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An Clair

HUB

Crijada нов

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 7th May, 1967

R. 7th

0500Z

IMMEDIATE No. 552

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated

"Peking No. 194.

Political Adviser Singapore No. 62.

The Left-Wing papers this morning (7th May) devote the whole of their front pages and Hong Kong news pages and space on other pages to highly critical reports, photographs and commentator articles about an incident during a labour dispute at an artificial flower factory on 6th lay in which the police arrested 21 workers.

2. The line taken is that this bloody suppression of patriotic workers and patriotic compatriots by the police was pre-planned and organised and was of a piece with the action taken on 4th May at the walled city and with the earlier protection given to the United States/ Chiang elements in the dispute at the Nanfung textile factory in Taun Wan,

30 The Ta Kung Pao commentator asks whether the British authorities in Hong Kong intended to provoke the Chinese residents and says that people are looking closely to see how the British authorities will deal with the matter. The Wenwei Po commentator asks whether the British authorities dare openly to be enemies of the Chinese people and if so whether they have thought out the consequences the consequences will certainly not be

good.

(Advance copy passed to Resident Clerk.)

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CONFIDENTIAL

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 7th May, 1967

It R. 7th

051 52

لم

IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL

No. 553

Addressed to Commonwealth office (D.T.D.) Repeated to Peking No. 195

P.A. Singapore No. 63 (s. of S.please pass to both)

During last week an industrial dispute developed in two factories belonging to the Hong Kong artificial flower works. The management eventually decided to lock out the workers from the injection moulding sections of both factories and subsequently arranged to discharge them and pay their wages due.

2. About three-quarters of the workers accepted their wages. But on 6th May in the Kowloon factory where Left-Wing elements are strong, workers on picket attempted forcibly to prevent the removal of goods from the factory by lorry. They were warned by police that they were exceeding the rights of peaceful picketing but persisted in their action, Eventually scuffles developed and 18 were arrested by the police using batons only.

3. Later a further three workers visited the police station where the men were detained to lodge a protest against the arrests. They were recognised as having played a leading part in the disturbances and also arrested; one of them was later found to be the Chairman of the Left-Wing Rubber and Plastic Workers' Union, which has a membership of just under 1,200 of whom only 30 are employed in the factory.

4. All the men were detained and will be charged with "besetting" under the Trade Union Registration Ordinance and with unlawful assembly. They include the Chairman of the Union and 5 members.

CONFIDENTIAL

ງ

/ 5.

CONFIDENTIAL

5. This morning the situation outside the factory is quiet and there have been no pickets. Work continues in those sections of the factory not affected by the strike and the management is continuing to move out further consignments of goods, so far without attracting attention or interference.

Бо

　　　　There is every indication that this was a spontaneous incident. Senior officials of the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) were kept informed of events and have held discussions with leaders of the Left Wing union concerned, but so far appear to be undecided as to what further action to take. Certainly the FTU will be obliged to at least voice some strong protest against the arrest of the Chairman and members of one of its affili- ated unions We can expect the Left-Wing press to continue a violent anti-Government line, and other Left- Wing organisations in Hong Kong to voice their sympathy and support for the arrested workers.

•

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HUA

品

Cripicola ника

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

En clair D. 8th May, 1967.

R. 8th

10112

PRIORITY

No. 557.

Addressed to Commonwealth office. Repeated

Peking No. 197.

POLAD Singapore No. 64.

　　　　The left wing papers this morning (8th May) continue to give full front page and Hong Kong news page treatment to the incident at the artificial flower factory and publish editorials on this and other recent incidents.

2. The Rubber and Plastic Workers' Union met laat night

and decided to put forward four demands:-

(a) immediate release of the workers arrested,

(b) punishment of the evil doers and compensation,

(a)

no interference henceforth by the police in labour disputea.

　3. The line taken in the editorials is that the British Authorities in a planned and premediated way have organised a series of bloody repressions of workers and patriotic compatriots in the Kowloon area, amounting to Fascist violence. The workers did not break any law in the artificial flower factory dispute: they were merely demanding the cancellation of some new regulations imposed by the management. If the British Authorities in Hong Kong did not deliberately fabricate this incident and are not attempting to enlarge it, they ought to recognise the error which they committed on 6th May and immediately accept the workers' "few minimum demands",

　　　　The Ta Kung Po editorial refers to the increased use of Hong Kong by U.S. imperialism as an aggressive base and to the anti-China activities of the imperialists, revisionists and the reactionaries. It goes on to say that after the Macao affair many U.S./Chiang elements concentrated in Hong Kong carry out their activities and that most of the incidents which have accurred have been stirred up by U.S./Chiang elements. Wen Wei Pao editorial says "we consider that the imperialists who deliberately undertook the violent and bloody repression of patriotic compatriots will definitely come to no good end, nor will those traitorous Chinese running dogs who "help them". We hope that those policemen who, under the protection of the

/Hong Kong

Лафа

The

Hong Kong British, assisted in this atrocity in persecuting their compatriots will sincerely pay attention, without delay turn around and not shamefully do wrong to the people of their mother country.

today.

The 21 workers arrested on 6th May appeared in court One pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly and was fined (HK)100. The others pleaded not guilty and were remanded on bail until 16th May. So far none has yet raised ball and they are all therefore still in custody.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking

and POLAD Singapore)

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En Clair

No.561

Convened an HLIN 1/12

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 9th May 1967 R. 9th

0930Z

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

"Peking No.198

" POLAD Singapore No.65

The left-wing papers this morning (9th May)

continued to give full front page treatment to the incident at the plastic factory on 6th May. They report that on 8th May the Executive Committee of the Federation of Trade Unions met and issued a statement condemning what it called police interference in labour disputes and the unprecedentedly serious, bloody and repressive violence. It alleged that about 100 patriotic workers and campatriots who were bystanders were beaten up. This incident was not accidental:

"It occurred

at a time when Hong Kong has become a military base for aggression in Vietnam which is being increasingly used by U.S. imperialism and when imperialists, revisionists and reactionaries are undertaking all conceivable sorts of anti- China activities; obviously the British authorities in Hong Kong in showing their hand were acting in an organised, planned and premeditated way. The British authorities in Hong Kong have all along tolerated and protected U.S./Chiang elements, fabricated disputes and provoked acts of violence", The statement then referred briefly to the Nanfeng Textile Company the Taxi Company, the Green Island Cement Factory and the Kowloon Walled City disputes.

2. The Rubber and Plastic Workers' Union also held an emergency meeting on 8th May and established an 'anti- persecution struggle comittee' which swore not to rest until complete victory had been achieved.

3. The left-wing papers also printed short commentaries which said that the British authorities are attempting to treat the workers who had been unreasonably beaten up and arrested 'criminals' and to use 'the law' to deal with them. They conclude that 'whether or not the situation worsens is entirely for the British authorities in Hong Kong to decide. People are closely watching to see how they will act'.

ав

40 The papers also include reports of the proceedings at the magistracy on 8th May which allege inter alia that the authorities attempted to trick the workers into adnitting their guilt by raising bail but the workers 'refused to admit guilt and decided to stay in prison and enter into a struggle against the violent persecution of the British authorities'

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مرا

PAD

En clair

Chigned an HLD 5/12

Спіўшава

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 11th May, 1967.

R. 11th "

07152

INMEDIATE

No. 574

Addressed to Commonwealth Office. Repeated

"Peking, No. 200.

"POLAD Singapore, No. 67.

The main left wing papers on 10th May devoted most

of their front page, their Hong Kong page and three other full pages (one of photographs and two of readers' letters) to industrial disputes. Most of the space was taken up with reports of support to the plastic factory workers by various other unions and organisations (e.g. The Hong Kong Branch of Hsinhua News Agency). The editorials take the line that the plastic workers' struggle is just and that their demands should be met by the British Authorities.

The left wing papers on 11th May devote the whole of their front and Hong Kong news pages and three other full pages to the current disputes. Again most of the reports are about expressions of sympathy and support by other unions and organisations. One of the major reports however alleges that the workers still in detention had been beaten up by police in the police station and in prison.

The

3. The Ta Kung Pao editorial is entitled "this violence must be stopped immediately", This too contains the allegation of police brutality towards those arrested and the lack of medical attention. "This is appalling fascist brutality. British Authorities in acting in this violent way can only be pouring oil on the fire of anti-persecution indignation of the broad masses of patriotic compatriots in Hong Kong, As every- body knows the use by the Germans of concentration camps and the Japanese Imperialists of prisons.......only speeded their defeat. Today's broad masses of patriotic compatriots in Hong Kong have raised high the red banner of Mao Tse-Tung's thoughts, dare to struggle and are afraid of nothing. We advise the British Authorities in Hong Kong that they ought immediately to stop this violence otherwise all consequences will be entirely your responsibility. As for those few Hong Kong British special agents and prison underlings who have evilly beaten up the Chinese compatriots they ought to wake up: if they remain obdurate "national discipline will not tolerate them" The blood debt they owe to compatriots will one day have to be paid."

14.

LAST

AFF

рад

The Wen Wei Pao editorial, entitled "The blood debt

must be repaid" makes the following points.

"The Hong Kong British in accordance with U.S. imperialism's anti-China (policy) deliberately engaged in bloody violence and carried out racial oppression of our patriotic compatriots. Do you think that with the help of a few hired ruffians you can use force to frighten and beat into submission patriotic compatriots? As for those few willing running dogs of imperialism and racial remnants who have persecuted patriotic compatriots, such as the special riot squad reared by the Hong Kong British, those few plain clothes special agents and people like the one who claimed to be Inspector Mok belonging to Police Department and the warders at Victoria Prison who willingly follow the orders of the Hong Kong British and wickedly persecute Chinese compatriots by cruel and hair-raising ways, they will be exposed. We warn these (people) who have sold their soul to imperialism and help the enemy cruelly to persecute their own compatriots that they cannot come to any good end. The blood debt will certainly be repaid. If you remain obdurate, national discipline will not tolerate you. 1+

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Emicicl

CONFIDENTIAL

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on HWAY

TO THE COMMonwealth OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

TRON HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 11th May, 1967. R. 11th

悼

10402

७

FLASH

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 579

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.). Repeated PRIORITY to Peking No. 202.

"Political Adviser, Singapore,

No. 69 (C.O. please pass b both.)

My telegram No. 574.

Industrial Disputes.

This afternoon workers again demonstrated outside the Hong Kong artificial flower works in San Po Kong, Kowloon, and held an illegal meeting which grew to about 1,500. The demonstrators pushed against the gates of the factory and management fearing that the gates would break, called upon the police for help and protection.

　　　　Police tried to reason with the demonstrators and to encourage them to disperse, warning that they were committing an offence: the demonstrators persisted in their action. Bottles and refuse were then thrown at the police: eventually scuffles developed and some 60 were arrested by the police using batons and baton shells only.

Situation as reported at 1830 local time was that police had general control over the area and were dealing with some tip-and-run scuffling. Riot squads are being withdrawn as far as possible to minimise provocation,

4. Attempts have been made today to make an informal contact with the Left wing leadership with a view to explaining the Government position: that Hong Kong depends for its existence on stability and confidence: that the policy is now, as always, to maintain the law impartially: that whilst the workers and trade unions have every right to act within the law relating to trade disputes, Government must take action when breaches of the peace occur.

(Passed as requested)

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NEF

5 7

L. F

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HUD

(pict

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 11th May, 1967 R. 11th

13452

FLASH

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 580

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated to Peking No. 203

P.A. Singapore No. 70

(please paas IMMEDIATE

to both)

My immediately preceding telegram.

Industrial Dispute.

　　　　Later this evening, situation deteriorated and I have called out the Auxiliary Police and have ordered a curfew covering the disturbed area of North East Kowloon only, from 2130 hours this evening to 0530 hours tomorrow morning.

11 injured (1 serious).

2. By 2100 hours, 90 persons had been arrested and

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　At 2145 hours four C.S. gas shells were fired in one incident in a resettlement estate: otherwise batons and baton shells only employed so far.

(Passed as requested)

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LAST

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

an HOP

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 18th May, 1967. R. 12th

17522

5/12

îî

MAL

FLASH

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 581

COM FOR RICISTRATION

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated Peking No.204

P.A. Singapore No. 71

(Please pass Immediate to both)

In order to provide personnel from Auxiliary

Air Force for helicopter observer duties I have given approval to Service Commander H.K. Defence Force making an order for limited call-out of his unit or any part thereof for active service. By midnight area affected by disturbances had returned to normal. Curfew effective and most police units withdrawn although mobile patrols still operating. 127 persons arrested and 14 injured. In all 53 gas shells fired in incidents during afternoon and evening. It is known that discussions now taking place between Left-Wing Federation of Trade Unions and main Left-Wing Unions. Kowloon Motor Bus Company employees considering token strike action between 0700 and 0900. Although situation now quiet some form of Left-Wing Union activity must be anticipated during the day.

(Passed as requested)

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இரும்

VARO

CONFIDENTIAL

OUTWARD TELEGRAN

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

HVB.5/12

Sent 11th May 1967.

2225Z

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No.895

Repeated

Peking

" Singapore

Draft a

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

5/12

HIJA #

Your telegram No.581.

Industrial Dispute.

We are very sorry to hear that you have this additional anxiety and do not wish to add to your burdens at this present time. But it would be most helpful if we could have very early telegraphic report on specific labour background of this dispute leading up to the lock-out. What were the matters in dispute? Were there any negotiations? If so, how and on what points did they break down? Did the Labour Department offer its services or intervene in any way?

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking

and Singapore)

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CONFIDENTIAL

12.

PAR

En Clair

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 12th May 1967 R. 12th

0350Z

IMMEDIATE No.583

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated

Peking No.205

POLAD Singapore No.72 "Washington No.111

My telegram No.581 (not to Washington).

Hong Kong disturbances.

　The Left Wing papers this morning (12th May) devote the whole of their front page, Hong Kong page and much other space to yesterday's incidents in Sampokong. The reports and photographs are slanted to create the impression of unnecessary police brutality.

2. The editorial in the Wen Wei Pao is entitled "A serious warning to Trench". After a brief reference to the earlier incidents at the walled city and the plastic factory the editorial gives a biased description of yesterday's incidents at Sampokong. It then goes on "From this series of bloody suppressions it can be seen completely clearly that this was a planned premeditated action with a purpose taken by the British Imperialist authorities in Hong Kong. This was a challenge by the British Imperialist authorities in Hong Kong to our great Chinese people. This racialist oppression was a serious atrocity committed by the British Imperialist authorities in Hong Kong against our Chinese compatriots in Hong Kong and Kowloon. This was a most brazen anti-China activity taken by the British Imperialist authorities in Hong Kong in carrying out United States imperialism's war policy and amounted to taking United States Imperialism's chestnuts out of the fire".

3. The article adds "And now everything can be seen even more clearly. In the drawing up of this plan the formulation of this decision and the daring to commit auch violence the baton has been in the hands of the highest local authority of the British Imperialists in Hong Kong. Trench is the principal troublemaker behind the racialist oppression of our compatriots in Hong Kong and Kowloon and the series of fascist atrocities! Trench has carried out in Hong Kong the war policy of United States Imperialism and has been the spearhead of anti-China activities. All the criminal responsibility for the series of bloody suppressions must be laid at his door",

40 "We wish severely to put to Trench the question: what do you think you are doing in daring today at the door of our great motherland on territory which has been occupied by the Chinese people over the ages to engage in such frenzied

11918

/anti-

anti-China activities to carry out racialist persecution and to suppress bloodily our compatriots? Our great leader Chairman Mao teaches us "We the Chinese Nation have the spirit to fig the enemy to the last drop of blood, the determination to recover our lost territory by our own efforts and the ability to stand on our own feet in the family of nations". We wish severely to warn the highest local authority of the British Imperialists in Hong Kong that the Chinese people who have armed themselves with the ever victorious thoughts of Kao Tse Tung are not to be trifled with! In accordance with the teachings of our great leader Chairman Mao we shall wage a determined struggle "tit for tat and fighting for every inch of territory" against whoever humiliates us or persecutes us".

5. "We severely warn the highest local authority of the British Imperialists in Hong Kong that you must immediately stop this violence and persecution! You must immediately accept all the just demands put forward by our patriotic compatriots. You must immediately stop this bloody suppression. You must immediately release all those patriotic workers and patriotic students barbarously detained by you. You must immediately punish the culprits and apologise to our patriotic

　6. "If you remain obdurate and do not heed our warning but go your own way the responsibility for all the serious consequences will fall on the shoulders of Trench the highest responsible person in the Hong Kong British local authority".

　7. Articles also contain further phrases inciting the police to disaffect.

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000116'G F. 316

SECRET

Ongival a Hit 13/4

SAVINGRAL

IOA

Copy No.

From:

To:

The Governor, Hong Kong.

Repeuted:

P.A. to C. in C. F. E.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs

Poking

i'anuli

10.:

947

Kanila

Dute:

11 May, 1967

0. in C.F,Ë.

175

Ref.:

TS.2/57 III

L.I.C. MONTHLY INTERNAL IN MULLIGENC. REPORT

APRIL, 1967

In the field of industrial relations in the Colony, the atmosphere has remained consistently uneasy during the month. Disputes involving left-wing unions have, in some cases, acquired an increasingly political slant in that the left-wing has attempted to remove right-wing influence in the firms involved, and, not unnaturally, both factions of the press have, according to their political alignment, given considerable prominence to the cause of the protagonists concerned. The continuing publicity given in local left-wing circles to the co...unist victory over the Macau Government remains an important influence in the militant attitude being adopted by left-wing unions, (1.I.C. Int-mal Intelligence Report for March 1967, paragraph 1 refers.) However this month 7 this attitude itself has been subject to some fluctuation of intensity, a reflection of the increased freedom allowed to the "rasses as a result of local propaganda based on the Cultural Revolution in China. Certainly the Federation of Trade Unions (...) and its affiliated Unions do not appear to be exercising such rigid control ar in the past, though it is pertinent to note that the disputes were largely confined to the parties concerned and have received little organised support from unions representing other trades.

The most significa

of the new series of disputes which

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　the same arosc during the month involved two t...li firs owned by local Chinese family, one in Hong Kong and one in Kowloon. In Hong Kong: the dismissal of a left-wing taxi driver on the 28 March for inefficiency inspired the communist controlled Mouer fransport Workers' General unior (.. U.) (claimed meribership, 3,5l; paid up me bership, 1,130) to uewest mis reinstate vent, the disr iesal of the supervisor involveu, him elf to vice-chulen of the very much smaller right-wing lator Car Driver' General Unon (M.C.D.G.U.) (claimed membership, 310; paid up me bership, 310), and at the same time took the opportunity to demand betler conditions of service. The management agreed to all the demands except the dismissal of the supervisor which became the crux of the dispute. By the middle of the month as a result of a "go slow" on the part of the ler't-wing drivers and the reduced takings therefrom, the management decided to close down the business, giving priority to the sale of the taxis to those drivers who had not taken part in the "go slow" and who wished to purchase them.

　　　The .T. U. not unnaturally denounced this move as a trick and placed "peaceful" pickets outside the firm's garages.

　　　　　The press of both factions, which had been watching developments avidly, became involved when two right-wing press photographers were prevailed upon to hand over to the left-wing drivers films which they had taken of the pickets. A statement

/issued

SECRET

0001140 G F. 116

SECRET

-2-

issued by the council of the local Press Society criticised this incident as unwarranted interference with the freedom of the press and this in turn has brought forth a further spate of attacks in the left-wing press accusing the society of being a "U.S./CHIANG dominated body". The two leading left-wing dailies are members of the society but they are not represented on the council.

4..

The dispute came to a sudden end on 21 April with each side making certain concessions, the basis for agreement being that, as the firm was closing anyway, the supervisor (one of the main purchasers of the taxis) would be formally dismissed. Both left and right-wing press claimed a victory, the left-wing because the object of having the supervisor dismissed had been achieved, while the right-wing pointed out that the left-wing drivers had been thrown out of work and right-wing or neutral drivers had become owners of their own taxis.

