state of health and fitness to travel, and he would be protected from undesirable or undesired visitors.

James Murray, Esq., C.M.G.,

FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT.

SECRET

The question of how to handle the local press corps is more difficult. If Grey were ill I should of course prevent any journalist from seeing him, though I should probably have to call a brief press conference myself to report on the details of Grey's release and to keep the journalists at bay. If however Grey is basically in sound health, we shall have to decide whether to allow him to appear for local journaliste to question. I should be grateful to know from you in good time whether there is any objection in principle to granting a short news conference at which Grey would be present. Such a conference might be regarded by the Chinese as something of a provocation: other hand we owe our resident journalists a certain amount of cooperation. They will certainly resent it very much if we fob them off in too cavalier a manner, and the harassment of Grey might thus be greater than if he were briefly shown at a press conference.

on the

6. One final point, and that is Grey's journey out of China. Clearly the sooner he leaves the better,ünless he is so ill that he cannot be moved he should be got out of the country within a few days. If he is not taken out by the Chinese themselves, I would propose to have him escorted by a member of my staff to the Hong Kong border, assuming it was decided that he should leave by that route. If Grey is released on or just after 16 November, the Westons would make convenient escorts since they are planning to leave Peking about then anyway and they know Grey well. If the Westons had already left, our nurse, who also knows him, might be the best person for the job or possibly Roger Gareide, the Consul. On all these questions I think we should have our ideas defined well in advance of Grey's possible release. I would therefore be grateful for your early comments by telegram.

7. I am sending a copy of this letter to Arthur Maddocks in Hong Kong.

Yours

шел

Назвалом

(P. CRADOCK)

SECRET

FECS

FECITY! Dp/C

CÝPLERSŁ

TELEKAL

SECRET

COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

T:1

SECRET.

Jupe 4/..

ADDRESSED TO PEKING TELEGRAH NUMBER 922 OF 1 NOVEMBER REPEATED

PORTATION TO BING MO73.

L +

. (7)

YOUR TELEGRAM 10.996 OF 1 KOVEMBER: GREY.

REUTERS.

דיי

: 1.3 LETTER S 70 of 21 0CTQUER VITH

2. ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE CHINESE WILL NOT DEPORT GREY IMMEDIATELY RUT SIPPLY REMOVE THE RESTRICTIONS ON HIS MOVEMENTS, LONG, GENERAL MANAGER OF REUTERS HAS NOW MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS TO US IN WRITING

(A) 15 NO CERCONSTANCES SHOULD CHEY GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE OR BC INTERVIEWED BY OTHER CORRESPONDENTS IN PEKPIS. LONG

PAINTAINS THAT NE KUST GET GREY SAFELY OUT OF CHINA REFORE

HE SAYS ANYTHING.

(6) REUTERS WOULD LIKE AN IMMEDIATE REPORT ON GREY'S PHYSICAL

AND MENTAL HEALTH ON RELEASE.

POSSIBLE ROUTE; MOSCOW MICHT BE THE BEST WAY,

(D) THE TIMING OF GREY'S LEPARTUNE TO THE MISSION IF THEY HAVE

ALY SAY IN THE MATTER, AS THIS WILL COVIOUSLY I VEND CA GREY'S STATE OF HEALTH, GREY-MAY WANT TO GET OUT QUICKLY: ON THE OTHER HAND HE MAY PREFER TO GET USED TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

AMONG FRIENDS FOR A FEW DAYS.

(E) GREY WILL BE MET AT WHATEVER PLACE HE LEAVES CHINA BY A

SENIOR MEMBER OF THE REUTER ADMINISTRATION, ALMOST CERTAINLY 15. DONALD FERGUSON, AN ASSISTANT GEHERAL MANAGER OF THE COMPANY.

3. APART FORM THE REASON ADVANCE IN PARA 2(A) FOR NOT EXPOSING GREY TO A PRESS CONFERENCE, REUTERS CLEARLY HAVE A PROFESSIONAL INTEREST IN NOT LASTING OTHER COOPESPONDENTS TO FILE GREY'S STORY FIRST, THEY PRESUMABLY CALCULATE THAT GREY MAY NOT BE IN A FIT CONDITION TO FILE HIMSELF OR MAY NOT BE PERMITTED TO DO SO BY THE CHENGVE, IN ANY CASE THEIR VAJLCTIONS TO A PRESS CONFERENCE ARE FIRM: AND WE HALL HAVE TO RES-LET TACIA VISHËS, HOWEVER, WE SEE NC OBJECTION TO YOUR MAKING A STATEMENT.