The dispute in Kowloon dated back to the dismissal in January of a left-wing driver, also for inefficiency. (L.I.C. Report for Jamary, paragraph 7 refers). The M.T.U. made representations to the management at the time, but subsequently allowed the matter to drop. un 1 April in sympathy with counterparts on Hong Kong Island they decided to resuscitate the affair and threatened a "go slo if he were not reinstated. The management agreed to re-cmploy him but would only acce t him as a "new" driver with no accumulated benefits, a condition which was not acceptable to the union. A "go slow" started on 14 April and takings vere reduced to some 10% of normal; this apparently perturbed union officials who directed that the drivers should not make less than 25% of normal as they did not want the firm to follow the example of its fellow in Hong Kong and close down. On 22 April, folloving the settlement of the Hong Kong Island dispute, the H.T.. called off the "go slow" as a condition for the management considering the re-instatement of the dismissed driver. At a meeting held in the Labour Department on 25 April, after some spirited haggling between the management and the .T.U., the former agreed to re-instate the driver with his accumulated benefits intact, but with certain undertakings with regard to his future conduct. Thereafter business returned to normal. Ho ever, at the end of the month a third taxi company owned by the same family as closed, following negotiations for the sale of the taxis to the drivers the majority of whom vere right-wing or neutral. There had been no dispute in this company and it appears that the family concerned is endeavouring to withdraw completely from this part of its manifold business operations.

There has been no settlement in the dispute at the Han Fun Textile Factory (L.I.C. Monthly Internal Intelligence Report for March 1967, paragraph 3 refers). For the first three days of the month the left-wing Spinning Weaving and Dyeing Trade General Union (S. .D.T.3.Ụ.) (claimed membership, 5,765; paid up membership, 3,623) became more active and groups of workers visited the factory several times a day; while representatives were seeing the management, other workers remained outside chanting the Thoughts of MAO Tse-tun ̧. During one such visit on 3 April, a reporter from a right-wing paper, who had been taking photographs, was chased when he refused to hand over his film to the workers", He took refuge

in the Police Traffic Ofice, Tsuen Wan, where a crowd of some sixty gathered and remained for over an hour. Apart from a visit by a small group of Union officials to Tsuen an Police Station some days later to demand that the films be handed over, the matter has not been taken any further. Since then the Union's activities have been confined to infrequent calls at the factory by a small group of Union officials.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　However, visits to the Union premises by comfort parties of workers from other factories have continued. The

/management

SECRET

000160 0.F. 316

SECRET

-3-

management has refused to accede to union demands and the situation remains as it did at the end of arch with production normal

at the factory, and with the workers still apparently undecided as be their future course of action.

　　　　　The Hong Kong Seamen's Union (H.K.S, U.) (cluimed membership, 27,000; paid up membership, 13,200) continued during the beginning of the month to celebrate the "victory" over the Royal Interocean Lines (R. I,L.) in the dispute concerning the shooting incident on their vessel the "straat Malukka" (L. I.C. Konthly Internal Intelligence Report for March 1967, para:raph 2 refers). The 7.T.U. is exemplirying this dispute as the model of the way in w ich labour disputes should be conducted and has organised a series of large scale meetings of representatives from affiliated unions to discuss and analyse the lessons to be learned. The R. E. S, U. has conducted three further successful negotiations with ship owners during the month. The first dispute concerned the crew of a Danish ship which was being sold to a left-wing shipping company.

The union demanded two month's severance pay in lieu of the one month allowed by Danish law, and some reflections of the "Straat Malukka" dispute were apparent in that the union also demanded an apology from the captain for acking, the police to stand by when he feared trouble on board. The union 100 threatened to send daily delegation to the rent's office an! hold up the sale of the vessel, 1: the counds wore no moto The sccord dispute concerned the entries in the discharge books of se. en who had left their vessel in iopia after a quarrel rith other Chinese members of the crew, and the third, the arrest of a Chinese motorman in Port Moresby after a quarrel with a British ship's officer. On this latter occasion an apology was again demanded from the Captain. In all three disputes the owners or their agents agreed in full to the union's demands.

　　　　　Left-wing workers in a number of other companies have approached their managements with demands for better pay and conditions and in the majority of cases have at least been partially successful. Stoppages of work have occurred in sever.l of the factories concerned, including two factories owned by an artificial flower company where some 500 workers are affected, and the Green Island Cement Co., (L. I. C. Monthly Intelligence Report for March, 1966, paragraph 4 refers). A small group of workers in two Government departments, the later works and the Medical departments, have also made representations on their particular conditions of service, but so far there has been no overt union support.

Labour Day celebrations on 1 May passed off quietly; a large number of left-wing union celebrations were held in the Workers' Club of the F.T. U., whilst, as in previous years, others were held at union premises and restaurants throughout the Colony. The Kuomintang (K.M. T.) controlled Trade Union Council (T. .U.C.) held its usual celebration at its Headquarters and right- wing unions also held functions at union premises and restaurants. There were no indications of an increase in scale of either left or right-wing celebrations, but as a reflection of the increased activity in the labour field, all functions were well ttended, The main themes of the pucches at the left-wing fuccion were praise of the Cultural Revolution in China and the manner in which the Thoughts of M40 Tc-wn have been victorious in recent labour disputes, Ble Fong Kong Seamen's Union/Royal Interocean Lines and the Central Taxi Company disputes being cited as examples. Several references were also made to the great "victory" over the Macau Government. At right-wing celcbrations, the speeches followed the usual now well worn pattern of condemnation of conditions on the mainland and the oppression of the workers. Aaditional atı-

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　were made against left-wing unions for creating .rest ip

'hdustric3

SECAC

5001166 OF 316

SECRET

-4-

10.

　　　　　　　　As anticipated, the study of the Thoughts of MAC Tse- tung has been further intensified in all left-wing circles, and the printing of copies of "Quot tions from Chairman M.0" is to bc speeded up, special groups having been formed within printing companies for this purpose. Although the target for the sales of this booklet in 20 Lon, is 200,000, soine le ng Ivetting personalities conside. wa mitin 10 too low and should be raised to 600,000. 150,000 of the English version of the "rone ciors" are being produced in the Colony, mainly for export to Port America and Europe anl with staffs of printing comp.nie working overtime, are expected to be available at the beginning of May.

- L

་

11.

Plans to expand communist controlled schools continue and the Sun Kiu ¡iddle School has decided to open a fund raising campaign to enable a Primary succion to be opened in Wanchai, The campaign by the Heung To Middle School to raise HK$500,000 for a new branch (L. I. C. Internal Intelligence Report for arch, 1967 paragraph 6 refers) has already raised over $100,000. 7 April the Chung Hwa Middle School held a formal found..tion stone laying ceremony for a new school to replace the present hired premises. It was announced cnat HK$600,000 had been raised for the project, now due to be completed in August, although more was still needed.

12.

　　　　　　　During the first half of March the left-wing press continued its attacks on Government, culminating in the middle of the month with articles appearing in both the two leading left- wing dailies listing a number of incidents dating from the riots in 1956 to the flying of the K.1.7. flag during the recent Hong Kong Golf Championship. These, it was alleged, proved that Government and H. L. the Governor in particular are comiving with the "Chiang clique" who are intensifying their activities in the Colony. An editorial in the Afternoon News alleged that the C.P.G. has, since coming into power, been keeping a record of the deeds of the Hong Kong Government and that "one day the account will be settled". The presence of U.S. ships in the harbour, particularly those which have been reported as taking part in the bombardment of North Vietnam, and the use of Kai fak Tild by U.S. military planes, we gain the subject of avbuc Government. Although onus pcrles of anti-Governut abated somewhat by the end of the month, criticin 1 of "50

"le.lot to turn Hong Kong into country" continued. An in action of Low sensitive the left-win is on this subject is the prominence given in the left-wing press to a series of letters criticising a debate held on 17 March between pupils of the Government Queen's College and the Catholic Maryknoll Girls' School at which the subject was "Is the independence of Hong Kong desirable?"

LL on

eticles had

Cypher

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 12th May, 1967.

tt R. 12th

04102

Copy a HUD 3/2

COPY FOR DE NATION

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Peking No.206

Repeated

...

帽

POLAD Singapore No.73

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 584

·IN

No.61

REL

من

Lisbon No.1313

(S. of S. please pass to Lisbon, Routine).

My telegram No. 581 (not to Lisbon).

Industrial Disturbances in Hong Kong.

In Macao, the British Consulate, the Permit Office and the Consul's Residence have been daubed with slogans expressing sympathy for compatriots in Hong Kong. The Consulate is at present the centre of attention but nothing more aggressive than daubing has yet taken place.

We are keeping in constant contact.

The Governor of Macao is considering what steps he can take to protect the Consulate and staff.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Lisbon)

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CONFIDENTIAL

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 12th May, 1967. R. 12th

0825Z

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No. 63

-2-01

FLASH SECRET No. 589

COM FOR NEZISTO A TIČNA

Addressed to Commonwealth Office, Repeated FLASH to Peking, No. 207.

IMMEDIATE to POLAD Singapore, No. 74

(3. of S. please pass to both).

mit a

fika

Your telegram 894.

ตุ

✓ see

Disturbances in Hong Kong.

All available information suggests that the disturbances at the artificial flower works on 6th May were not planned in advance by the Rubber and Plastic Workers' Union nor by any other organisation. The rank and file had been encouraged to develop a "struggle" against the management, and what started as peaceful picketing degenerated into violence.

2. I do not believe that the Hong Kong Left wing leadership were at that stage looking for a confrontation with Government. But with the arrests of the workers the dispute became a "political struggle"; and it now appears that the leadership have little alternative but to exert all-out pressure on the Hong Kong Government to accept the demands

paragraph 2 of my telegram No. 557) which have been made in the style of Macao. The Left wing press today publishes a further demand, that Government apologise to the arrested workers; and no doubt more demands are likely to be added.

3. There were some indications that the Left wing had been trying, at least until yesterday, to restrict the "struggle" to the places where disputes were actually taking place, notably the cement and the artificial flover works. No sympathetic strike action has yet taken plans.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　However, the leadership have clearly had difficulty in keeping the rank and file under control; and these difficulties are now likely to be increased. Until the Left wing leaders achieve some success which will prove the power of the thoughts of Mao Tse Tung and will also prove that they themselves are loyal followers of the cultural revolution, the "struggle" is likely to be intensified.

SECRET

/4.

اختا

рад

SECRET

The Left wing and Government now seem to be set on a collision course.

Even the incidents which have occurred so far could have a grave effect on general confidence in Hong Kong; and they are clearly as little in the interosto of the C.P.G. as of ourselves. We have been trying, through the few channels at our disposal, to make this point to local Left- wing leaders. But their freedom of action is very restricted. In the circumstances, you may wish to consider the possibility of making early representations to the C.P.G. in London if not in Peking, to ensure that they are aware of the very serious implications of the situation as it may be developing.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I can see that there might be technical difficulties in finding a peg on which to hang a discussion of this sort, but there seems a serious danger that unless the local Left wing are directed from a very high level to pursue a more moderate policy, things may get out of hand.

An approach might take the following lines:-

(a) The Hong Kong Government much regret the disturbances

that have taken place in Hong Kong during the past week. The C.P.G. should know that there is no change in Hong Kong Government policy towards Left-wing labour organisations. The policy is now, as always, to maintain the law impartially and fairly. Govern- ment realise that in some cases workers may well have legitimate grievances. As the Royal Interocean Lines dispute showed, there are ways of remedying these by action within the law.

(b) But if the workers break the law, the Hong Kong

Government must enforce the law. Hong Kong depends for its existence on stability and confidence. Disorderly action by labour here is bound to attract world attention and to damage, possibly permanently, Hong Kong's economic prospects for the future. The interests not only of Hong Kong Government but of the workers of Hong Kong and possibly also China will be seriously affected.

acquiesce in a situation comparable with what has recently developed in Macao, Unless more effective control can be exercised over the way in which Hong Kong workers express their grievances, there are dangers of a collision which could destroy Hong Kong as an economic entity and also have serious inter- national repercussions.

Distribution

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

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

reach addressee(s)

12 May, 1967.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)....

Flash

Despatched

XSAO

14492

Secret

Restricted

Uncheshties

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

En Clair Gode

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:- GOVR HONG KANG

No.....

(Date)

And to:-

Repeat to:-

Saving

(:2)

匹

Distribution:-

As for H.K. K.No.

$89.

Copies to:

there is any possible danger in emphaseour

13/57

damage to economy of Kong Hong

[Secur

ation]

Security classification"

if any

[ Privacy marking

-if any

[Codeword-if any]

GOVERNOR,

/+14+547

Hồng Kong.

1 2 MAY 1967

1 HKG 380

Addressed to...Governor, Hong Kong.

telegram No.....

699

..(date)

repeated for information to Peking (Flash)

FOLAD, Singapore.(Provilų)

Mani

Saving to....

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

Your telegram No.589.

vens

# We have discussed with F.0.9 follany are our agreed 2. We agree that dispute appears to be spontaneous

and local in origin. It appears to us that every advantage

lies in securing a settlement at the local level.

Lendon or

We think that any approach in/Peking on the lines

suggested will lead to escalation,obliging the C.P.G.to

come out in support. They would lay the blame entirely on

us and insist that we accede to all local demands. Such

an approach would open the door wide for Peking to start

bargaining on such matters as provision of facilities for

U.S. ships and visits of troops, return of illegal

immigrants and handing over of E.M.T. agents. We could

expect their reply to be followed by an all-out propaganda

campaign against the Hong Kong Government.

Therefor think it much safer

We-much-prefer that representations should be made

through local channels (your telegram No.592 refers). snapper you will han exsident carefully you think there in krall,

hope that in any further exchanges through this channel you

octant refunds & Macau? Situation

#222 avoid Comparisons between the present in Hong Kong

12 avoid comparisons between the

SCORE

We felt some doubts ar this scan, but au

carter & quided by your' podfecvent.

fand

114

гой For vie

We would be grateful for views of

★M. Charge d'Affaires, Peking.

Prose ps

PSA for repetition

and POLAD Singayton)

Petang

H. We have just

seem

SECER.

Peking

telegram No. 474 to Foreign

Office which supports above views

Alai

Sir a. Galsworth

Mr. Hall

ванет

Russell

Jesson

JIC Externe sexin.

also sun his

Copies

FO. (FED)

mr. de tu mate

W. Denson

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

S SERVICE

and without tearing

IP AND BOTTOM

Cypher

SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Sent 12th May 1967. 14492

(15)

FLASH SECRET No.899

(12)

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

Repeated for information to Peking (FLASH)

Your telegram No.589.

POLAD, Singapore (PRIORITY)

We have discussed with Foreign Office and following are our agreed views, subject to views of Chargé d'Affaires, Peking.

2. We agree that dispute appears to be spontaneous and local in origin. It appears to us that every advantage lies in securing a settlement at the local level.

We think that any approach in London or Peking on the lines suggested will lead to escalation, obliging the C.P.G. to come out in support. They would lay the blame entirely on us and insist that we accede to all local demands. Such an approach would open the door wide for Peking to start bargaining on such matters as provision of facilities for U.S. ships and visits of troops, return of illegal immigrants and handing over of K.M.T. agents. We could expect their reply to be followed by an all-out propaganda campaign against the Hong Kong Government.

4. We therefore think it much safer that representations should be made through local channels (your telegram No.592 refers). Do you think there is possible danger in emphasising damage to economy of Hong Kong or making actual references to Macau? We felt some doubts on this score, but are careful to be guided by your judgment.

5. We have just seen Peking telegram No.474 to Foreign Office which supports above views.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking and

POLAD Singapore)

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Cypher

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 12th May 1967

R. 12th

09052

MAY

CONFIDENTIAL COPY FOR REGISTRATION

No.590

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

"Peking No.208

"POLAD Singapore No.75

(S. of S. please pass to both)

My telegram No.581.

Kowloon Disturbances.

Disturbances recommenced about midday and I have ordered a curfew covering the disturbed area of North East Kowloon, same area as last night, from 18.00 hours this evening to 04.30 hours tomorrow morning. Crowds consist largely of youths and others not apparently connected with any industrial dispute.

2. Police intermittently have to deal with two or three incidents simultaneously involving groups of 2 - 300. Situation is being contained at present (16.30 hours) neither noticeably worsening nor improving. Fourteen police companies are presently engaged.

3. Gas shells have been fired in twelve incidents between 13.00 hours and 16.00 hours. One police inspector, one sergeant, 15 P.C.s injured, 2 P.C.s detained in hospital. Several civilians have also been injured.

(Passed as requested)

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16+ (17)

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COKMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Do Ro

πt

12th May, 1967. 12th

1030Z

IMMEDIATE SECRET No. 592.

Addressed to Commonwealth office. Repeated "Peking No. 210.

HAY

ハ

11 POLAD Singapore No. 77.

please pass to both).

(S. of S.

12__

My telegram No. 589.

Kowloon Disturbances.

I saw R.C. Lee (ex unofficial member of Executive Council with good left-wing contacts) this afternoon and discussed general situation with him, since he has shown himself willing to act as intermediary during last few days.

2. He had already seen Leung Wai Lam (head of China News Agency) and endeavoured to persuade him that the alleged new policy of Hong Kong of concerted action against left wing was a complete fiction: and had tried to explain police position in industrial disputes to him. Leung had said that it would greatly help if (a) those arrested were all released and (b) police undertook to play no part whatever in industrial disputes. Lee had, in reply, endeavoured to point that in respect of (a) the Government could not interfere with the courts and (b) that police had to maintain order if breaches of the peace occurred. He had also reassured Leung on several minor points he had raised and where there had been misunderstanding.

3. I asked Lee to tell his contacts that he had spoken to me;

that I was at a loss to understand the allegations of a new hostile policy; that there was no substance in these charges and generally to speak to them along the lines suggested in latter part of my telegram No. 589.

24. I do not know what effect this may have, nor how quickly, but at least it may do some good and can do little harm.

5. In respect of paragraph 2 above, P.C. Woo (solicitor, Member of Legislative Council and temporary member of

REC this evening to explain the legal position in regard to (i)

Executive Council) is seeing Fai Yee Man (editor of Ta Kung Pao) those persons awaiting trial and (ii) the police in respect of industrial disputes. Mr. Woo is known to have represented left wing, interests, and particularly Ta Kung Pao, from time to time/on legal matters.

ARCHI

་་.

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COPY CA

STRATION

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 12th May 1967 R. 12th 11

14592.

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No.593

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated Peking No.211

TI POLAD Singapore No.78

(C.O. please pass to both)

My telegram No.590.

Kowloon Disturbances.

Curfew proving effective and areas are

generally quiet although there is the odd scattered incident. Three police companies on patrol.

(Passed as requested)

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FLASH PEKING ΤΟ

elno 474

SECRET

FORSIGN OFFICE

12 May 1967

Iba

HWA 1/1

　　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 474 of 12 May, Repeated for information to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Hong Kong telegram No. 589 to Commonwealth Office. Disturbances in Hong Kong.

1 see disadvantages in making an approach to the Chinese at this stage.

All the indications are that they have been taken by surprise and the fact that the mainland Press hes still not reported the incidents suggests that they have still not decided here to play the sit.tion.

2. An approach by us now would be likely to be regarded as un indication of nervousness and weakness and would be an encouragement to the Chinese to believe that they could score another cheap. victory on the Macao pattern. Koreover, the cooler heads within the Chinese leadership will already be aware of the considerations set out in paragraph 5 of telegram under reference.

3. Difficult though it may be, I would therefore recommend that we ride out the storm for the time being.

4. If, nevertheless, a decision is taken to make an approach to the Chinese, I would urge that this is likely to be done more effectively in London than here, where it could well take several days before they granted me an interview.

Foreign Office pass Flash to Hong Kong 330.

Mr. Hopson

Sent 1200 12 May

Recd 1311z 12 May

[Repeated as requested]

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TELEGRAM NO.

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IMMEDIATE

No.594

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 13th May 1967 R. 13th

0340Z

川

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

Peking No.212

"POLAD Singapore No.79

My telegram No.590.

Kowloon Disturbances.

　　Situation remained generally quiet throughout night in curfew area and elsewhere. Curfew remained effective until lifted at 04.30 hours with only isolated cases of curfew

breaking. A series of minor incidents occurred at the

Tung Tau Resettlement Estate in early hours created by crowds comprised mainly of youths.

　　For the period 08.00 on 12th May to 06.00 hours today arrests totalled 106 and 231 gas shells and 104 wooden projectiles fired. 17 policemen injured, none seriously and no civilian casualties. One person found on first floor balcony of a resettlement block in Wong Tai Sin with fractured

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Cannot skull at 18.32 on 12 May subsequently died in hospital. be definitely categorised as a riot casualty. investigated further.

curfew.

This case being

No incidents have been reported since raising of

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SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

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FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 13th May 1967 R. 13th tt

03402

MAY

1967

PRIORITY SECRET

No.595

(10)

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

"Peking No. 213

LAST

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RIF.

POLAD Singapore No.80 (S. of S. please pass to both)

My telegram No.583: Kowloon Disturbances.

　　　The tone of the left-wing press, in particular the C.P.G.-controlled semi-official Ta Kung Pao and the Wen Wei Pao, has steadily deteriorated over the past week or so but has not previously reached the level of vituperation of yesterday's editoriale. These are now being carefully studied by my advisers.

2. Subject to considered legal opinion of the evidence in detail, it seems more than likely that it will be found to provide grounds for the prosecution of both papers either for seditious publications under section 4 of the Sedition Ordinance (Cap.217) or for attempts to cause disaffection in the police under section 62 of the Police Force Ordinance (Cap.232) or both. In any event, this situation seems certain to arise fairly soon, at the present rate of deterioration, unless steps can be taken to stop it. There is also a possibility of these papers coming into contempt of court.

3. We are making every effort through informal contacts and intermediaries to get it across to the left-wing leadership that the present line taken by the press is risking a major confrontation. Nevertheless, it is now necessary to examine the implications of a further deterioration.

4. There are, of course, risks that prosecutions may, even if resulting in convictions, fail to prove an adequate deterrent or to achieve any real improvement. They would be strongly contested and provide undesirable opportunities for political propaganda. In the event of a conviction, they would be likely to go to appeal. In this connection you will recall the generally unsatisfactory outcome of the prosecution of the Ta Kung Pao in 1952 (our savingram No.1337 of 19 August 1952 refers). The situation might also arise when on instituting proceedings or following a conviction it might be necessary to apply to the court for the suspension or suppression of the newspaper under section 4 of The Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance (Cap.268).

5. It seems inevitable that any attempt to prosecute or suppress these left-wing papers would result in formal protests from Peking, even though there is no evidence at present to

/suggest

SECRET

опе

SECRET

suggest that the C.P.G. has changed its policy towards Hong Kong or desires to "rock the boat". On the other hand, I am likely to be under increasing pressure from responsible local opinion and from the right-wing press to do something positive to preserve public confidence and to support the Police.

6. I am reluctant to take overt action against the left- wing press, if it can avoided, since it would involve a direct confrontation from which retreat on either side would be very difficult. Equally, there are limits to what can be tolerated without risk of an irretrievable loss of public confidence and abdication of authority on Macao lines.

7. Although I do not wish to suggest that an early decision is necessary, this problem is one which may very well have to be faced at some time and I should be grateful for your general views and those of Peking.

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IMMEDIATE

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CONFIDENTIAL

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FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 13th May 1967 R. 13th 情

CONFIDENTIAL

No.599

(17)

12152

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

Peking No.214

" POLAD Singapore No. 81

Washington No.112

(C.o. please pass IMMEDIATE to all)

My telegram No.594 (not to Washington).

Kowloon Disturbances.

　This morning a crowd which eventually reached between 1,000 and 2,000 gathered at the plastic flower factory in San Po Kong. The police moved in to disperse it and there were a small number of arrests. Subsequently crowds gathered in four nearby resettlement estates. The police were attacked, cars set on fire and a block of staff quartera was set on fire. Some 300 workers have gathered outside the cement works, so far in an orderly manner. The situation is tense and rumours are beginning to fly about further action by Left-wing unions. A curfew will be imposed in the same limited area from 7 p.m. to 4 a..

2. The Left-wing press this morning remains highly critical and biased, but personal criticism of myself has been avoided. A number of Left-wing organisations, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Banks, 'The New China' News Agency and unions have formally expressed support for the "patriotic compatriots who have suffered suppression" and protested at the 'premeditated fascist violence' of the British authorities in Hong Kong etc. The Federation of Trade Unions has established a Hong Kong and Kowloon All Industries Workers Anti-Persecution Committee' and called for the establishment of a similar 'All Circles' committee (as in Macau).

A number of Left-wing delegations has attempted to see me to protest about particular incidents and/or the general situation. They have all been received by my A.D.C. and have, after argument and chanting of slogans left letters of protest.

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CONFIDENTIAL

Gon

.OR

PANISTRATION

20 33

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IMMEDIATE SECRET

No.600

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INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 13th May 1967 R. 13th

1230Z

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

Peking No.215

POLAD Singapore No.82

(S. of S. please pass INMEDIATE

to both)

My telegram No.599.

Kowloon Disturbances.

　　　Left-wing action outside the industries immediately concerned in the disputes has so far been confined to mustering moral and financial support for the arrested workers and the four demands' (my telegram No.557) throughout Left- wing organisations. But secret sources indicate that in many Left-wing circles the line is being taken that the dispute has escalated as a result of deliberate Government action; and that the Left must therefore prepare for, a further escalation. Plans are being made to organise the physical defence of Left- wing properties and also of demonstrations in which children (as in Macao) would play a prominent part.

(60)

We seem at present to be in a stage of psychological warfare in which the main weapon of the Left has been their sustained press campaign aimed (so far quite unsuccessfully) at undermining the morale of the police, as well as at discredit- ing Government and destroying public confidence in its will and capacity to resist. The coat-trailing attacks on myself in the Communist press of 12 May (my telegram No.583) may well have been aimed at placing us in the dilemma of either attacking 'press freedom' or appearing to be meekly tolerating sedition.

3. Probably the Communists have not yet taken the decision to launch an all-out Macau-style attack, There are obviously some elements on the Left who are concerned about the prospect of a head-on confrontation. Our discussions with Left-wing contacts continue, but they have not so far yielded any pointers towards an acceptable settlement. As things stand, we seem likely to be in for a prolonged period of gradually increasing pressure.

Ho A prolonged crisis, however, would be the worst of all possible situations for Hong Kong. Morale here would tend to deteriorate rapidly, capital would depart, and the effects on the economy could be irreparable. If we are to avoid this

we may before long have to choose between: ~

No.63]

19 MA DU

(a) seeking a solution which would involve the

Hong Kong Government in substantial-loss of face and authority, or

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SECRET

(b)

ourselves taking the initiative against the Left-wing e.g. by taking legal action aga

the press, arresting key Left-wing leadeand perhaps deporting them to China.

But

5. At an Executive Council meeting today there was a substantial body of opinion (especially among Chinese members) in favour of firm though careful action against the Left. the choice evidently needs deep thought. Solution (a) would in effect put us in pawn to the Chinese and turn Hong Kong into a second Macau; and I would not think it tolerable unless it were linked with a second decision subsequently to negotiate our withdrawal as soon as possible. Solution (b) would clearly involve the risk of an all-out confrontation with the C.P.G.

For the time being I shall of course concentrate on trying to hold the present situation in Kowloon while seeking to reach some understanding with the Left that would eliminate the present disorder. But it would be a great help to me if I could have some indication of your preliminary thinking on the issues in paragraph 5 above. It may well be that within the next few days I shall have to advise that a Minister or senior official should fly out here to discuss the problem in detail; or alternatively that I should return home for the same purpose.

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TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench) HWB 5/12 Sent 13th May, 1967 2240Z

FLASH SECRET No. 910

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated to Feking (Immediate)

POLAD Singapore (Priority).

Following from Galsworthy.

Your telegram No. 600.

Kowloon Disturbances.

　　We are most grateful for your admirably prompt and clear reports and analyses.

2. We entirely agree immediate aim must be as in first sentence your paragraph 6.

3. Basic issues set out in your paragraph ↳ clearly require, as you say, very deep thought. We will try to get some preliminary reactions to you early next week. But I feel sure early personal contact with you would be of greatest help to Ministers in considering and resolv- ing these issues. I imagine there may be some risk that either of the alternatives mentioned in your paragraph 6 (i.e. visit from here or your returning home) might encourage Left Wing to exert further pressure? Which course do you think less likely to have this effect? also in this connection paragraph 5 below.) fit enough yet to face a long air journey?

(See And are you

4. There is one immediate suggestion we should like to put to you. Since

(a) it seems clear that this trouble was not instigated by the C.P.G. but in origin derived partly at least from essentially management/ labour relations at the plants involved, and

(b)

we at present seem (as you say) to be in stage of psychological warfare

SECRET

LAST

tir.

/ we

SECRET

we wonder whether it would be possible to get the whole thing back into character and proportions of a normal trade dispute by arranging for Foggon to fly out within next day or two? His mission would be to assist your Labour Commissioner in finding an essentially "labour" solution to the dispute. would of course be made clear that he was coming out at your request. It would be seen that you and we here were treating the affair as essentially a labour rather than a political matter, and this new element from the outside, and indeed the announcement of it, might conceivably give the Left Wing a face-saving excuse for turning the pressure off and generally de-escalating.

5. If you agree there would be advantage in this line of approach, a possible variant might be for Minister for State to come to Hong Kong with Foggon as one of her advisers. Mrs. Hart would, I know, be perfectly willing to consider this if you thought it would be helpful. But at first sight there would seem to be some difficulty in finding a plausible reason for a ministerial visit at this stage which would not (repeat not) be interpreted by the Left in Hong Kong (and perhaps by the C.P.G.) as a sign of weakness or over-anxiety on our part, or as implying in any way that H.M.G. was critical of local handling of the situation.

6. Most grateful for your urgent views on foregoing.

7. Finally, grateful to know whether you think it would be prudent to postpone impending U.S. naval visits?

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Emergency Immediate Pracky Reply urgently

Me....... Conting

Mr....

Mr.....

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Parly. U.S. of S.

Minister of State

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Governer,

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AKG 380.

SPECIÁL INSTRUCTIONS

IRS

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910

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SECRET

(Insert appropriate security, etc., marking)

Following from Galsworthy.

Your telephone No. 600.

Kowloon Disturbances.

DISTRIBUTION AND FURTHER ACTION

Dislabution

a copices as

Adr

For H.K. tel. No. 600

RY 1020 15/5

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are most grateful

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Lue entirely agree

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(Q1541) 49178/8177 2MP 2/61 AT&S. 768

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paragraph 4. clearly require, as

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PRIORITY MARKINGS

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Immediate

Priority

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Nil

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*TELEGRAM

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* Delete whichever is inapplicable. If necessary. "Priority" may be inserted before "Savingram."

Addressed

Mr.......

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Mr..

Mr....

Sit........

Permt. U.S. of S.

Parly. U.S. of S.

Minister of State

Secretary of State

ENCLOSURES

(Savingrams only)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

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En clair

Code

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at the plant's involved,

We at firent seem

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lue wonder

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DISTRIBUTION AND FURTHER ACTION

(Delete whichever

PRINT NO PRINTING is inapplicable)

possible to get the whole thing back

into character and

hormal

and proportions of

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day or two?

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(Q1543) 49175/8177 2MP 2/61 AT65. 768

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Mr.......

Mr...

Sir.........

Permt, U.S. of S.

Parly. U.S. of S.

Minister of State

Secretary of State

ENCLOSURES

(Savingrams only)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

DISTRIBUTION AND

FURTHER ACTION

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Pile No....

*TELEGRAM

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implying

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कळलीन द५०

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(Passed D.S.A.0. for Peking

Singapore)

and

PTO.

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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COPY FOT

RATION

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

151

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 14th May, 1967

R. 13th

15452

MAY

1967

PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 602

to both).

Addressed to Commonwealth Office, Repeated to Peking, No. 216

"P.A. Singapore No. 84 (please pass

(19

My telegram: No. 599.

Curfew generally effective and situation in

North-East Kowloon is quiet. throwing have been reported.

Few incidents of bottle-

No major clashes between

police and rioters. About 30 people have been arrested for curfew breaking.

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En Clair

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INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 14th May, 1967

R. 14th

0040Z

(23

•A MAY-

ITION, R

·55947

PRIORITY

No. 603

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated to Peking No. 217

"POLAD Singapore No. 85.

My telegram No. 594.-17

Kowloon Disturbances.

Curfew from 1900 on 13th May to 0400 today.

Situation remained quiet during curfew. During period from 0800 yesterday and 0600 today arrests totalled 110, bringing total since disturbances started to 391.

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D. 14th May, 1967

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IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 604

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated to Peking No. 218,

Immediate to both).

MAY

11 12

(24

1967

POLAD Singapore No. 86 (please pass

910.

Your telegram No. 910.-(21

Kowloon Disturbances.

I will send a reply to the substance of your

telegram as soon as possible.

2. On paragraph 7, I am sure that arrival of BAINBRIDGE, which is due on 19th May, would be regarded as provocative in present circumstances (and could bring question of U.S. Naval visits into the centre of the present controversy). I am therefore asking U.S. Consulate- General if Naval authorities would be good enough to postpone the visit. For the moment, and as long as condit- ions are quiet round the harbour, I am inclined to think that visits of smaller ships might continue; if trouble arises suddenly shore leave can always be stopped at short notice.

(Passed to Peking and Singapore as requested)

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IMMEDIATE No. 605

Addressed to Commonwealth office Repeated to Peking No. 219

POLAD Singapore No. 87.

The Left-Wing papers this morning (14th May)

continue to devote most of their space to local events. The line taken about the events of the last 24 hours is that "The violence of the Hong Kong British continues to escalate. The area steeped in blood continues to spread". The general tone however is perhaps very slightly milder than yesterday.

2. Much space is devoted to the protest delegat- ions which called at Government House yesterday.

30 A great deal of space too is devoted to calls for the formation of anti-persecution struggle committees

It is on the lines of that organised by the F.T.U. reported that so far 12 organisations have formed such committees, including the Seaman's Union, and the Left- Wing unions in China, Light and Power, Textiles and Transport.

ܠܰܐ

The "Wen Wei Pao" editorial is entitled "Unite

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　support to oppose the Hong Kong British persecution - the F.T.U. serious proposal" It states in part that "Since the Hong Kong British authorities are bloodily suppressing Chinese workers in Hong Kong and indeed not only workers but students and compatriots from all walks of life and industries, this clearly indicates that the Hong Kong British authorities are carrying out mad racialist suppression. That is to say we are now faced with not only a class struggle but also a racial struggle. Therefore we completely approve the F.T.U's proposal immediately to establish in all circles united struggle committees to oppose the persecution of the

/British

190 AUM SI £9 ́ON SEAIHUV

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British in Hong Kong". The "Ta Kung Pao" editorial, entitled "This situation was created single-handed by the Hong Kong British" is a detailed "refutation" of the line taken by an official spokesman here that it was to be regretted that the Government's action of enforcing law and order had been interpreted as a concerted move against the Left-Wing.

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INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

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FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 14th May, 1967

R. 14th

[I]

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MAY

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IMMEDIATE No. 606

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated to Peking No. 220

POLAD Singapore No. 88.

My telegram No. 594. - {

Kowloon Disturbances.

-1

SITREP, as at 1800 14th May.

Conditions in Kowloon remain quiet. There has been only one minor incident today in San Po Kong. Two cases of crowds forming but they were dispersed without incident. Only one arrest has been made, bringing to 392 the total since the disturbances started.

2. You will be interested to know that the Auxiliary Police Force are reported to have worked extremely well alongside their regular counterparts and that morale is high. Of a total strength of 2,423 all ranks, 2,103 have reported for duty. 236 recruits under training and the Auxiliary Police Force Band were not called out.

Total arrests since start of disturbances are Details of charges etc. are: ***

392.

riot

113;

unlawful assembly 78;

curfew 91:

others 85;

enquiries proceeding 11;

released 14.

Ammunition used, 0800 13th May up to now:

gas cartridges

gas shells

14, 46,

wooden projectiles 23,

gas grenades 5.

Casualties up

LAC

(r.

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No. 63 15 MAYİ967

Casualties up to now:-

police 22,

prisoners 32,

public - not known, apart from 1 casualty mentioned ir telegram No. 594.

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

0529Z

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63 15 MAY 196/

'D. 15th May 1967

R. 15th

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

" Peking No.221 "POLAD Singapore No,89

(Please pass FLASH to both)

Peking telegram No.478.

Kowloon Disturbances.

　　　　　The M.F.A. statement, which has been published here this morning in a special edition of 'Wen Wei Pao', seems to take psychological warfare about as far as it can go. We have at present no clear indications of what physical action, if any, will be taken to back it up. But the statement that the "750 million people of China" are behind them will encourage the Left-wing rank-and-file to think that they need place no restraint on their actions; and we know that trade union circles have already been talking about starting disturbances in 6 or 8 places at once in the belief that this would overstretch the police (as it might).

　　　　　An immediate problem arises from the fact that the 21 workers arrested in the incident of 6th May are due to appear for trial in the South Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow 16th May at 9 a.m. local time. If they do, it will be clear that we have rejected one of the "four demanda" and judging by a reference in a Wen Wei Pao" editorial this morning to the "impermissibility" of prosecuting them, this may be the signal for trouble.

30 It would be possible to adjourn the hearing for a further period. This would have the disadvantage of simply putting off the evil day, while giving more time for the Left to develop their agitation and organise counter-measures.

On the other hand, it could provide a breathing space in which to attempt to initiate negotiations. On the whole, I incline to the view that a 48-hour adjournment might be justified, especially as it would also provide more time for views on the major issues posed by the note to be formed in London: on the other hand, if the view is that we should resist the pressure fully it would be better to give no ground by adjourning.

4。 I would be grateful for instructions at least on this particular issue in the next ten to twelve hours.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Resident Clerk as advance copy

and for repetition to Peking and Singapore

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Belling & Spore.

15.5' 67. 18402

Flash

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En Clay.

Under

Cypher

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Governor Hong

No. 91 ong

(Date)

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Addressed to

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RECEIV 1 6 MAY 1967-

In Tel

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Governor of Hong Kong

917 (date)...

repeated for information to

Kjo pappa

(Immediate)

-----

......

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-------

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Peking, and Polad Singapore Pricity

DAVALARMvkokukkunum AAAHANMANNEDYDATATAN SENTENTIAEIST

Saving to........

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235

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Your tel. No. 607

Kowloon Disturbances.

There are three alternatives:-

(a) Postponement for 48 hours;

(b) To start the trial as planned but

to seek an adjournment, perhaps

on grounds further evidence is

required, and to reoffer bail;

2. Our objection to (a) is that the Chinese will

take this as a sign of weakness and increase their

pressure and demands against us.

Departmental Dint 3. Copies to: - PK Weft 1030 ДК

Cabinet Office

D.I.O.(J.I.R. Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland Mr. Denson Mr. Wilson

Fagan

Our objection to (b) is that, unless there are

credible grounds for an adjournment, this also would

look like a sign of weakness.

14.

We therefore conclude that, unless you see

objection, you should proceed as at (c). In

view of Peking statement this may appear provocative both there and in Hong Kong and may lead to serious escalation. We must, however, expect increasing pressure anyway and we think that this will be

　　　　　less rather than greater if we do not appear to be backing down immediately but take the position

that the law of the Colony must be upheld.

Could you draw public attention to

F ૩

paragraphs7 of your telegram 591 and publicly

offer services of your Labour Commissioner to

management and trade unions to discuss industrial

1575-

relations in the firm which were, though perhaps now lost sight of, the original cause of the dispute. This follows up proposals in paragraph 4 of our

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　we are admitical.. telegram 910. The chances are slight but unless it would do harm it would seem worth trying.