/4. WITH

SECRET

4. VỊTH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CAVEAT ABOUT A PRESS CONFERENCE ARE CONTENT THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE COMPLETE DISCRETION TO DECIDE THE TIMING OF GREY'S DEPARTURE, IF GREY TRAVELS VIA POSCOW WE PRÉSUME HE WILL PLY FROM PEKING AND THE QUESSTION OF ESCORTS WILL NOT ARISE (PAPA, 6 OF CRADOCK'S LETTER REFERS).

5. IN CASE GHEY WAS TO 62 DEPORTED DIRECTLY, WE ARE INFORMING POSTS LIKELY TO BE CONCERNED, HOWEVER REUTERS WISH TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS RECEPTIGY IN THIRD COUNTRIES.

6. IT IS POSSIBLE PERHAPS THAT THE CHINESE MAY LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS ON GREY'S MOVEMENTS BUT NOT GIVE HIM AN EXIT VISA IMMEDIATELY, THE ARRAGEMENTS PROPOSED IN PARA. 4 OF CRADOCK'S LETTER WOULD SEEM TO COVER THIS EVENTUALITY,

STEWART,

DEFARTZEITAL DISTRIBUTION FAR EASTERN DEPT.

EONG KONG DEPT.

NES DEPT.

SECRET

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

로

FEC1341

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS

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

reach addressce(s)

(Date)

Despatched

LILL

SEILLE

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......

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NOTHING TO BE WiTTEN IN THIS MAR

115

Secret

Immadata

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Routine

PRIVACY MARKING

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Praft Telegram to:-

No.

Pexing 922 1/11

(Date)

AHHH (1

And to:-

Repeat to:-

Hong Kong Immedial

Saving to:-

Distribution:- Departmental

FED

Hong Kong Dept. News Dept.

Copies to:-

CYPHER

[Security classification

if any

[ Privacy marking

--if any

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

telegram No....

And to

וי יחיו

SECRET

PEKING

422 (date)

repeated for information to

יזו1חחיי וחרי חיז

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וזורם. ההה

-ınıd

I hovenber

----

------LI ILLII LI ALTER |----

www. POLITA EPIPIJIJI. 1,

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HONG KONG IRKEDIATE

III.

[INKEDIATE]

מזוייי יד

Your tel. No. 996 of 1 November 7: [Grey]

have

We/discussed Cradock's letter PER/3 of

112.

21 October with Reuters, and on the assumption that

the Chinese will not deport Grey immediately but

simply remove the restrictions on his movements, Lady Long, Sancoat Momenque of Keratin, bas hood they made the following points

so in writing

X: (a) "Dun_view is that In no circumstances should

Long

Grey give a press conference or be interviewed

by other correspondents in Peking. We say this

maintains that we what

bassu

think we should get Mr. Grey safely out

of China before he says anything.

Rentano

2. (1)we should like an immediate report on Mr.

Grey's physical and mental health,ow release.

3) If he is fit, he should travel out of China by

the fastest possible route: It would seem to un

that Moscow might be the best way.

Ko(a) re-loave The timing of Mr. Grey's departure to

adoc

.....

THE

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Dd. 32455 PA (4200)

Kit

I'm overy case objections to a press conference

and

firm; and ast shall have to repeat this WISHES

the mission

Horny have

Mr. Gradeek, if he hae any say in the matter,

as this will obviously depend on Mr. Grey's

state of health.

Say

He may want to get out

quickly but on the other hand he may prefer to

get used to the outside world among friends for

a few days.

() M. Grey will be met at whatever place he

leaves China by a senior member of the Reuter

[be]

Administration, [This will almost certainly be

Mr. Donald Ferguson, an Assistant General

Manager of the Company.

shall write to you later about the house

and the servantà, if any remain.

Apart from the humanitarian] reasong

}

para 2 (-)

advanced in Point 1 for not. exposing Grey to

a press conference, Reuters clearly have a

professional interest in not wanting other

correspondents to file Grey's story first.

They presumably calculate that Grey may not be

in a fit condition to file himself or may not

[This]

be permitted to do so by the Chinese (may seen an insensitive commercial line to teke

but in the cireu etenees we must respect their

HOWEVER However wishes, and not hold a press conference, RWE

see no objection to your making a statement.