Combined with going ahead with trial and for the I (bufer M... F. Takyon) time being ignoring M.F.A. statement it would not

ith

seem to suggest any weakening of our position.

(Passed to ASAO for Transmission

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(8430) Dd.033245 600m 9/66 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

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OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

HWB

Sent 15th May, 1967.

1 820Z

FLASH SECRET No. 917

Draft Below

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

Repeated for information IMMEDIATE to Peking

PRIORITY

POLAD Singapore.

(27)

(a)

(b)

Your telegram No. 607.

Kowloon Disturbances.

There are three alternatives:-

Postponement for 48 hours;

to start the trial as planned but to seek an adjournment, perhaps on grounds

further evidence is required, and to re-offer bail;

　　　Our objection to (a) is that the Chinese will take this as a sign of weakness and 'increase their pressure and demands against us.

Our objection to (b) is that, unless there are credible grounds for an adjournment, this also would look like a sign of weakness.

ㄩ。

We therefore conclude that, unless you see

objection, you should proceed as at (c). In view of Peking statement this may appear provocative both there and in

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　We must, however, Hong Kong and may lead to serious escalation. expect increasing pressure anyway and we think that this will be less rather than greater if we do not appear to be backing down immediately but take the position that the law of the Colony must be upheld.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for transmission to

Peking and POLAD Singapore)

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Minister of State

Secretary of State

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　　DISTRIBUTION AND FURTHER ACTION

As for

freceding tel

lik.w...D.C`

My immediately & receding telegram

Kowloon Disturbances.

comade with trial

Cand

to it)

of that

Cetve

could

as counter-publiciting

you draw pubha attention

to paragraphs 7 and f

telegram 591

of your

and publicity 'ffer

services of your Labour Commmioner trade unions to

1.G.D.V

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Departmental Dist

WR 10:30

Les

to management and

Cabinet Office -D.10.J.ER.

FO. Mr de la Marer

Mr. Bolland

ville. Denson My Wilson

(Delete whichever NO PRINTING Is Imappicable)

discuss industrial relations in the

firm which were, though perhaps how Lost sight of

the original cause of the

Pile

Referencea

dispete. This follows up proposals

in paragraph 4 of

No 910.

telegram O

The chances of any

useful outcome are

admittedly

slight but unless it would do

harm it

it warmped

Skinn

worth

trynig. Combined with

ahead with trial and for the time being ignoring Mack Teking statement (but see my

minechately following Felegram), at would not seem to suggest

any

weakening of our position.

Эбро

(Pussed to

and PORAD

Enginpore)

for Pating

15/5

"Q1543) +9176/6177 2MP 2/61 AT65. 769

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

FLASH SECRET No. 918

Sent 15th May, 1967.

HWB

1830Z

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated IMMEDIATE to (1) Peking

PRIORITY 2) POLAD Singapore.

29,

My immediately preceding telegram.

Kowloon Disturbances.

　To coincide with trial (and perhaps serve as counter-publicity to it) could you draw public attention to paragraphs 7 and 8 of your telegram No. 591 and publicly offer services of your Labour Commissioner to management and trade unions to discuss industrial relations in the firm which were, though perhaps now lost sight of, the original cause of the dispute. This follows up proposals in paragraph 4 of our telegram No. 910. The chances of any (21 useful outcome are admittedly slight but unless it would do harm it would seen worth trying. Combined with going ahead with trial and for the time being ignoring Peking statement (but see my immediately following telegram), it would not seem to suggest any weakening of our position.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Peking and POLAD Singapore)

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FLASH PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno. 478 15 Kay 1967

UNCLASSIFIED

до

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 478 of 15 May Repeated for information Flash Hongkong, Immediate POLAD Singapore and Washington.

Kowloon Disturbances.

Vice-Minister Lo Kuci-po

summoned me early this morning

and handed me a copy of Chinese Foreign Kinistry statement which is being published.

Following is final paragraph:

all

'The Chinese Government hereby solemnly declares, the Chinese Government and the 700,000,000 Chinese people firmly support their compatriots in Hong kong in their heroic and just struggle and resolutely stand behind them as their powerful backing. The Chinese Government demands in all seriousness that the British Government instruct the British authorities in Hong Kong as follows. Immediately sccept all the just demands put forward by Chinese workers and residents in Hong Kong. Immediately stop all Fascist measures. Immediately set

person includi free the renter, rer som drstne de porkersesponsible for these sanguinary atrocities, offer apologies to the victims and compensate for all their losses, and, guarantee against the occurrence of similar incidents. The British Government and the British authorities in Hong kong must immediately and unconditionally accept the above mentioned solemn and just demands of the Chinese Government. The Chinese Government and people are determined to carry the struggle through to the end. Should the British Government. and the British authorities in Hong Kong cling to their perverse course, they must be held responsible for all the grave consequences arising therefrom."

Mr. Hopson

FO/CO/WH/DISTRIBUTION

Sent 01002/15 May Received 02432/15 May

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En Clair

IMMEDIATE

PEKING

ΤΟ

FOREIGN OFFICE

nevo 479

"INCLASSIFIED

15 May, 1967

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 479 of 15 May, Repeated for information Immediate Hong Kong, Priority POLAD Singapore and Washington.

(30)

My telegram No. 478.

First part of Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as follows:

2. "On the afternoon or 6 May 1967, Chinese workers of the Hong Kong Sanpokong Artificial Plastic Flower Works launched a struggle against intensified capitalist exploitation. To shield capital

and suppres labour, the British Authorities in Hong Kong brazenly turned out on the same day more than two hundred armed policemen and "riot police", sanguin rily suppressing the workers of the factory and other Chinese residents, beating and wounding many of them and arresting twentyone persons, afterwards, they also arrested the President of the Federation of the Rubber and Plastic Trade Unions and Workers' Representatives, who went to a Hong Kong police station to protest. On the afternoon of the 11th, the British Authorities in Hong Kong carried out another sanguinary suppression on an even bigger scale by turning loose on the bare handed workers, representatives of various circles and young students large numbers of armed troops, policemen and "riot Police" totalling more than 1,000, who repeatedly attacked them with clubs, riot guns and tear bombs and even turning out military vehicles and helicopters.

On the

Many persons (including newsmen, cameramen and journalists) were arrested. After the 12th the British Authorities in Hong Kong had continued large scale arrests of the demonstrating masses. By the morning of the 14th, more than 400 have been arrested. At present, the situation is still being aggravated. It must be pointed out that these large scale sanguinary atrocities perpetrated by the British Authorities in Hong Kong are the result of long premeditation and are a component part of the British Government's scheme of collusion with United States imperialism against China. one hand, in coordination with the United States imperialist war escalation in Viet Nam, the British Government is continuing to [corrupt word the United States with Hong Kong as a base for aggression against Viet lam in disregard of the repeated solemn warnings of the Chinese Government and on the other, it is steadily stepping up various hostile measures against China in Hong Kong. Particularly since the unfolding of the great proletarian cultural revolution in China. The British Authorities in Hong Kong have carried out repeated military and police manoeuvres hostile to Chins and aimed at the sanguinary suppression of Chinese residents in Hong Kong, vainly attempting to exclude the great influence of China's great proletarian cultural revolution by high handed tactics. persecution of Chinese residents and workers by the British Authorities in Hong Kong by making use of the labour capital dispute of the Artificial Plastic Flower Works is big explosive of this criminal plan of sanguinary suppression. Their Fascist atrocities have aroused boundless indignotion among the Chinese residents in Hong Kong and the entire Chinese people, The-Chinese Government hereby

/lodges

The

LAST

RIF

92957

响

Peking telegram No. 479 to Foreign Office

lodges the most urgent and strongest protest with the British Government against these atrocities. The sanguinary atrocitie wholly perpetrated by the British Authorities in Hong Kong show th they mortally fear and bitterly hate China's great proletarian cultural revolution. This great revolutionary movement which is without parallel in history has dealt a telling blow to imperialism modern revisionism and world reaction, completely shattered their dream of counter-revolutionary capitalist restoration in China and greatly encouraged and impelled the liberation struggles of the oppressed peopes and oppressed nations of the whole world. In particular, this great revolutionary movement has caused our Chinese co-patriots in Hong Kong to love still more ardently the thought of Mao Tse-Tung, and they are vigorously unfolding the movement of creative study and application of Chairman Mao's works.

•

Armed with

the ever victorious thought of Mao Tse-Tung, the masses of our patriotic compatriots are more militant than ever in fighting imperialism Frightened out of their wits by this, the British Authorities in Hong Kong vainly attempted by violent suppression to restrict the influence of Mao Tse-Tung's thought and to maintain their control, and thus committed the barbarous Fascist atrocities. The Chinese Government must sternly warn the British Government that in so doing you have completely miscalculated and misjudged your opponent. Succeeding to the glorious tradition of anti imperialist struggle of over a century, the Chinese workers and residents in Hong Kong armed with lao Tse-Tung's thought are neither to be cowed nor crushed. Holding high the great Red Banner of Mao Tse-Tung's thought, they are resolved |?word omitted] no sacrifice and are surmounting every difficulty to win victory in this struggle against the atrocities committed by the British Authorities in Hong Kong.

　Heroic, staunch and unyielding, they have greatly developed the glorious anti imperialist and patriotic tradition and are indeed fine sons and daughters of the Chinese Nation. The British Authorities in Hong Kong are blustering and baring their fangs, but as Chairman Mao, the great leader of the Chinese people, has pointed out, "in the final analysis, their persecution of the revolutionary people only serves to accelerate the people's revolutions on a broader and more intense scale". In sanguinary suppressing Chinese residents, the British Authorities in Hong Kong can only end up like one "lifting a rock only to drop it on one's own feet","

Mr. Hopson

Sent 0210 15 May

Recd 05452 15 May

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FLASH PEKING ΤΟ

FOREIGN OFFICE

Jelno. 480

15 May 1967

CONFIDENTIAL

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

15 MAY 190/

HAP IN 7

　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 480 of 15 May. Ropeated for information to Hong Kong, Singapore and Washington.

My immediately preceding telegrams.

　We must conclude from the Chinese Government statement that. they have decided to risk a direct confrontation with us on Hong Kong. The fact that they took a relatively long time to reach this decision and then published it in the form of a statement instead of a diplomatic Note may indicate that this decision was

reached with some reluctance.

2. On the other hand the Foreign Ministry official who was assisting the Vice-Minister at our interview, when I suggested that a deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong would be bad both for British and Chinese interests there, took me up passionately and declared that we were no longer dealing with the China of even five years ago,

Now that the cultural revolution was in full It looks swing the new China would no longer bow to threats. therefore es if the Chinese Government are "putting politics in command" and may have decided to accept any necessary economic damage.

The test will be in Hong Kong itself and in the way the Left Wing play it there. I should be surprised if a door is not left open for some kind of compromise, though it is difficult to see any sign of this at present.

4. I presume it will be your intention to issue an official statement in London and Hong Kong commenting on the Chinese statement If so, though it will clearly be important to refute the Chinese charges, I hope it will be possible to phrase this in such a way as to avoid provoking the Chinese Government unnecessarily and thus making a compromise (if one is indeed still possible) even more difficult. As seen from here the object should be to bring the temperature down while standing firm on basic principles.

It is probable that we shall get some unpleasant

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I have taken necessary demonstrations against this office. precautions. We may be in for a very long haul.

Record of my interview which contained no other points of real interest will be in a following telegram.

Foreign Office pass Flash to Hong Kong 336 and Friority to Washington 253.

Mr. Hopson

Sent Recd.

04202/15 May 1967

05512/15 May 1967

[Repeated as requested]

F.E.D.

SSSSS

TELEGRAM NO. -913 CONFIDENTIAL,

FO/CO/ENSORFORERUNG AS COMMONWEALTH GETA (SORIES SENT

[...

REF.

JEA

(33)

En Clair

IMMEDIATE No.608

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 15th May 1967 R. 15th

0538Z

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

Peking No.222

" POLAD Singapore No.90

The Left-wing papers this morning (15th May) give pride of place on their front pages to a statement issued by an unidentified spokesman of the "Hong Kong and Kowloon All- Industries Anti-Hong Kong British Persecution Struggle Committee". It repeated the allegation that the police action amounted to planned and premeditated action against the Left-wing and had been undertaken in pursuance of U.S. imperialism's war policy and aggressive policy. It concludes with the exhortation: "All of us compatriots in Hong Kong and Kowloon must swiftly make all preparations to meet the new battle in an organised and planned way".

Nuch space too is devoted to the N.C.N.A. (H.K.) statement (the text of which will be available to you). There is nothing new in it. Minimal space is given to the Reuter report of the Nham Dan commentary on events in Hong Kong. The Wen Wei Pao editorial, entitled "Patriotism is no crime - it is right to oppose violence." It concludes: "We now warn you not to prosecute our compatriots. You must immediately accept all the just demands put forward by the Federation of Trade Unions. You must immediately and unconditionally set free our patriotic compatriots, punish the culprits and admit your guilt and apologiar to our compatriots. Otherwise you will eat the bitter fruits", The Ta Kung Pao editorial, entitled "Expose a new plot by the Hong Kong British" is a lengthy "refutation" of the statements in the local non-Left-wing press attributed to a senior Government personality.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. Resident Clerk as advance copy)

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RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63)

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INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Information Office)

D. 15th May 1967 R. 15th

اتر

1232Z.

}

RECC JANCIMI

muarh.

Hong Kong Governor's statement for information.

This

　　　Most members of the public will already be aware from their newspapers or from broadcasting services that a protest has been handed to the British Chargé d'Affaires in Peking regarding the events in Hong Kong over the last few days. statement describes police action as "persecution" and "suppression" and speaks of "hostile measures against China in Hong Kong"

　　　　Many people, I have no doubt, will be anxious to know what answer this Government is going to make to these statements. They may be disappointed when all we can say is that this protest has been made to the Representative of Her Majesty'a Government in Peking and that an answer must therefore come from Her Majesty's Government in London. Yet this is the position and nothing at all would be gained by making observations from here.

However there is no reason why I should not recall the assurances which we have already given to the public about the maintenance of peace and order.

These include the assurance from the Commissioner of Labour that the police do not and will not involve themselves in labour disputes but will only enforce the law when it is: broken. They also include the assurance given on the same day that the policy of the Government is now as always to maintain the law as impartially and as fairly as possible for the benefit of all; that there has been no change in this policy or in the Government's policy of not taking sides in industrial disputes.

　　　　I make no apology for repeating these assurances although they are not a comment upon the protest note to which I have referred. I repeat them because I am sure that the preservation of peace and order is the dearest wish of almost everyone in our community.

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SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

15:

MAY

#1 12

Cypher

D. 15th May, 1967.

R. 15th

1000Z

FLASH SECRET

No. 609.

א!

APCL

5.63

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

ELT

Peking No. 223

POIAD Singapore No.91

(Please pas8 FLASH to both)

My telegram No. 607. 21

Hong Kong.

HOW IT

The position on the ground at 1400 hours today 15th May remained quiet. There are no indications of unusual occurrences in the frontier area.

But it is clear that as a result of the Chinese H.F.A. 's statement we are now very near indeed to facing the choices mentioned in paragraph 4 of my telegram No. 600. The demands leave little leeway for negotiation. We cannot offer apologies or compensation or even provide effective 'guarantees against the occurrence of similar incidents without accepting a situation in which the left-wing here are above the law. Some of those arrested have already been sentenced and though acts of clemency might be Justifiable in certain cases, they certainly would not be in all. Again while the disposal of the 20 original offenders is still within the jurisdiction of the courts and some might be bound over, this cannot of course be guaranteed.

За

　　　It may well be worth attempting during the next 48 hours (if the court hearings are adjourned) to discover whether behind the demands there is really any scope for negotiation. We are pursuing our efforts in this direction, but it seems unlikely that any thing usefull will result.

　　　if the left-wing stick firmly by the four demands, we must face the fact that any further attempt to seek a compromise would in the middle-term at any rate mean an abdicatier of our position here. Hong Kong would almost at once cease to be attractive to investment;

the problem of maintaining any control or authority over left-wing activities would intensify; and H.M.G. would not only be discredited but saddled with an increasing economic burden. In my view this position would only be tolerable if our aim was to buy time in order to negotiate an orderly withdrawal (even if the Chinese allowed us to achieve that).

SECRET

↓

750 PARD вово 26-54

SECRET

The alterative policy, of taking a firm but reasonable line in resistance to the demands, of course carries major risks i.e. of renewed violence, probably on an increased scale, which in the long run we might find ourselves unable to control; and finally of physical intervention by the C.P.G. on the other hand, there is just a chance that if we took a very firm line, offering no provocation but explaining our policy clearly to the C.P.G. there might be some prospect of inducing a change of Chinese attitude. It remains hard to believe that at the present time the C.P.G. could really welcome the prospect of a military clash in Hong Kong or indeed of having to take Hong Kong over, thus losing its economic and other advantages.

бо

A possible line of action might now be to explain our position clearly and in forthright terms to the C.P.G., preferably in London. Our reply might start by stating our refusal to accept the Chinese allegations of "atrocities" (there is plenty of evidence that the police acted with great restraint throughout) and saying that the action that was taken in no way aimed either at the workers or the left-wing whose activities in Hong Kong have always been permitted provided that they remained within the law. The intention of the Hong Kong Government is, and remains, solely to uphold the law, which is published and accessible to all and equally applicable to all members of the community. The C.P.G. must realise that unless the law is upheld and public order maintained the interests of all the population of Hong Kong will suffer. H.M.G. are therefore unable to understand the arguments in the statements of the M.F.A.

A reply in these reasonable, though firm, terms would for the moment preclude drastic action against the left-wing of the sort suggested in paragraph 4 of my telegram No.600, since this would be going further than the maintenance of the existing law. But at the moment it seems that a seizure by us of the initiative along those lines would in the immediate future destroy any slim chances there may be of reaching a reasonable solution; and though preparations for such action are being made they should not in my view be put into operation except as a last resort in the event of a further breach of the law by the left.

　　　　It now seems essential that I should know as soon as possible whether Ministers would wish me to seek a compromise along the lines of the four demands; or whether they would favour a firmer line as in paragraph 6. In any case, there is no longer any possibility of treating this as a labour dispute, and hence a visit by Foggon would not in my view serve a useful purpose. On the other hand, so soon as Ministers have reached a decision on the point in paragraph 7 above, it would be most helpful if a senior official could come out here immediately to give me the fullest possible picture of what is in their minds.

(Passed as requested)

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SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Sent 15th May 1967. 1915Z

INMEDIATE

SECRET

No.919

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated

"Peking (IMMEDIATE)

POLAD Singapore (PRIORITY)

Your telegram No.609.

Peking Statement.

We think that Peking will probably be prepared to engage in a prolonged war of nerves. It is on this assumption we have been considering how to handle the Peking statement preparatory to submitting to Ministers.

There appear to be four alternatives:

(a) for Hopson to return the statement because

it is offensive;

(b)

to ignore it;

LAST

REF.

(d) to issue a statement of our own explaining what has happened and the policy we intend to pursue.

3. We cannot see that there is anything to be gained by returning it: to slam the door in this way would only aggravate the situation.

4. We cannot altogether ignore it because we imagine public opinion in Hong Kong will expect some response and be concerned to know what attitude we intend to adopt and that any uncertainty about this could very seriously affect local confidence and morale.

5. To refute it in detail would be to play Peking's game and lay us open to a further round of polemical exchanges which might cause Peking to adopt a more rigid position and to raise

their demands.

6. We therefore think that for the reasons given in paragraph 4 above you should make a short statement along the following lines (which might include an indication that it was approved by H.M.G.): outlining the recent events, noting their origin in an industrial dispute, explaining the means available for settling such disputes and confirming our intention of firmly -but-fairly maintaining law and order. By this means we would /hope

१५:

SECRET

DAR

SECRET

hope to avoid polemics and any reference to the unacceptable demands in Peking's statement, which would be bound to arise were we to try to explain the position directly to the Chinese Government either here or in Peking (paragraph 6 of your telegram under reference).

　　7 Grateful for your views on this assessment and, unless you see objection to the course suggested, please telegraph urgently a draft statement for consideration by Ministers.

As we were about to despatch this telegram we received your Press telegram giving text of your statement today. Grateful to know reasons why you made this statement now. It does not invalidate the views expressed above though it may complicate the drafting of the statement. We would still like to have your comments and a draft statement.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Peking and POLAD Singapore)

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XXXXX XXX

YPHER

SECRET

NIPS.

19152 문

Sertat

cyphu. R.X.

SCEIVED

1 6 WAY 1967

15/5

HONG KONG (Immediate)

मर 380

1919.

(Timmschele)

し

Repeated PIKING POLAD SINGAPORE (Rusly)

PEKING

POLAD SINGAPORE

HK.W.D. 1.G.D.

JIC EXTL. Departmental.

Copes to:

Cabinet Of "ice

D.1.0. (J.I.R.\

XXXXX

F.0.

Your telegram No. 609: Peking Statement.

We think that Peking will probably be prepared

to engage in a prolonged war of nerves. It is on

this accumption we have been considering how to handle

the Peking statement preparatory to submitting to

Ministers.

2. There appear to be four alternatives:

901 16/5

1030

Mr. de la Mare

(a) for Hopson to return the statement because it

(b)

is offensive;

to ignore it;

(a) to issue a statement of our own explaining

what has happened and the policy we intend to

pursue.

We cannot see that there is anything to be gained

by returning it: to slam the door in this way would

Mr. Bolland

Kr: Wilson

Nr: Denson

Mr. Foggon

only aggravate the situation.

SECRET

/4.

140གཅིར.

　　　　might Kashaya mclnche an nichċcation

thau' it was aff-reved

by H.M.G.):

Grateful to know

remom why you wonde Chri statement- Acow.

le cannot altogether ignore it because we

imagine public opinion in Hong Kong will expect

some response and be concerned to know what

and that any

attitude we intend to adopt

Any uncertainty

about this could very seriously affect local

confidence and morale.

To refute it in detail would be to play Pekmils their game and lay us open to a further round

of polemical exchanges which might cause Peking

to adopt a more rigid position and to raise their

demands.

Therefore

Nevertheless, We think that for the reasons

given in paragraph 4 above you should make

a short statement along the following lines

outlining the recent events, noting their origin

in an industrial dispute, explaining the means

available for settling such disputes and

confining our intention of firmly but fairly

maintaining law and order. By this means we

can hope to avoid polemics and any reference to

the unacceptable demands in Peking's statement,

which would be bound to arise were we to try to

explain the position directly to the Chinese

Government either here or in Peking (Para. 6 of

your telegram under reference).

Would

7. Grateful for your views on this assessrent

and, unless you see objection to the course

suggested, please telegraph urgently a draft

statement for consideration by Ministera.

S. As

wes were about to despatch This Telegram we

Press telegram received

your Giving liest of your statement today. It does

not invahdate the news expressed though it complicate the drotting of the statement.

wat we would still like to have your

mey

above

clreift-

Comments and statement.

Classed is DSAO for lekig

Polad List

15/5-Sugerpos

SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

COPY FOR REGISTRATION

FOREIGN OFFICE

Cypher/Cat A

IMMEDIATE PEKING

ΤΟ

Telno 482

15 May 1967

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 482 of 15 May, Repeated for information to ong Kong, Singapore and Washington.

(30) 31

My telegrams Nos. 478, 479 and 480: M.F.A. Statement.

　After Lo Kuel-po (who was calm and composed) had finished reading text, in answer to my enquiry he confirmed that he was handing me a copy of a statement rather than delivering a Note. had pointed out that there were a number of passages in the text which I would have regarded as unacceptable in a Note.

2. I emphasized that the Hong Kong Government consistently adopted a just and impartial attitude towards labour disputes but had an inescapable duty to maintain law and order. Failure of demonstrators and those committing acts of violence to disperse when warned to do so by the Hong Kong Police had led to further disorders, arrests and injuries which have clearly made the solution of the labour dispute more difficult.

3. I stressed that the accusation that the incidents had been pre-

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I meditated by the Hong Kong Government was entirely groundless. also rejected the charge that the United States Authorities were in any way involved and that Hong Kong was being used as an American base.

4. Pointing out that I was speaking on a personal basis, I suggested that for the disorders to continue would be bad for the people of Hong Kong and its economy, and harmful to both Chinese and British interests. It was therefore hoped that the CPG would exercise a restraining and moderating influence on their friends in Hong Kong, which would bring about a restoration of an atmosphere of calm.

5. It was quite wrong to suggest, as in the Chinese statement. that the British Government regarded the Chinese as "opponents". The British Government and the Hong Kong Authorities wished to co- operate amiably with the CPG in settling matters of mutual interest but had of course no interest in Chinese internal affairs.

6. Lo's reply covered the same ground as the M.F.A. statement and emphasized that the Chinese people of today could not be bullied as they could "ten or more" years ago, that the incidents had been planned and organised by the Hong Kon, Government and that the situation was deteriorating.

7. I again stressed that there was no question of premeditation by

It was not for me to comment directly on the Hong Kong Government. the "so-called demands" in the Chinese statement, but speaking personally they seemed to me to be unreasonable and unrealistic.

/I therefore

LAST

ACF.

CONFIDENTIAL

ver" out"

CONFIDENTIAL

Peking telegram No. 482 to Foreign Office

I therefore hoped that the Chinese Government would reflect very carefully before committing itself to a course which could only have the ill effects which I had already described. Those arrested in Hong Kong would be dealt with in accordance with the due processes of law. The Hong Kong Government could not intervene. Those who were found to be innocent would be released. We did not use Fascist methods. Britain had spent seven years fighting Fascism.

8. A representative of the West European Departent of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened at this point to say that Lo Kuei-po had given "an all round and correct answer" to the statement I had made but wished in particular to emphasize that my remarks regarding the mutual interests of China and Britain in Hong Kong not only distorted the facts but were the language of imperialism. The China of the cultural revolution could not be subjected to threats. I replied that there was no question of threatening China.

　　　Foreign Office pass Immediate to Hong Kong 338 and Priority Washington 254.

Mr. Hopson

Sent 0700 15 Kay

Recd 0940Z 15 May

[Repeated as requested]

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TELEGRAM NO.

914

SECRET

127

Minister of State

There are two decisions which we have to take very quickly.

2. The first, which must be made today, is whether the trial of the twenty-odd agitators arrested on 6 May should prooed (Hong Kong telegram No. 607) tomorrow (Hong Kong time) as planned.

3. The second decision, which is not so immediate, is how we reply to the Chinese statement about these disturbances of which ̧our Mission in Peking has been handed a copy by the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

We have discussed this with our colleagues in the Foreign Office Our view on the trial is that there are three alternatives:

(a) to postpone the trial for, say, 48 hours in order to see how matters develop;

(b) to start the rial tomorrow as planned but to seek an adjournment perhaps on grounds that further evidence is required and to re-offer bail which the men detained have already been offered but have

refused;

(c) to proceed with the trial as planned and let the law take its course. Since the charges are for illegal picketing it does not

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　One of the appear that prison sentences would be involved.

agitators who pleaded guilty when tried on 8 May was fined H.K. $100. We cannot be sure that some of the other defendente may not have more serious charges laid against them but on the evidence we have we assume that fines of H.K.$100 (£6.5.0.) would probably meet the situation.

5. Our opjection to (a) is that if we show weakness from the outset we believe that the Chinese will instigate the Hong Kong dissidents to increase their pressure and demands against us. 6. Our objection to (b) is that, as far as we know, the prosecution has prepared ita case and if we ask for an adjournment for further evidence this also would look like a sign of weakness.

7. We therefore conclude that we should proceed as at (c). We accept that in view of the demands contained in Peking's statement, one of which is that all the persons arrested should immediately be set free, this may appear provocative both in Hong Kong and in

SECRET

Peking

us.

Peking and may lead to Berious escalation of the pressures against

　　But our view, subject to Ministers' decision, is that increasing proasure is going to be put upon us anyway and that this will be less rather than greater if we do not give the appearance of backing down immediately but take the position that the law of the Colony must be upheld.

8. We shall submit separately on the second decision, how to deal with the Peking statement.

(H.P. Hall) 15 May, 1967

7,0

Cypher

SECRET

LOFY FOR RECUPERATION

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 16th May 1967

R. 16th

05222

MAP

FLASH SECRET No.612

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

Peking No.224

POLAD Singapore No.93

(Please pass IMMEDIATE to Peking

PRIORITY to Singapore)

LAET

2.41

Act.

26 42453948

Your telegram No. 919..

Peking Statement,

36.

DAR

I made the statement referred to in your paragraph 8 because there was great public pressure and need for some explanation of the situation, To have refused or delayed comment could have had a most damaging effect on local confidence and morale,

2. At a meeting of my Executive Council this morning the point was made with unanimous support that the reaction of the ordinary citizens of Hong Kong to Left-wing pressure (and this after all is going to be crucial during the next few weeks) would depend on their judgment of how H.M.G. in London would react to that pressure, and whether H.M.G. also was fully determined that law and order be maintained. I am sure that if, as your telegram under reference appears to suggest, H.M.G. were to avoid making any statement or reply to the Chinese protest, it would be suspected here that their attitude to the Chinese demands was equivocal and Hong Kong was being left to sink or swim on its own. The invariable practice in the past has been for replies to Chinese Notes of protest to be made in London or Peking, not Hong Kong. For me to make a second statement on the lines you suggest in paragraph 6 would not be accepted here as a proper substitute for a firm statement of views by H.M.G. and I do not advise it.

る。

　I entirely agree with your objections to alternatives a) (b) and (c) of your paragraph 2 and I would hope therefore that Ministers would agree to the making of a firm official statement in London, to include the admirable points made by Hopson to Vice-Minister in Peking (his telegram No.482). But I feel that it is equally important that an oral exposition of H.M.G.'s views should be given concurrently to the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires in London. It seems to me essential to try by every means we can to get the Chinese Government (repeat Government) to understand our essentially reasonable position. If the diecussion with the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires were used to ram home the same points, it need not be barrenly polemical and it might be possible to avoid detailed discussion of the "demands". Only by the maintenance of personal contacts of this kind does it seem likely that an eventual solution may emerge.

140

SECRET

41.

If you accept these views, it would seem that a statement would be better drafted in London.

5. Your telegram No.918. We have done this so often in the recent past that I doubt whether it would have any effect at this moment. It is a point we try to keep constantly in front of the public.

(Passed as requested)

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(40)

COPY

The

RATION

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 16th May, 1967. R. 16th

081 OZ

MAY 1909

No. 613.

FLASH

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed to Commonwealth office. Repeated "Washington No. 113.

"Peking No. 225.

(Commonwealth Office

please pass IMMEDIATE to Washington and ROUTINE to Peking).

　　　Admiral Sharp U.S. c.-in-C. Pacific is due to visit Hong Kong on 18th - 21st May and 23rd and 24th May on his way to and from a conference in Saigon. Purpose of his visit is apparently to see local American representatives and have a rest. His wife and a party of six will remain here while he is in Vietnam. Commodore would call on him privately but he would have no other contact with British forces.

2. U.S. Consul-General has asked me today whether I would wish to cancel the visit. I replied that as yet I saw no reason to do so, but I might have to advise it in the case of more serious developments within the next 24 hours,

3. We had already arranged that he should come in plain clothes and that there should be no publicity. But we know that the left-wing are already aware of the visit.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　If you feel that in the circumstances we ought to ask him not to come, grateful if you would let us know by Flash telegram.

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* Delete whichever is inapplicable. If necessary. "Priority" may be inserted before "Savingram.'

Addressed

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(insert appropriate priority marking)

No.

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Top Secret Secret Confidential

Restricted

Unclassified Personal Guard

Repeated

Інновате

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Washington

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Mr.......

unara

15/4.

Mr.....

Mr..

Mr.......

Sir.....

Permt. US. of S.

Parly. U.S. of S.

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ENCLOSURES

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Tourmal

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NO PRINTING is inapplicable)

1950

117/5

Your telegram No. 613.

how the

circumstances

are

think that

Admiral SHARP

SWARA

should not visit

Hong Kong at present, since thes

world

be open to propaganda

exploitation by C.P.G.

Please

explain to U.S. Consul. Feneral.

(Pasted

D5A0 for Washington Netzing 11

MMM.

and advance copies hit. de tu Mare, wer Bolland and Wihen).

IAN

Cypher

CONFIDENTIAL

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Sent 16th May 1967. 143OZ

FLASH

CONFIDENTIAL

No.925

(42)

Draft Below.

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

Repeated IMMEDIATE to Washington

忻 Peking

中情

Your telegram No.613.

In the circumstances we think that Admiral Sharp

should not visit Hong Kong at present, since this would be open to propaganda exploitation by C.P.G.

exploitation by C.P.G. Please explain

to U.S. Consul-General

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Washington and Peking

IMMEDIATE and advance copies to Mr. de la Mare,

Mr. Bolland and Mr. Wilson)

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kin

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 16th May 1967 R. 16th

0830Z

ธ

(42)

MAY

1967

PRIORITY SECRET No.615

Repeated

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

"Peking No.226

" POLAD Singapore No. 94.

(Please pass Routine to both)

My telegram No.612. 39

Peking Statement.

There is good evidence that statement referred to in paragraph 1 of my telegram had a beneficial effect on confidence and was widely welcomed.

2. Further to remark in parenthesis in my paragraph 2, we have been trying over the past few days to stimulate local neutral and non-left-wing organisations and personalities in all walks of life into coming out with public expressions of a desire for peace and stability in Hong Kong, and similar indications of lack of support for present left-wing agitation. I feel sure that if we can stimulate enough of this kind of public comment it could become one of the more effective real deterrents available to left-wing demands being pressed to the limit.

За

As you know, it is not at all easy to get people here to do this sort of thing, but we are so far having an encouraging amount of success. If there are any Hong Kong Chinese groups in England who could be stimulated into the same sort of thing, it would be possibly helpful. might have some ideas.

(Passed as requested)

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REF.

за

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ΕΙΣΑΓ

REF.

SECRET

123ITY

FROM HOHT

14- KOLJATI 2-46TH MAY 1967

No.616.

ADDRESSED 0.0.48 2•༠。 ༥༣༦

No.

from Hous

(63,

Konsi

En Clinger, bd from

0.16 Mary

R. 16 Many 61 05302

No.

REPEATED PEKING 227 AND POLAD 31 MAPORE 90.

THE LEFT-WING PAPERS THIS MORNING C16 MAY) DEVOTE THEIR

FRONT PAGES TO THE TEXT OF THE H.F.A. STATEMENT AND TO REPORTS

OF DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPORT IN PEKING AND CANTON.

　　　　THE VEN WEL PAO EDITORIAL TAKES THE LINE THAT THE EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REINFORCE THE CONFIDENCE OF LOCAL PATRIOTS, WHO ARE TODAY "PPDEFINITELY NOT ALCHE'' GOES ON TO REPEAT THE ALLEGATION THAT THE POLICE ACTION WAS PART OF A PLANNED HOVE AGAINST THE LEFT-WING AND SAYS THAT

H THE EVENT TRENCI. ENGAGED IN SOPISTRY IN DEFENDING THE LAW' AND

THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER'. WHO WILL BELIVE THESE

''FINE WORDS''? IT CONCLUDES: THE CHINESE PEOPLE ARE NOT

AFTER

TO BE TRIFLED WITH. THE CHINESE PEOPLE HEAN WHAT THEY SAY. IF

THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES INSIST ON GOING AHEAD THEY WILL FALL INTO THE GREAT SEA OF THE PEOPLE'S ANTI-PERSECUTION STRUGGLE

TRAGIC END'' THE WEN WEI PAO ALSO HAS A COMMENTARY ABOUT AN

　INCIDENT IN WHICH IT IS ALLEGED TWO REPORTERS OF THE IA KUNG P40 WERE BEATEN UP BY 'PLAIN CLOTHES SPECIAL AGENTS' YESTERDAY.

　THE COIMENTARY SAYS THAT THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE JUST AFTER THE FOREIGN MINISTRY HAD ISSUED ITS STATEMENT AND WAS THEREFORE PARTICULARLY SERIOUS. ''THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY THE BRITISH AUTHORIT- IES IN HONG KONG USING THEIR RUNNING DOGS AND WAS A PLANNED AND PREI EDITATED PRELUDE TO AN ESCALATION OF THEIR ATROCITIES''

ра

3. THE TA KUNG PAO EDITORIAL REPEATS THE STANDARD ALLEGATIONS

AND SAYS IN PART THAT THE HASSES ON THE STREETS IN THE SANPOKONG

AND OTHER AREAS WERE NOT AFRAID OF TEAR GAS OR POLICE BATONS;

/SKULLCOLON DELEGATIONS GOING TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO PROTEST

ARE MORE AND MORE FREQUENT

ANTI-PERSECUTION STRUGGLE

ORGANISATIONS ARE BEING SET UP IN COMPANIES, FACTORIES, AND

UNITS...... THEREFORE THE PATRIOTIC COMPATRIOTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ARE RESPONDING TO THE CALL OF THEIR BROTHERS WORKERS, ARE

MAKING ALL PREPARATIONS TO ENTER INTO A NEW STRUGGLE.

POVER JOR

Disit

H.KW, DC

1.9.0.

I.l. C. External Distribution

Copes to!-

cabinet office. DIO, JIR.

HIGO.

Messis de la Hare, Denson, Wiben, Mr Boxall.

Minister of State

OUCERE

باب

201

Pont Kont

Kr. Carter and I had a further meeting with Foreign

Office officials this morning to diceuas Hong Kong telegram No. 612 in which the Governor hus süvised that any further otatement on Hong Kong should be made in London rather than

in Hong Kong.

be accepted Lin advice, although the Poreign Crfice still do not wish to enter into any discussion about the Fcking statemont. The proposal therefore is that a statement should be irsued from the Common:ealth Office explaining what hus happened and the Hong Kong Government and V.1.0's policy on Hong Kong.

This stut rent is at procent being drafted in encultation with Foreign Office officials and will be sent out to the Dov mor of Hong Kong and to our Charge d'ffaires in Peking for their comments because we think it is esential that it should be as

factually correct es orcible.

The Foreign üffice dɔ not intend to attempt in any way to refute in detail the Poking statement, but the Under Sceretary concerned will summon the Chinese Charge d' \ffaires in London to protect to him about the demonstrations utside the office of the British Charge d'Affairen in Teking and to insist that

the Chinese Covernment ɛive proper protection to Britich property in Peking. He will at the game time hand the Chincre Chargo d'Afraires a copy of the ctutement on Hong Kong which

will be iusued in London.

It in hoped that it will be possible to clear the draft

statement with the Gov mor and with Peking by tomorroż coming and cubmit it to Ministers for approval tomorrow,

cc. to

rir 3. Garner

Sir A. Galsworthy Fr. Carter

Mr. Gammaia

(H.P. Hall) 16 May 1967

ié/sa

SECHT

MAG

No 618.