With the exception of the caveat Reuters are content that you should have

give you complete discretion to decide the

timing of Grey's departure.

If Grey travels

via Moscow I presume he will fly from Peking

and the question of ease]escorts will not arise

(para. 6 of Cradock's letter refers).

wever to be

directly

5. In case Grey de deported immediately, we

/are

De 033009 Gp.363

likely libe

Rente wat

are informing posts concerned. /Reuters

wish to be responsulter for

have undertaken to make arrangements for his

reception in third countries.

. It is possible perhaps that the Chinese

may lift the restrictions on Grey's movements

but not give him an exit visa immediately.

bakinging plan for Amorgenal-s

proposal in Pargaret of

Расходами

CRADDOCK'S

Crossads later

eventualit

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would

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this

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

SUNDAY TIMES

2 0 OCT 1059

Chance for

Briton held in Peking

By Nicholas Carroll

MR ANTHONY GREY, the 30- year-old Reuter correspondent who has been under house arrest in Peking for 15 months, ts thought to have at least a 50-50 chance of freedom in a month. On November 17 Hsueh Ping.

■ New China News Agency corre spondent, is due to be released from prison in Hongkong, where' he was sentenced in July 1967 following the Communist riots. Grey was incarcerated as reprisal, and Hsueh's release. could mean Grey's as well. Hopes are fostered somewhat by the fact that the climate of London- Peking diplomacy has grown per- ceptibly milder. Last Thursday's talk at the Foreign Office between Mir Maurice Foley, Mini- ster of State, and Mr Hsiung Halang-hui, the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London, was merch fully free of the ranting and ray- Ing that have characterised similar encounters.

It is possible that had the Governor of Hongkong ordered Hsueh's release during the past year, Grey's release might have followed automatically, but it would have set a dangerous prece ;dent for dealings with China,

A second NCNA correspond ent. Lo Yu Ho, is also in prison in Hongkong, but is not due for release until next September. So far the Chinese have not appar. ently coupled him with the Grey- Hsuch case but, if they are planning a piece of human barter, they may offer one prisoner in place of two next month.

Encü

RECEIVED IN ARCHIV

No 31

25 OCT 1968

FECTBC/1

Juga 241,0

CS. 41A

2600077

10.000-2/66-899973

REF.

Деса Тамер

13.4

: RECEIVED #COLONIAL SECRETARIAT

¡ARCHIVES No.31! { 220CT 1968

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

9th October, 1968.

PEC130/1

Jack Cater, who needs no introduction,

is going to Europe on T.D.C. business in the next few weeks. He will be in London for the day Friday, 18 October and then will return for about a week beginning 1 November.

I think you will find it useful to have a chat with him. I have given him your name and John Denson's. Jack Cater may take the

initiative and get in touch with you, but if you want to be sure you might like to leave a message for him with the T.D.C. office in Pall Mall.

Your

ever

Lithu.

(A.F. Maddocks)

J. Murray, Beq., CMG Far Eastern Department, Foreign Office, London, S.W.1.

I saw Mr Cater today. To Danse was present. Me Cater will looh in agenin

the work beginering

/ No.

Moont

19 04

To Will the 1/1

Естей

To Bone on Even

+pa

2700

copy also

PE+13/13

CYPHER/ CAT A

"DIATE HONGKONG

¿LEGRAM NO. 2994

SECRET.

RECEIVED IN

CARCHEVIS Fło 31

21 OCT 1968

FEC136/11

Enti com

на запро

TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE 16 OCTOBER 1968.

ADDRESSED TO C.O. TELEGRAM NO.2094 OF 16 OCTOBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO PA SINGAPORE, WASHINGTON AND PEKING.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO.1528 : GREY.