D 16 may 67

Rib

ming

PRIORITY

FROM HONG KONG DATED 1874/1978-1987. ||

CONFIDENTIAL

ENTIAL ADDRESSED

AL/AED

C.O. REPEATED PEKING/228, P.A. SINGAPORE

97, WASHINGTON/114 CPLEASE PASS TO ALL).K

KOWLOON_DISTURBANCES. I

20 PERSONS ARRESTED ON 6TH MAY OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARTIFICIAL FLOWER

FACTORY APPEARED AT 1030 HOURS AT SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY. THIS

Aw MORNING. ALL CHARGED UNLVAFUL ASSEMBLY, 4 ADDITIONALLY CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT AND 2 INTIMIDATION. A CROWD OF ABOUT 150 SPECTATORS

HAD ASSEMBLED IN COURT. WHEN MAGISTRATE ENTERED THEY STARTED

CHANTING MAO'S THOUGHTS AND A FURTHER CROWD OF ROUGHLY THE SAME NUMBER WHO WERE OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM JOINED IN. THE MAGISTRATE ADJOURNED 15 MINUTES LATER HE RETURNED BUT THE CHANTING CONTINUED. HE AGAIN ADJOURNED UNTIL 1430 HOURS. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUT-

TIONS CONSULTED MAGISTRATE AND APPLIED FOR HEARING IN THE ABSENGE OF GENERAL PUBLIC EXCEPT PRESS. MAGISTRATE AGREED. COURT RESUMED AT In 1440 HOURS. Wzrovazt

Band

DATERS-AND

BARA HOURS REPORTERS AND 2 MEN AND 2 WOMEN REPRESENTING A

CROWD OF SOME 200 OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM WERE ADMITTED. BY 1530

HOURS THIS CROWD INCREASED TO ABOUT 300 WITH ANOTHER 800 WATCHING

NEARBY. THE CROWD IN THE VICINITY OF COURTROOM CHANTED MAols

THOUGHTS AND SANG REVOLUTIONARY SONGS. THEY APPEARED WELL ORGANISED.

AT ABOUT 1715 HOURS, THE COURT STILL SITTING, THE CROWD STARTED TO

DISPERSE. COURT CLOSED AT 17,40 HOURS AFTER ONLY 2 PROSECUTION

WITNESSES HAD BEEN HEARD. THE 17 PERSONS DETAINED WERE OFERED BAIL

OPERED

AND EACH RELEASED ON A PERSONAL RECOGNISANCE OF HK DOLLARS 200 TO

APPEAR AT 0900 HOURS TOMORROW, 17TH MAY. THE 3 ON BAIL HAVE HAD

BAIL RENEWED, REMAINDER OF CROWD DISPERSED PEACEFULLY.

GOVERNOR

PAP

En Clair

PRIORITY No.617

INWARD TELEGRAM

COPY FOR RESISTRATION

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 16 May 1967

R. 16

0930Z

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

MAY

1967

Repeated

Peking No.227

"POLAD Singapore No.96

The Left-wing papers this morning (16 May) devote their front pages to the text of the M.F.A. statement and to reports of demonstrations of support in Peking and Canton.

2. The Wen Wei Pao editorial takes the line that the expression of support by the Chinese Government should reinforce the confidence of local patriots, who are today "definitely not alone". It goes on to repeat the allegation that the police action was part of a planned move against the Left-wing and says that "after the event Trench engaged in sophistry in defending 'the law' and the maintenance of law and order'. Who will believe these "fine words"?" It concludes: "The Chinese people are not to be trifled with. The Chinese people mean what they say. If the British authorities insist on going ahead they will fall into the great sea of the people's anti- persecution struggle a tragic end". The Wen Wei Pao also has a commentary about an incident in which it is alleged two reporters of the Ta Kung Pao were beaten up by "plain clothes special agents" yesterday. The commentary says that this incident took place just after the Foreign Ministry had issued its statement and was therefore particularly serious.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　"This was obviously the British authorities in Hong Kong using their running dogs and was a planned and premeditated prelude to an escalation of their atrocities",

30 The Ta Kung Pao editorial repeats the standard allegations and says in part that the masses on the streets in the Sanpokong and other areas were not afraid of tear gas or police batons; delegations going to Government House to protest are more and more frequent; anti-persecution struggle organisa- tions are being set up in companies, factories, and units..... therefore the patriotic compatriots throughout Hong Kong are responding to the call of their brother workers, are making all preparations to enter into a new struggle.

Distribution

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LAST

REF

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

Foreign Office

Mr. de la Mare

Mr. Denson

MAR

Mr. Wilson

Mr. Foggon

Mr. Bolland

Hong Kong Government office -ir. Box 17

州

Han 'In

нил

SECRET

Cypher Cat A

ORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno 483

SECRET

15 May, 1967

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No.483 of 15 May, Repeated for information to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Hong Kong telegram No.595 to C.0. : Action against Left Wing Press.

The Chinese Government would naturally regard any action against their mouthpieces in Hong Kong as a further provocative act. I would therefore recommend that if possible no decision on this should be taken for the present until it is seen how the Chinese intend to proceed in Hong Kong, and as long as there is any hope of a compromise. On the other hand I well understand that this may become inevitable if the security situation in Hong Kong deteriorates further.

Mr. Hopson

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

D.D. & P.U.S.D.

J.I.R.D.

NEWS DEPT.

D.T.D.

Sent 08102/15 May Recd 11097/15 May

88888

SECRET

LAST

RIF.

MAT

NEF.

(18)

вад

En Clair

IMMEDIATE PERING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno. 487 16 Kay 1967

UNCLASSIFIED

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 487 of to Lay Repeated for information to Hong Kong, FULAD Singapore and Washington.

Demonstrations against this Mission began on night of 15 May and were resumed on a bigger scale this morning. There is a small static group at the gates of the Office and of my house and a constant procession of demonstrators passing along the road.

2. The walls of Chancery, my house, staff quarters and many other parts of Peking are liberally plastered with posters supporting the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement and condemning activities of British and Hong Kong Governments. Slogans, some in English, include "Down with Wilson", "The Debt of Blood Must be Paid". Loudspeaker vans are also broadcasting continually.

The Chinese staff and personal servants have ceased work and joined the demonstrators. Some of the Chinese staff asked me or a member of Chancery to receive a petition at the main gate.

I sent a message to leave their petitions at the Guards' desk, after which one of our interpreters read out the protest in the name of the Chinese staff over the loudspeakers.

4. Peters, who was in Canton for the closing of the Trade Fair walked out of the final reception when the Chinese speaker referred to the Hong kong disturbances in similar terms to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

5. There are slogans and demonstrations outside the Shanghai Office and Hewitt has received a telephone message from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Department expressing resolute support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement warning him to expect to receive protests and calling on him to "show a correct attitude".

Mr. Hopson

Sent 04452/16 May Received 0620/16 May

FO/CO/WH/DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

PPPPP

LAET

kor

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

PAR

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 16 May, 1967. R. 16

1 250Z

PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 618

Sea doc. 45

Repeated

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

זן

Peking No.228,

P.A. Singapore No.97, Washington No.114

473

MAY 1967

5 3

(please pass to all).

Kowloon Disturbances.

20 persons arrested on 6th May outside Hong Kong artificial flower factory appeared at 10.30 hours at South Kowloon Magistracy this morning. All charged unlawful assembly, 4 additionally charged with common assault and

2 intimidation. A crowd of about 150 spectators had assembled in court. When Magistrate entered they started chanting Mao's thoughts and a further crowd of roughly the same number who were outside the courtroom joined in. The Magistrate adjourned. Fifteen minutes later he returned but the chanting continued. He again adjourned until 14.30 hours. Director of Public Prosecutions consulted Magistrate and applied for hearing in the absence of general public except press. Magistrate agreed. Court resumed at 14.40 hours. Reporters and 2 men and 2 women representing a crowd of some

200 outside the courtroom were admitted. By 15.30 hours this crowd increased to about 300 with another 800 watching nearby. The crowd in the vicinity of courtroom chanted thoughts and sang revolutionary songs. They appeared well organised. At about 17.15 hours, the court still sitting, the crowd started to disperse. Court closed at 17.40 hours after only 2 prosecution witnesses had been heard. The 17 persons detained were offered bail and each released on a personal recognisance of H. K. dollars 200 to appear at 09.00 hours tomorrow, 17th May. The 3 on bail have had bail renewed. Remainder of crowd dispersed peacefully.

أصه

Mao's

Wohngtä

(Passed to D.3.A.0. for Peking and Singapore PRIORITY

and as advance copies to Messrs. de la Mafe,

Bolland and Wilson)

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63 17 MAY1967

HWA 1/17

/Distribution

CONFIDENTIAL

LACT

62.

CONFIDENTIAL

H.K.W.I.D. 'C'

Distribution

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DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Copies also sent to:-

D.I.O., J.I.R. Mr. de la Mare

Cabinet Office

Foreign Office

情

Mr. Denson

ון

帽

Mr. Wilson

Mr. Foggon

Mr. Bolland

CONFIDENTIAL

En Clair

HANOI

Telno 314

ΤΟ

UNCLASSIFIED

FOREIGN OFFICE

15 May 1967

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 314 of 15 May, Repeated for information to Hong Kong, Washington, Saigon.

Peoples' Daily of 14 May protested against "repression of Chinese in Hong Kong by British Authorities" (strikes) adding that this is "associated with United States warships calling at Hong Kong turning Hong Kong into base in service of United States aggressive war".

Mr. Colbin

Sent 1030 15 May

Recd 11372 15 May

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F.E.D.

NNNNN

вава

En lair

IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno. 484 15 May 1967

UNCLASSIFIED

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 484 of 15 May Repeated for information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore, Washington.

Front page of People's Daily of 15 May carries full text of Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement (my telegrams Nos.

(10)(31) 478 and 479).

Accompanying commentator article alleges that the Kowloon incidents were planned by the Hong Kong authorities. It also points out that the British Government have ignored repeated warnings about the use of Hong Kong as an American base and have conducted all sorts of anti-Chinese activities' in the Colony. If the British Government dares to make an enemy of the 700 million Chinese people they will be lifting up a rock to drop on their own feet.

The Chinese people absolutely will not tolerate the oppression of their compatriots in Hong Kong. The oppressive actions of the British authorities only shows their weakness.

4. At present the Hong kong authorities are not only refusing to recognise their guilt but are attempting to extend the scope of the situation. Article seriously warns the authorities that the Chinese people cannot be insulted and that the debts of blood must be repaid.

Article then repeats the demands made in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement and concludes with a warning that if the Hong Kong authorities do not 'rein in their horses on the brink of the precipice.. there can certainly be no good outcome'

❤

Page 2 carries two NCNA articles datelined Hong kong 14 May, First is a long account of the Kowloon incidents starting from 6 May and second reports protest lodged by the Hong Kong office of NCNA about alleged attacks by Hong kong police on NCNA reporters on 11 Kay. When NCNA representatives called at Government House with the protest on 12 bly, the Governor" (quotation marks in Chinese) refused to aze them and sent his Aide de Camp. NUNA protest Note demands (a) severe punishment for those responsible, (b) apologies to the NUNA reporters (c) a guarantee of freedom of

the Press.

Photograph shows arrested demonstrators in Hong Kong police van in handcuffs and waving copies of "quotations from Chairman Mao". Mr. Hopson Sent 09202/15 May

Received 1050/15 Misy

FO/CO/WH/DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

аава

ADVANCE COPIES SENT

LAST

REF.

اه

PPPPP

Eu Clair

PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno. 491

16 May 1967

NCLASSIFIED

　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 491 of 16 Kay Repeated for information to Washington, Moscow, Hong Kong and POLAD Singapore.

　Peoples Daily and N.C.N.A. of 16 May report that 40,000 Red Guards, revolutionary workers and Government functionaries held a rally to demonstrate against "fascist atrocities of British authorities in Hong Kong" on vening of 15 May.

2. N.C.N.A. of 16 May also claim that Hong Kong and Musco businessmen at the Canton Fair joined a meeting and demons tra- tion on 15 Kay which condemned the Wilson Government and British authorities in Hong Kong.

Mr. Hopson

FO/CO/WH DISTRIBUTION

F.E.D.

Sent 09002/16 Kay 1967 Recd 10162/16 May 1967

SSSSS

LAST

RIF

BAD.

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

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

reach addressee(s)

... M.K.

2.5A-9 1619302...

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)..

Flash

Secret

Restricted Unclassified

Twarechinge

}

Despatched 16/910 2

Prigatty

Routine

N/P

As for

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

xxxkxx

Gode

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

HONG KONG

No......

(Date)

And to:-

PEKING

Security classification' --if any

[Secur

[

Privacy marking ]

--if any

[Codeword-if any]

Addressed to

HK63 telegram No. 928,

928

And to............

SECRET

HONG KONG

(date)

PEKING (Flash)...

17 MA65?

repeated for information to...... POLAD SINGAPORE

Saving to.

Washington

33 (Prom(s)

לי

Repeat to:-

POLAD SINGAPORE,

Washington

Saving to:-

FED

IRD

SOC. SERU.

240

Distribution:-

H.K. fel 1 No. 612

Copies to:-

Your telegram No. 612.

Peking Statement.

Subject to Ministerial agreement, we accept that

a statement should be issued in London as soon as

possible and a copy handed to the acting Chinese

Charge d'Affaires.

2. We propose the following draft: Begins.

"The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from

an industrial dispute in April between workers and

their employers about wages and conditions of

employment involving 650 workers in two factories

producing artificial flowers. The injection

moulding sections of both factories were closed

and the workers were dismissed.

A settlement could

not be reached in negotiations between employers

and workers, The Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help

the

Distribution

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Foreign Office

D.I.O. J.I.R.

Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland. Mr. Wilson

Mr. Denson

Mr. Foggon

11:30

12/5

SECRET

the parties to reach agreement, but this offer

was refused by both sides.

ourside

Disorders broke out on the 6th May at one

of these factories which was situated in Kowloong

fterfest "ith the movement of produete from the

- factory, The police intervened to maintain law

and order and, as a result, 21 persons were

arrested. Subsequent efforts by the Labour

Department to bring the parties together to discuss

their differences and try to reach an agreed

settlement were frustrated by the outbreak of

further disorders on the 11th May in the vicinity

of the same factory. The police were called in to

restore law and order and 60 persons were arrested.

There were more disorders in the same area until the

14th May. About 400 in all have been arrested

and the law requires that they should be brought

before the courts for trial.

have been released on bail.

Meanwhile ... persons

The Hong Kong Government's policy is to make

available the specialist services of its Labour

Department to give impartial help to management and

trade unions to settle any disputes which may

St-

has

arise between them. They have already done so on

this occasion and remains ready to continue to all

they can to facilitate a settlement.

In the same

way, the Hong Kong Government has an inescapable

duty to maintain law and order as impartially and

(8430) Dd033246 609m 9/66 G.W.B.Ltd. Op.#83

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

a number of whom

have been injured in the

Three days of dista, bances

→

as fairly as possible for the benefit of all

in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong police, have shown

great restraint in carrying out these

responsibilities.

Her Majesty's Government fully support

the Hong Kong Government in fulfilling its

duty in maintaining law and order and in the

efforts it is making to bring about a

settlement of the industrial dispute. It is

emphasised that the original cause of these

disturbances was two comparatively small

industrial dispute which should be capable to settle soon

of early settlement if the management and trade

unions concerned would sit down together to

it.

discuss them." Ends.

3. Grateful for your and Peking's urgent

comments. Also for number of persons released

on bail for inclusion in statement.

Washington

Preach

Pomorrow's to...

on this subject will

SECER

Passed to b

نگر

1. DEAD for Dansmission to Pekuq 16/5 a repetition & Washington and Singapore 7

Cypher

FLASH

SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO (1) HONG KONG

(2) PEKING

Sent 16 May 1967. 19302

(1) No.928

Draft Below

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

** FLASH to Peking

Repeated for information PRIORITY to:

Polad Singapore Washington

Your telegram No.612.

Peking Statement.

　　　Subject to Ministerial agreement, we accept that a statement should be issued in London as soon as possible and a copy handed to the acting Chinese Chargé d'Affaires.

2. We propose the following draft:

Begins.

"The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from an industrial dispute in April between workers and their employers about wages and conditions of employment involving 650 workers in two factories producing artificial flowers. The injection moulding sections of both factories were closed and the workers were dismissed. A settlement could not be reached in negotiations between employers and workers. The Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help the parties to reach agreement, but this offer was refused by both sides.

Disorders broke out on the 6th May outside one of these factories which was situated in Kowloon. The police intervened to maintain law and order and, as a result, 21 persons were arrested. Subsequent efforts by the Labour Department to bring the parties together to discuss their differences and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated by the outbreak of further disorders on the 11 th May in the vicinity of the same factory. The police were called in to restore law and order and 60 persons were arrested.

There were more

disorders in the same area until the 14th May. in all have been arrested and the law requires should be brought before the courts for trial. persons have been released on bail.

About 400 that they

Meanwhile...

/The

LAST

REF.

SECRET

560257

PAW

SECRET

The Hong Kong Government's policy is to make

available the specialist services of its Labour Departmen to give impartial help to management and trade unions to settle any disputes which may arise between them. It has already done so on this occasion and remains ready to continue to do all it can to facilitate a settlement. In the same way, the Hong Kong Government has an ineacapable duty to maintain law and order as impartially and as fairly as possible for the benefit of all in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong police, a number of whom have been injured in the three days of disturbances, have shown great restraint in carrying out these responsibilities.

Her Majesty's Government fully support the

Hong Kong Government in fulfilling its duty in maintaining law and order and in the efforts it is making to bring about a settlement of the industrial dispute. It is emphasised that the original cause of these disturbances was a comparatively small industrial dispute which it should be possible to settle soon if the management and trade unions concerned would sit down together to discuss it."

Ends.

　　3. Grateful for your and Peking's urgent comments. Also for number of persons released on bail for inclusion in statement.

(To Washington only)

4. Previous telegrams on this subject will be in tomorrow's bag.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for transmission to Peking and

repetition to Washington and Singapore)

Distribution

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Copies also sent to:

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D.1.0. J.I.R.

Mr. de la Mare

Mr. Bolland

Mr. Wilson

Mr. Denson

는

Mr. Foggon

SECRET

Cypher

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 16 May 1967

R. 16

15302

INMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No.619

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

Peking No.229

POLAD Singapore No.98 ROUTINE (S. of S. please pass to both)

My telegram No.609.

Hong Kong

　　　Indications are that in the immediate future the emphasis of Left-wing activity will be on the presentation of petitions at Government House in the most provocative and unruly way possible. Today petitions were presented by 11 delegations over a continuous period of six hours and it required the greatest restraint on the part of my ADCs to prevent trouble. The size of the delegations is growing and we believe that for example on 18 May 200 delegates will present a petition from one union.

but I

2. I am accordingly making arrangements to restrict the entry of petitioners into Government House grounds: am providing reasonable facilities for the acceptance of petitions at the gate.

30 I doubt however if these arrangements will be effective for long, or that they can be enforced without disorder. It is probable further measures will soon have to be taken to keep unruly crowds away from Government House.

(Passed as requested)

Distribution - H.K. WID 'CL

- I.G.D.

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D.I.O. J.I.R.

Mr. de la Mare

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Mr. Dens on

Mr. Foggon CONFIDENTIAL

No.63

HWAY/D

CYPHER/CAT.".

FROMMEDIATE PEKING

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

TELEGRAM NO. 499

17 MAY 1967

ADVANCE 6OPIS

F..

C.R.Q.

P.S.

P.U.S.

ZD. AL

$2 d. 1. 11- (PID. (M. UK. W. BBC)

.U.S.

DTD Ith Carte).

4. FEBL

SECRET

the SEND

Ha North

ADDRESSED TO FO TEL NO 499 OF 17 MAY REPTD FOR INFMN TO HONG KONG.

WE HAVE SEEN ISSUES OF TS'AN KAO HSIAO HSI CA RESTRICTED COLLECTION

OF FOREIGN AND OTHER NEWS REPORTS CIRCULATED DAILY BY NC NA PEKING)

FOR 9 TO 16 MAY.

2. ALL GIVE FRONT PAGE COVERAGE TO EVENTS IN HONG KONG UNDER TEND- ENTIOUS HEADLINES. COVERAGE ON 16 DAY TAKES UP WHOLE OF FRONT PAGE.

MOST REPORTS ARE BASED ON HONG KONG LEFT WING PAPERS BUT REUTERS

AND UP I ARE INCLUDED. ONE ISSUE REPORTS INCIDENTS OUTSIDE CONSUL- ATE IN MACAO UNDER HEADLINE QUOTE PATRIOTIC COMPATRIOTS IN MAMAO

BREAK INTO (CHUNG CHIN) BRITISH CONSULATE UNQUOTE.

HOPSON

SENT 05322/17`MAY

RECD 0612Z/17 MAY

100

воро

CYPHER CAT A

　　　　　FLASH KASANAY

PEKING

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

TELNO 494

SECRET

17 MAY 1967

P. S.

P.U.S. Fi D. Wha

Me FC High

A sono

Hi Nar

'56'

(Bill)

C. N.O.

P.S.

P.U.S.

DTD (3! (NC)

* fr0530

(10

ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN OFFICE TEL NO 494 OF 17 HAY REPTD FOR INFUN TÍ

HONG KONG SINGAPORE AND WASHINGTON.

YOUR TELEGRAM NO 928 TO HONG KONG. 53

I HAVE FOLLOWING COMMENT ON DRAFT STATEMEN ́T :-

　　IT WOULD BE PREFERABLE IF POSSIBYE TO MENTION REASONS FOR ARRESTS MADE BY THE POLICE, E.G. OFFENCES WITH WHICH THOSE ARRESTED HAVE

BEEN CHARGED.

OTHERWISE THE DRAFT IS ACCEPTABLE TO ME.

FO PASS WASHINGTON CROUTINE) 260.

HOPSON

kcf.

รา 57, 59

SENT 0335/172 MAY

RECD 0419/172 MAY

ров

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 17 May 1967 R. 17

08092

FLASH SECRET

No.620

#7 }

(57)

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

"Peking No.231

"POLAD Singapore No.99

Washington No.115

(Please pass to all)

Your telegram No.928. 53

Peking Statement.

　　　I would prefer to see something more positive in tone. One of my major anxieties at the present time is to do everything possible to maintain public morale and confidence, without which our position here would be untenable.

2. I think therefore that we ought to make it clear:-

(a)

(b)

that we do not accept Peking's charges as a true statement of the facts; and

that in the light of the true facts of the matter H.M.G. cannot accept that the 'demands are justified.

If we do not plainly state our attitude towards the 'demanda' Peking are surely certain to return to the charge.

3. On matters of detail:

LAST

REF.

รา

In view of the traditional Chinese disinterest in the concept of the 'law' I would prefer to avoid the phrase to maintain law and order' in the first and fourth sentences of the

5869 2nd paragraph, and instead to use 'to preserve

RECEIVED IN | ARCHIVES No. 63

1/1

PAO

(b)

the peace'.

It seems necessary to make the point that both on 6th and 11th May the police acted only after giving repeated unheeded warnings to the crowds; (c) In fact, of the 421 arrested up to morning of

17th May, 313 have been committed, 14 have been discharged, 12 have been acquitted and 82 cases are pending. The figures for those bailed varies from day to day as cases are heard and it has

/only

SECRET

CYPHER CAT A

FLASH PEKING

TELNO 494

SECRET

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

17 MAY 1967

P.S.

P.U.S.

Hele Jas

(010

He wa

56"

(Boyer)

C. N.Q.

P.S.

P. U.S.

OTD (IL (NG)

ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN OFFICE TEL NO 494 OF 17 HAY REPTD FOR INFMN TÁ

HONG KONG SINGAPORE AND WASHINGTON.

# 1 053 cm

YOUR TELEGRAM NO 928 TO HONG KONG. 53

I HAVE FOLLOWING COMMENT ON DRAFT STATEMEN/T

　　IT WOULD BE PREFERABLE IF POSSIBYE TO MENTION REASONS FOR ARRESTS MADE BY THE POLICE, E.G. OFFENCES WITH WHICH THOSE ARRESTED HAVE

BEEN CHARGED.

OTHERWISE THE DRAFT IS ACCEPTABLE TO ME.

FO PASS WASHINGTON CROUTINE) 260.

1.LAI

kar.

51 57,55

HOPSON

SENT 0335/172 MAY

RECD 0419/172 MAY

Cypher

FLASH

SECRET No.621

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 17 May 1967

R. 17

08282

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

Peking No.232

"POLAD Singapore No.100

Washington No.116

RE.

(S. of S. please pass to all) ARCH

My immediately preceding telegram.

Peking Statement.

Following is suggested redraft.

581

HUB IN

　　　　"H.M.G. consider that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in making their statement of May 15 about disturbances in Hong Kong are misinformed about the actual course of events. The true facts are as follows:-

reference.

As in first sub-paragraph 2 of your telegram under

　3. Disorders broke out on the 6th May outside one of these factories which was situated in Kowloon. The police clearly informed those involved of the laws governing peaceful picketing, warned them repeatedly of the consequences of disorder and urged them to desist. These warnings went unheeded; and the police were therefore obliged to act to keep the peace. As a result, 21 persons were arrested. Subsequent efforts by the Labour Department to bring the parties together to discuss their difficulties and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated by the outbreak of further disorders on May 11 in the vicinity of the same factory. Again after repeated warnings the police were obliged to take action to keep the peace and 143 persons were arrested. There were more disorders in the same area between 12 and 14 Kay and a further 257 persons were arrested. All cases of arrest are being treated in the normal way in accordance with the due process of the law.

40 Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police have shown great restraint in carrying out their responsibilities and have used the minimum force. A number of them were injured in the three days of rioting.

5. In labour matters the Hong Kong Government's policy is to make available the special services of its Labour Department to give impartial help to management and trade unions to settle any dispute that may arise between them. already done so on this occasion and remains ready to do all it can to facilitate a settlement.

раво

SECRET

$7 69

It has

SECRET

　　　6. The Hong Kong Government has an inescapable duty to maintain law and order as impartially and fairly as possible for the benefit of all in Hong Kong. H.M.G. fully support the Hong Kong Government in fulfilling its duty both in maintaining law and order and in the efforts it is making to bring about a settlement of the industrial dispute. It is emphasised that the original cause of these disturbances is a comparatively small industrial conflict which it should be possible to settle soon if the management and trade unions would sit down together to discuss it in reason and goodwill.

　　　7. In the light of the facts of the situation H.M.G. are unable to accept that the demands now made by the Chinese Government are justified."

(Passed as requested)

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Mr. de la Mare)

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RESTRICTED

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 17 May, 1967. R. 17 ++

0831Z

59)

FLASH RESTRICTED

No. 623

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

門

Peking No. 233,

POLAD Singapore No.101

11 and Washington No.101

(S. of S. please pass to others Routine)

Peking telegram No. 494.5b

Hong Kong Disturbances.

Offences with which accused have been charged

are as follows:

Riot: 128

Unlawful assembly:

Breaking curfew: 91

100

Other miscellaneous offences (e.g. assault,

common assault and affray): 88

Released without charge: 14.

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}

Note for Sec. of State.

(60)

UUSID KONG

Recent Disturbanose

A now note of militancy his boon Miscernible in sovoral labour

disputes involving left wing unions that have occurred since the Macmi

ingilonț. A common feature of those disputes hao huon the usually

nainy opɑ truculent behaviour of left-wing elementa (the chanting of

quotations from the works of Hao Tse-tung, singing of revolutionary songs

and the brandishing of copies of "quotations from Chairman Neo") and the

prominenos given to them in the Hong Kong loft-ring Prona. Such Press

opwmont line in genoral characterised the notions of thu Hong Kong

mithorities as "suppression of patriotic workera and compatriots" aand, has

referred in open or veiled torns to the parallel of kace.

Disruta in Artificial Flower Pactories,

2. One of these disputes started in April in two factorios under the

gave management promising artificial flowers, ozs in Kowloon and the

other on Hong Kong Inland. It concerned wages and conditions of employment

and involved node 650 workers, Piraet negotiations between the

munagacent and workers wero inconclusivo. The affected sections of

factories more closed and the murkars were dismissed. The Labour

Department offered ito sorvioso, but was rebuffed by both sidon,

3. On the 6th Hey thore wore disorders outside the lowloon factory

when about 60 pickets obstructed the loading and departure of lorries

with finished products. The Folica intervened and in all 21 errenta

were made arising out of those incidenta.

4. The Union involved formulated on the 8th May the following dananda

which were prominently featured in the left-wing proes:-

(a) Immediate reloads of workers arrosted.

(b) lunishment of evil-foera and compensation for those injured,

(0) guntantoo of the workers' personal safety

(a) no interference bonosforth by the police in 1-bour disputes.

The Chairman of the F.T.U. left the Colony for Chius on the

7th May, undoubtedly to make a full report and seek further

instruction from the authorities thoro. His ruturned on the 9th.

During his absence the Y.T.U. set about mobilising support for the

union involved in the disputo.

6. Meanwhile comment in the left-wing proou became increasingly

violent and unrestrained. There was a personal attack on the

Governor. Allogėtions of police brutality ware accompanied by

threats to Chinese police and prison officers that ond day thay

would have to pay for "the blood doht they owe to compatriots".

Disturbances of 11th-13th Ray,

7. In the afternoon of the 11th Hay, orowd of some 1,500 12

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　refused to disperas demonstrated outside the Kowloon factory, become disorderly,/und

stoned the polico. The police intervened and 60 arrenta were madne

Esanller incidents occurred in the evening end a curfew was imposed

oovoring the disturbod area of North-Enat Kowloon,

B. Similar incidents occurred in the same prea on the 12th and

13th May and curfew was reimposed on these nights, Sinom the 14th

Hay only very minor insidants have occurred, With one or two guita

minor oxcoptions all the disturbances have beon confined to a smal

ares in N.E.Kowloon.

One man,

9. In ell, somo 1,00 arrosta were made. - Thero aro 54 known

casualties (înjured), of which 22 aro police officers.

found injured on a first floor balcony of ́a rosettiosont block of

flats, has died; it is believed he was struck by a stone.

Faking fitatozent

10. On the 15th May, our Chargé d'Affaires in Faking was mummoned

to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and hended a statement that was

/simultaneously

simultaneously published in Hong Kong and Paking. The language of this latement is more violent and abusive than cry in racont years. It acruzen "the British cuthorities in liong Kong" of "sanguinary atrocities" of "sanguinary oppression of Cidnese residents in Bong kong", of "ropeated nilitary and police manoeuvres hostile to China". It ends by declaring that "the Chiness Government and the 700 million Chinese people firmly support their compatriots in Hong Kong in their horole and just strugglo; that "the British Government instruck the ritish authorities An Hong Kong to "accept all the just fionando put foraard by Chine se

workers and residents in Hong Kong; that "the Chinese Government and

people are determined to carry the struggle through to the end") that

"Should the British Government and British authorities in Hong Kong oling

to their perverse cource they must be held responsible for a22 the grave

consequences arising therofrom,"

ttac

Attacks on our posta in Nackt, Poking and Shanghai.

11. During the disturbances of 11th-13th Hay in Hong Kong, the British

Consulate in Macau was the target of repeated denonatrations and the

have been compelled to vacate their querters for a hotel.

12. Since the Poking statemont of 15th Hay similar demonstrations have.

boon mounted against our Embassy in Peking and on the 16th Bay our

Consulate in Shanghai was invaded by a mob and thoroughly "sacked".

Chirago Notivaa

23. 421 available information suggests thate-

(a) the incidents of 6th Eay were not planned; what started as

poaceful pickoting degenerated into violence;

(b) because of the confusion in China (particularly in Centon) ther

is a 200coning of the control hitherto oxeroised from the

mainland over left-wing organisations in lieng Kong; uná jar)

:/(0)

14.

(c)

because "of the apread of the influence of th Cultural Revolution, with 1ta onarchie and iconcelastic tendencies, the left-wing Jøndership

in flong, Rong in having difficulty in controlling.

the rank and file.

Thuro in no hard evidence of any fundamentul change

in official Chinase policy towarda Hong Kong, It 10

perhapo algmificent that Peking han ohonen to make its

stand in the form of a statement rather than in a formal

note, although we should prold ronding too mich into this

distinution.

.154

What started as a gonulna labour diņpute become a

"political struggle" after the outbreak of disorder and

the arreate on the 6th Hey. The left-sing leadership in

Hong Kong committed themselves with 'some initial

reluctance and hesitation to ŝia "struggle" and Peking

havo, in turn and with equal reluctance, come out in suppo

The fact remains that there iú nos a situation of "aircat

confrontation" with the Communist leadership, both in long

Kong and raking, and thero lo as yot no sign of a solution.

16. A hopeful sig in Hong Kong Iteelf lo the strang

Genmuro of publicly expressed support among local neutral

and non-left-wing organistions for à return to peaceful

conditionu.

FOCO 0023/17

FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF TOKYO TELNO 262 OF 17 MAY TO FOREIGN OFFICE

SENT TO YOU FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO HONG KONG.

ROUTINE.

CONFIDENTIAL.

PLSE PASS FOLLOWING TO GOV HONG KONG AS MY CGP UNDEC ? 48).

"SITUATION IN HONG KONG"

WE ARE BEGINNING WE GET ENQUIRIES FROM BRITISH BUSINESSMEN

HERE, AND FROM TOURISTS, ABOUT THE PRESENT DISTURBANCES IN

HONG KONG. WE HAVE TAKEN A REASSURING LINE WITH THEM, AND HAVE

SAID THAT THE DISTURBANCES ARE VERY LOCALISED AND HAVE BEEN

TAKING PLACE AWAY FROM THE MAIN BUSINESS AND TOURIST AREAS.

IF, HOWVER, WE SHOULD SAY ANYTHING MORE THAN THIS, WE SHOULD

BE GRATEFUL FOR GUIDANCE.

(61)

2. IN PARTICULAR ONE CIVIL AVIATION AND SHIPPING REPRESENTATIVE

HERE HAS ASKED TO BE INFORMED IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ANY

INTERRUPTION OF COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN

JAPAN AND HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE BY STRIKE ACTION, AS SOON AS

WE HEAR OF IT. WE HAVE ASSURED HIM THAT SUCH AN INTERRUPTION

IS MOST IMPROBABLE, BUT HAVE AGREED TO PASS ON TO HIM ANY

APPROPRIATE INFORMATION. WE HESITATE TO ADD TO YOUR BURDENS

AT THIS TIME, BUT SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR TELEGRAPHIC WARNING

IF AN INTERRUPTION BECOMES LIKELY.

его

67 761

SENT AT 17/1345Z RR

QSL 1713452 GB

Cypher

COPY

STRATION.

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Do 17 May, 1967. R. 17

01302

PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 624.

Repeated

Addressed to Commonwealth Office.

"Peking No. 235. "POLAD Singapore No. "Washington No. 118.

1-144 1/1

小

102.

(S. of S. please

pass to all).

149

My previous telegram No. 618 refers.

　　　　　This morning two separate cases arising out of disturbances were due to be heard in two different courts.

　　2. At the South Kowloon Magistracy the 20 defendants whose cases could not be heard yesterday because of court room disturbances did not reappear at 9 a.m. The Magistrate delayed the hearing until 10 a.m. in case there had been a misunderstanding but the defendants who are on bail still did not reappear. Magistrate then issued bench warrants for their arrest, but this is not being effected immediately.

The

　　3. At the North Kowloon Magistracy this morning a film studio photographer appeared for trial but a well-disciplined chanting of Mao made the trial impossible. The case was deferred until 2.30 p.m. and because the demonstrators refused to leave the court room it was decided to transfer the case to the South Kowloon Magistracy.

　　4. While court hearings proceeded during the afternoon at the South Kowloon Magistracy crowds formed in neighbouring streets. There was chanting and throwing of bottles. When the police intervened they were stoned. Nine police companies were deployed in clearing the streets during the afternoon leading to the arrest of eight persons and the injuring of one police constable. Three baton shells were fired and gas was used.

　　5. In view of the situation, I authorised the imposition of a curfew over West-Central Kowloon from 7.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

　　6. During the day slogan bearing posters and copies of Left Wing newspapers have been appearing on a number of walls and shop windows. In some cases these have resulted in incidents which did not however escalate. In addition seven groups have presented petitions at the gates of Government House showing varying degrees of belligerence which has tested patience but has not caused any major incidents.

(Passed as requested:

for F.E. Dept.)

advance copies to D.S.Avo.

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CONFIDENTIAL

En Clair

PRESS

COPY FOR MED

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Information Office)

D. 17 May 1967 R. 17

06152

RATICA!

MUAI/17

　　　People of Hong Kong are rallying behind Government in task of maintaining the peace which has been re-established in Hong Kong. Many appeals to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support the authorities have been issued by public organisations. Businessmen, trade organisations and leading educationalists called for realistic approach to situation and there was unanimous agreement that lawlessness should be checked immediately lest they lead to Hong Kong losing its image as business and tourist centre.

　　　Federation of Hong Kong Industries said it had always supported right of labour to negotiate with management but added all labour disputes must be settled round conference table by peaceful means. Federation also recognised Government's role to maintain law and order and that Government does not interfere in legitimate rights of management or labour. Federation deplores disturbances which could only bring about loss of confidence in Hong Kong's stability. There was grave danger that work done by Federation in interesting overseas manufacturers to bring new industries to Colony would be undermined. Federation added: "Success of Hong Kong industry has been built on co-operation of management and labour. This co-operation must continue and every effort must be made to restore confidence in Hong Kong so that people can continue to find employment and rising standard of living. Only through stability in industry can these be achieved.

Chinese Manufacturers Association said Hong Kong industry was in stage of difficulties. "It will lose foreign markets if peace cannot be restored. We hope a close co-operation between management and workers will be made and workers will be given reasonable wages. This is key to solve disputes between management and workers. If both parties calm down and try their best without any prejudice to seek early settlement, we are sure that problem will easily be solved."

　　　Tung Wah Group of hospitals, Hong Kong's leading charitable organisation, appealed to all residents to remain calm and called for early settlement of labour dispute. It urged people to co-operate with Government in maintenance of peace.

　　　Hong Kong Teachers Association, with membership of nearly 6,000 appealed to all school teachers and pupils to "take calm look at situation and refrain from taking part in any activities that may likely lead to a disturbance".

　　　Unofficial members of Urban Council last night appealed to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support Government in efforts to find fair and just solution to present difficulties. Livelihood of residents, they said, depended on maintenance of law and order without which there could not be continued

prosperity and happiness. Hong Kong had achieved much for better

/life

life of its citizens. There had been quickening tempo of achieve- mente notably in fields of housing, education and provision of recreational facilities. Urban Council members believed even more progress would be made to improve living conditions of community

if all sections would co-operate closely to achieve this aim.

Hong Kong Tourist Association said disturbances might not affect tourist trade but it was too early to make assessment. Association recalled that Kowloon disturbances last year did not have any such effect. Up to present moment Association had not heard of any cancellations of tours or of tourists leaving because or situation. Colony had gone through many troubles at other times and had always managed to pull through. Association expressed confidence that Colony could do so again.

Many readers letters appearing in correspondence columns supported Government's actions in re-establishing peace and normal conditions.

They

One hundred workers of the Hong Kong artificial flowers factory at San Po Kong have appealed to Hong Kong's Commissioner of Labour to help them get back to work. signed their names to petition which was taken to Labour Department yesterday.

It may be recalled that on 8th May, 6 workers claiming to represent 200 or more workers in San Po Kong plastic flower factory approached Labour Department to convey to management their request to return to work. A joint meeting between these representatives and management took place in Labour Department on 10th May when both parties agreed in principle to resumption of work in Hong Kong and that all acceptable workers would be re-employed. This resumption has not taken place because of disturbances in Kowloon on 11th May. On 11 th May also, management agreed to discussions with Left-wing representatives provided these were held in Labour Department and not in the factory. With the restoration of peace and order, every effort is being made by Labour Department to reopen the negotiations between workere and management.

Heung Yee Kuk, advisory bodies in New Territories, appealed to Hong Kong residents to "approach our present difficulties with calmness". The Heung Yee Kuk said the present situation was not unlike events following bank crisis in 1964 and Kowloon riots last year. These disturbances had radically affected livelihood and wellbeing of Hong Kong residents, the Heng Yee Kuk said. Heung Yee Kuk said it believed majority of Hong Kong people were glad to see that scope of disturbances had not been extended. It said that all residents of New Territories shared its viewa.