WE HAVE PASSED MESSAGES ABOUT THE CORRECT DATE (MY TELEGRAM NO. 2891 NOT TO WASHINGTON) BUT CANNOT OF COURSE, BE SURE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. SOME OF THE NON-COMMUNIST PRESS HAS ASSUMED THAT HSUEN IS DUE OUT IN OCTOBER BUT AT LEAST ONE PAPER HAS BEEN GIVEN THE CORRECT DATE IN ANSWER TO AN ENQUIRY. THE COMMUNIST PRESS HAS BEEN SILENT ON THIS POINT. I AGREE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF MISUNDERSTANDING IN SOME QUARTERS BUT EQUALLY IN OTHERS (INCLUDING HSUEH HIMSELF) THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE TRUTH IS KNOWN.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CANNOT, I AM AFRAID, BE MADE INCONSPICUOUSLY. A FORMAL INSTRUMENT OF REMISSION WOULD BE NECESSARY AND QUESTIONS MIGHT WELL GET ASKED. THE ADVANTAGES OF RELEASING HSUEH BEFORE THE DUE DATE DO NOT SEEM TO ME TO OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES OF EXERCISING THE PROROGATIVE FOR SUCH A SHORT PERIOD AND FOR NO GOOD REASON RELATING TO HSUEH.

3. ACCORDINGLY, ACTION WILL BE TAKEN INSTEAD AS PROPOSED IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF YOUR TELEGRAM.

F.0. PLEASE PASS IMMEDIATE TO PEKING AND WASHINGTON.

SIR D. TREICH

FILES

/REPEATED AS REQUESTED/

0.0. H.K.D.

P.A.D.

F.E. AND P.D.

GUIDANCE DEPT.

I.R.D.

SIR A. GALSWORTHY

MR. LASCH

P.S. TO LORD SHEPHERD

F.O. P..D,

O.P.A.

O.L.A.

SZORST

ADVANCE COPIES SENT.

Copy also an FOX13/1@

FEH13/1(c) Camiirmy + recim

LAST

Net

SECRET

RECEIVED IN

¡ARCHIVES F16.31

21 OCT 1968

Buy FECIBC/1

IMMEDIATE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

TELEGRAM NUDLER 1529

TO. HONG KONG

15 OCTOBER 1969 (HWB)

SECRET

ADDRESSED TO HONG KONG TELEGRA

TUMBER 1528 OF 15 OCTOBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO POLAG SINGAPORE WASHINGTON, CEEY.

Anneri Т.

WE ARE SOMEWHAT CONCERNED AT THE INDICATION IN YOUR TELEGRAM NO. 2035 THAT THE CHINESE MISTAKENLY BELIEVE THAT 19 OCTOBER IS HOVEN'S REL- EASE DATE. IT WOULD BE MOST UNFORTUNATE IF THE CHINESE, HAVING TAKEN A DECISION OF PRINCIPLE TO RELEASE GREY IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, WERE TO CHANGE THEIR MINDS ON MISTAKE BELIEF THAT HSUEH WAS DELIBERATELY BEING DETAINED BEYOND THE EARLIEST HORMAL DATE OF RELEASE.

2. YE HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED THAT THE PREMATURE RELEASE OF HSUEH SO SOON BEFORE THE DUE DATE WOULD HAVE LITTLE SIGNIFICANCE AS A GESTURE, BUT IN VIEW OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF MISUNDERSTANDING AND GF THE DESIRABILITY OF HOT PROLONGING GREY'S DETITION EVER BY A FEW WEEKS, WOULD IT IN PRACTICE BE POSSIBLE BY INCONSPICUOUS ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT TO RELEASE HSUEH ON OR ABOUT 19 OCTOBER AND TO PRESENT- THIS AS THE NORMAL DATE? THE COMMUNISTS APPEAR HOT TO BE AWARE OF THE CORRECT DATE AND, IF THIS IS THE CASE, IT SUGGESTS THAT IT IS NOT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE.

3. IF YOU CONSIDER THAT THIS COURSE IS HOT FEASIBLE WE HOPE THAT MCNA CAN BE INFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THE ACTUAL DATE OF RELEASE. IT COULD BE MADE CLEAR AT THE SAME TIME THAT IT WAS PROOF OF OUR READINESS TO SETTLE OUTSTANDING ISSUES THAT HSUEH WAS BEING RELEASED WITH FULL REMISSION EVEN THOUGH HIS INITIAL REFUSAL TO WORK DID NOT MERIT THIS.

CROSEC

FILES

C.O.

H.K.DEPT.

F.0. F.E.D.

P.A.D.

O.P.A.

F.E. & P.D.

O.L.A.

GUIDANCE DEPT.

I.R.D.

MINDIN

SIR A. GALSWORTHY

MR. MASON

P.S. TO LORD SHEPHERD

SECRET

Ed (5084)

Reference

FEC13C/10

See ANNEX.