(Correction being obtained)

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En Clair

IMMEDIATE

PEKING ΤΟ

FOREIGN OFFICE

Telno, 502

17 May 1967

(64)

UNCLASSIFIED

　　　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 502 of 17 May. Repeated for information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore and Washington.

　　　Demonstrations have continued on roughly the same scale as those yesterday, but seem rather more under control. For very short periods yesterday it was not possible to enter or leave the Mission, but so far today this has not been too difficult. Demonstrators continue to chant standard slogans and have both strangled and burned Mr. Wilson in effigy. We have also been treated to occasional puppet shows, revolutionary dances and a performance depicting Chinese heroes vanquishing British and American imperialists.

　　　Our Chinese office staff and domestic servants reported back for work this morning.

3. The house of the Reuters correspondent Gray has also been covered with such slogans as "Crush Wilson's dog's head" and "British imperialists get out of Hong Kong". This morning, following an attempt by Gray to photograph his own house, he was besieged for a few hours by a hostile group of 200 or 300 people who had also trapped Toronto Globe and Mail correspondent Oancia, who was watching incident from his car.

Mr. Hopson

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1558Z

FLASH SECRET No. 625.

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated PRIORITY to Peking No.236, to P.A. Singapore No. 103

tt Washington No. 119

(Commonwealth Office please pass to all)

Peking telegram No. 504 to Foreign Office.

I would have no objection to specific reference

to Chinese M.F.A. statement being avcided. Perhaps "H.M.G. consider that the Chinese Government have been misinformed about the actual course of recent events leading to disturbances in Hong Kong. The true facts would do.

(Passed as requested)

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

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0045Z

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

Peking No. 237 and

€66

11 POLAD Singapore No.104.

My telegram No. 624 refers.

　　　　There were a number of incidents during the late afternoon and evening (17th) in the curfew area of West Central Kowloon in which crowds stoned various buildings including hotels, banks and several Government offices in the Nathan Road area and were successfully dispersed by police using gas shells and wooden projectiles. Several small fires started by rioters were successfully extinguished. Some damage done to traffic lights and road signs etc. The situation appeared to have been exploited by known criminal elements who were encouraging crowds of hooligans in a manner which makes clashes with the police inevitable.

Because of regrouping of crowds outside curfew zone, the zone was extended at midnight to include Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tong, Shek Kip Mei and Lai Chi Kok- that is, North West Kowlcon. By 10:30 p.m. the situation in West Central Kowloon was mainly quiet and in the extended curfew zone activity was confined to scattered and comparatively minor incidents. By 01.00 hs. (18th) peace had returned to the curfew areas and all but vo police companies had returned to base. The curfew was lifted at 04.00 hra. Total number of persons arrested betwee.. 09-00 on 17 May and 06.00 18 May is 131. Four policemen slightly injured no prisoner casualties, two civilians injured, both hospitalised. 203 gas shells and 125 wooden projectiles fired.

　　　　Twelve Kowloon schools in vicinity of the Magistracy where the disturbances recommended will remain closed today. All other schools in Kowloon will be opened.

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CONFIDENTIAL

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Sent 17 May, 1967.

1645Z

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 938.

(61)

Following telegram of 17 May from Tokyo to Foreign Office No. 262 addressed to Governor Hong Kong No.? 48.

Begins.

"Situation in Hong Kong".

We are beginning to get enquiries from British businessmen here, and from tourists, about the present disturbances in Hong Kong. We have taken a reassuring line with them, and have said that the disturbances are very localised and have been taking place away from the main business and tourist areas. If, however, we should say anything more than this, we should be grateful for guidance.

In particular one Civil Aviation and Shipping representative here has asked to be informed in the unlikely event of any interruption of commercial telegraphic communication between Japan and Hong Kong, for example by strike action, as soon as we hear of it. We have assured him that such an interruption is most improbable, but have agreed to pass on to him any appropriate information.

We hesitate to add to your burdens at this time, but should be grateful for telegraphic warning if an interruption becomes likely.

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Draft Telegram to:- "HONGKONG

HKO 350-

No.

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939

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reach addressee(s)

aff.

wition

:68

Despulched 17/8/67/ Patong, Lippes at on

[Security classification"

-if any

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Addressed to

16.05.

-יו-י י-נינו

11.15 167

16.202

A mi je kaldteeTETITTIEITTI-ni pankk

CONFIDENTIAL

]

telegram No. 939.

And to...

repeated for information to......

...A+NAL blue-

HONG KONG

(date)

andersondernemeritud majJATATIRTAmend -

PEKING, POLAD SINGAPORE AND

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

And to:-

WASHINGTON.

Saving to........

THE

Repeat to:-

PEKING

POLAD SINGAPORE WASHINGTON

Saving to:-

Apels

Akwise 17/1

Distribution;-

FO/CO/WH F.O. FE Dell.

Copies to:-

Your Telegram 612, paragraph 3.

In the interview with the Chinese Chargé

d'Affaires ad interim reported in Foreign Office

telegram no.322 to Peking, de la Mare deliberately

did not refer to events in Hong Kong but limited

himself to the events of 16 May in Peking and

Shanghai.

This was partly because the seriousness

of the Shanghai case made it necessary to call

Shen Ping in immediately and the statement under preparation about Hong Kong (paragraph 4 of your telegram under reference) was not yet

approved.

2. But even if this had not been the case the

Foreign Office would have had the gravest doubts

about the usefulness of attempting to discuss t

Hong Kong situation with the Chinese here.

The

/interview

interview with Shen Ping gave us further

evidence that, as we already suspected, he is oypher, controlled by his so-called interpreter

HSIEH CHI-MEI. This Fani man is a

venemous character of the worst Red Guard type.

Although Shen Ping speaks and understanda

　　　English quite adequately he will not appear without HSIEH at his elbow and, in any

discussion

Sonversation about Hong Kong, selfy the,

mot limit

latter whe would take control op the Chinese

He would intervene, as he did at the eide. There is no prospect whatever of having

interview under reference,

any rational discussion with him. His tactic

would simply be to repeat the Peking statement

tatement woul

with ever increasing violence and abuse, and make

3. This would still be the case if Hsiung

Hsiang-hui, the Chargé d'Affaires en titre,

returned to his post. He also will not

　　　conduct official business without the presence of HSIEH.

,and seeme as much under his

control as is Shen Ping.

तै

( Prosed DSAO for repetition Betting

Singapore Washington)

વ

(advance coprispassed tw. de to Mare,

Mr. Bolland, Ur Wition)

NATIONAL

any rational infonible

Ancuration

(8430) D4.033246 600m 9/66 G.W.B Ltd. Op 161

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Cypher

CONFIDENTIAL

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Sent 17 May, 1967. 16052

IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL

No. 939.

Draft Below

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong. Repeated for information to Peking.

"POLAD Singapore. "Washington.

Your telegram No. 612, paragraph 3.

　　In the interview with the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires ad interim reported in Foreign Office telegram No. 322 to Peking, de la Mare deliberately did not refer to events in Hong Kong but limited himself to the events of 16 May in Peking and Shanghai. This was partly because the seriousness of the Shanghai case made it necessary to call Shen Ping in immediately and the statement under preparation about Hong Kong (paragraph 4 of your telegram under reference) was not yet approved.

The

2. But even if this had not been the case the Foreign Office would have had the gravest doubts about the usefulness of attempting to discuss Hong Kong with the Chinese here. interview with Shen Ping gave us further evidence that, as we already suspected, he is dominated by his so-called

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　This man is a venemous character interpreter Hsieh Chi-Wei, of the worst Red Guard type. Although Shen Ping speaks and understands English quite adequately he will not appear without Hsieh at his elbow and, in any discussion about Hong Kong the latter would not limit himself to interpretation, would intervene, as he did at the interview under reference, with ever increasing violence and abuse, and would make any rational discussion impossible.

This would still be the case if Hsiung Hsiang-hui, the Chargé d'Affaires en titre, returned to his post. also will not conduct official business without the presence of Hsieh.

(Passed D.S.A.0. for repetition Peking, Singapore

and Washington)

(Advance copies passed Mr. de la Mare, Mr. Bolland,

Mr. Wilson)

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B.ST

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17" May is in our immediately following

ве

Felegram. Mission here and we do hote (repeat not) with Hopson to quie

Minister have considered very

are not handing a copy to the Chines

1620.

Carefully

сору

inn Pelemy.

the points made in paras Wall

and 2 of your telegram under

memente.

The view is

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12a1-

is made to the Patung'

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hours today 4. following

ROA

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To the Chines

Hopson lo que

paras With

inder

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References

undoubtedly lead to a statement (although

counter

we accept

that this may be the ontrame in

any cane). We feel that public Ormian in Hong Kong will realine

a rebuttal of Peking

12 at 12 is is

charges

For sumilar reasons paragraph рандхарова

7 of your telegram No. 621 has

not been included.

17/5-

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

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49178/8177_2MP 2/61 AT66, 768

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FLASH SECRET

SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Sent 17 May, 1967.

1705Z

Draft Below

No. 942.

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

Repeated IMMEDIATE to Peking

PRIORITY ** POLAD Singapore PRIORITY "

Washington

Your telegram No. 620.

-/57 51

Peking Statement.

Text of statement that was issued here at 17.00 hours B.S.T. today 17 May is in our immediately following telegram. We are not handing a copy to the Chinese Mission here and we do not (repeat not) wish Hopson to give the Chinese a copy in Peking.

Ministers have considered very carefully the points made in paragraphs 1 and 2 of your telegram under reference. The view is, however, that if any reference is made to the Peking Statement it will undoubtedly lead to a counter-statement (although we accept that this may be the outcome in any case). We feel that public opinion in Hong Kong will realise that this is a rebuttal of Peking charges.

3. No. 621

For similar reasons paragraph 7 of your telegram has not been included.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking,

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SECRET

PARD

STATEMENT ON KOWLOON DISTURBANCES

Disturbances

メ

to consider it necessary to state the facts

X Leuiter is

H.M.G. regret that the statement issued in Peking on May 15th

the

about disturbances in Hong Kong, should apparently have been based

on inaccurate reports about the actual course of events. The

true facts are as followe.

2. The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from an industrial dispute in April between workes and their employers about wages and conditions of employment involving 650 workers in two factories producing artificial flowers. The injection moulding sections of both factories were closed and the workers were dismissed. A Settlement could not be reached in negotiations between employers and workers. The Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help the parties to reach agreement, but this offer was refused by both sides.

3. A

　　　　　broke out on the 6th May outside one of these factories which was situated in Kowloon. The police clearly informed those involved of the laws governing peaceful picketing, warned them repeatedly of the consequences of disorder and urged them to desist. These warnings went unheeded, and the police were therefore obliged to act to keep the peace. As a result, 21 persons were arrested, Subsequent efforts by the Labour Department to bring the parties together to discuss their difficulties and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated by the outbreak of further disorders on May 11th in the vicinity of the same factory. Again after repeated warnings the police were obliged to take action to keep the peace and 143 persons were arrested. There were more disorders in the same area between 12th and 14th May and a further 257 persons were arrested, All cases of arrest are being treated in the normal way in accordance with the due process of the law. By 17th May of those arrested 128 had been charged with riot, 100 with unlawful assembly, 91 with breaking the curfew and 88 with such offences as assault and affray. 14 have been released without charges preferred and 12 have been acquitted.

4. Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police, a number of whom were injured in the three days of rioting, have shown great restraint in carrying out their responsibilities and have used the minimum force.

5. In labour matters the Hong Kong Government's policy is to make available the specialist services of its Labour Department

ive impartial help to management and trade unions to settle

give

aby

any dispute that may arise between them.

It has already done

so on this occasion and remains ready to do all it can to

facilitate a settlement,

The Hong Kong Government has an inescapable duty to maintain law and order as impartially and fairly as possible for the benefit of all in Hong Kong. H.M.G. fully support the Hong Kong Government in fulfilling its duty both in maintaining law and order and in the efforts it is making to bring about a settlement of the industrial dispute. It is emphasised that the original cause of these disturbances is a comparatively small industrial conflict which it should be possible to settle soon if the management and trade unions would sit down together to discuss it in reason and goodwill. X

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Governor

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Following

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OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

En Clair

Sent 17 May 1967.

17352

Drafts Below

FLASH No.943

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong

Repeated

Peking (IMMEDIATE) POLAD Singapore (PRIORITY)

Washington

My immediately preceding telegram.

Following is text of statement:-

Begins.

H.M.Q. consider it necessary to state the facts about the disturbances in Hong Kong.

2. The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from an industrial dispute in April between workers and their employers about wages and conditions of employment involving 650 workers in two factories producing artificial flowers. The injection moulding sections of both factories were closed and the workers were dismissed. A Settlement could not be reached in negotiations between employers and workers. The Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help the parties to reach agreement, but this offer was refused by both sides.

3. Disturbances broke out on the 6th May outside one of these factories situated in Kowloon. The police clearly informed those involved of the laws governing peaceful picketing, warned them repeatedly of the consequences of disorder and urged them to desist. These warnings went unheeded, and the police were therefore obliged to act to keep the peace. As a result, 21 persons were arrested. Subsequent efforts by the Labour Department to bring the parties together to discuss their difficulties and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated by the outbreak of further disorders on May 11th in the vicinity of the same factory. Again after repeated warnings the police were obliged to take action to keep the peace and 143 persons were arrested. There were more disorders in the same area between 12th and 14th May and a further 257 persons were arrested. All cases of arrest are being treated in the normal way in accordance with the due process of the law. By 17th May of those arrested 128 had been charged with riot, 100 with unlawful assembly, 91 with breaking the curfew and 88 with such offences as assault and affray. 14 have been released without charges preferred and 12 have been acquitted.

40 Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police, a number of whom were injured in the three days of rioting. have shown great restraint in carrying out their responsibilities and have used the minimum force.

2000

15.

In labour matters the Hong Kong Government's policy is to make available the specialist services of its Labour Department to give impartial help to management and trade unions to settle any dispute that may arise between them. It has already done so on this occasion and remains ready to do all it can to facilitate a settlement.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking,

POKAD Singapore and Washington)

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Fri

may try to instigate, but at the same time to avoid so far as possible action which could be regarded as unnecessarily provocative. While I realise that in their present mood they will castigate any measures you take as provocative, I think it would probably be wise

Pro-Communist to avoid prosecutions against the left wing press for c.g. sedition, which is usually difficult to prove and generally provides considerable opportunities for propaganda. The actual measures to be taken to deal with the situation at any given time must continue to be a matter of most careful judgment. I know that you will remain in the closest touch with us, and continue to consult with us about the actual choice of measures. 4. While continuing to show firmness in maintaining law and order, we must obviously continue with our efforts to maintain contact with the Left Wing, with a view to making clear to them that we are not prepared to face a Macau-type compromise. I agree with you (paragraph 5 of your telegram No. 609) that there is just a chance that by taking a very firm line, avoiding any unnecessary provocation but explaining our policy clearly to the C. P.G., there may be some prospect of inducing a change of Chinese attitude which would enable both sides to disengage without loss of authority on our part. I feel that, however difficult the outlook may be right now, we must keep to this course for so long as there is any chance of success.

We do not altogether rule out that we may have to start a яxxx dialogue on these lines with the Chinese in Peking (because of the calibre of Chinese

representation here there would be no point in our attempting this in London). But, as you know, such a dialogue would introduce several large complications, and for the time being at any rate we still think that the best hope of getting the message through to the Chinese lies in your using your local channels.

It would be very helpful to me to have your assessment of the ability of Hong Kong to cope with an all-out confrontation by the C.P.G. short of armed intervention, i.e, widespread disorders in the Colony coupled with the cutting off of Hong Kong's water and food supplies from the mainland, and your assessment of the effect on the morale of the Hong Kong Chinese if this situation lasted for some time.

Could you

organise

organise alternative supplies of food, and what assistance would you need in this respect?

If in your opinion it would not be possible for Hong Kong to survive for long in the kind of situation foreseen in paragraph 5 above, once it became clear that the C.P.G. intended to go for all-out confrontation of this kind this might well be the point at which we should have to consider withdrawal from Hong Kong. This whole concept presents huge problems which must clearly relate to the point in time at which withdrawal became inevitable. No doubt you too will have given some thought to this, and we should in due course welcome your views generally on this range of problems. 7. Your assessment of the points in paragraphs 5 and 6 will be of greatest value to me in discussing this whole problem with my colleagues.

8. Finally, I should like you to know how much we admire the way you have handled this very difficult situation. Our thoughts are very much with you and your Advisers in these anxious days.

a 17/5-

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Mr..

Mr......

Mr.....

Mt.....

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Addressed

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GOVERNOR

HONG KONG

No.

944

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SECRET

IMMEDIATE

[Insect appropriate security, etc., marking)

Following from Commonwealth Secretary. Kowloon disturbances.

I shall shortly be asking my colleagues to consider the issues raised in paragraph 4 of your telegram No. 600. But I should like to give you my own thoughts at this stage, and there are certain points on which I need your assessment. 2. I am sure our intention must be to remain in Hong Kong as long as it is physically possible for us to retain control of the situation. I whole- heartedly endorse your own conclusion that we should not accept a Macau-type compromise.

I think

(Delete whichever

NO PRINTING is inapplicable)

may

Cypher

SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Sent 17 May, 1967. 1950Z

IMMEDIATE SECRET No. 944.

Drayv Below

Following from Commonwealth Secretary.

Kowloon disturbances.

I shall shortly be asking my colleagues to consider the issues raised in paragraph 4 of your telegram No. 600.- But I should like to give you my own thoughts at this stage, and there are certain points on which I need your assessment.

2. I am sure our intention must be to remain in Hong Kong as long as it is physically possible for us to retain control of the situation. I wholeheartedly endorse your own conclusion that we should not accept a Macao-type compromise.

3. While we must obviously avoid an all-out confrontation with the C.P.G. if this can possibly be avoided, I recognise that this is unfortunately a risk in herent in the situation. I think therefore that our policy must be to continue to deal firmly with any disorders which the Communists may try to instigate, but at the same time to avoid so far as possible action which could be regarded as unnecessarily provocative. While I realise that in their present mood they will castigate any measures you take as provocative, I think it would probably be wise to avoid prosecutions against the pro- Communist press for e.g. sedition, which is usually difficult to prove and generally provides considerable opportunities for propaganda. The actual measures to be taken to deal with the situation at any given time must continue to be a matter of most careful judgment. I know that you will remain in the closest touch with us, and continue to consult with us about the actual choice of measures.

4. While continuing to show firmness in maintaining law and order, we must obviously continue with our efforts to maintain contact with the Left Wing, with a view to making clear to them that we are not prepared to face a Macao-type compromise. I agree with you (paragraph 5 of your telegram - No. 609) that there is just a chance that by taking a very

firm line, avoiding any unnecessary provocation but explaining our policy clearly to the C.P.G., there may be some prospect of inducing a change of Chinese attitude which would enable both sides to disengage without loss of authority on our part. I feel that, however difficult the outlook may be right now, we must keep to this course for so long as there is any chance of success. We do not altogether rule out that we may have to start a dialogue on these lines with the Chinese in

/Peking

82 83

SECRET

PAR

SECRET

Peking (because of the calibre of Chinese representation here there would be no point in our attempting this in London). But, as you know, such a dialogue would introduce several large complications, and for the time being at any rate we still think that the best hope of getting the message through to the Chinese lies in your using your local channels.

5. It would be very helpful to me to have your assessment of the ability of Hong Kong to cope with an all-out confrontation by the C.P.G. short of armed intervention, i.e. widespread disorders in the Colony coupled with the cutting off of Hong Kong's water and food supplies from the mainland, and your assessment of the effect on the morale of the Hong Kong Chinese if this situation lasted for some time. Could you organise alternative supplies of food, and what assistance would you need in this respect?

Бо

　　　　　　If, in your opinion, it would not be possible for Hong Kong to survive for long in the kind of situation foreseen in paragraph 5 above, once it became clear that the C.P.G. intended to go for all-out confrontation of this kind this might well be the point at which we should have to consider withdrawal from Hong Kong. This whole concept presents huge problems which must clearly relate to the point in time at which withdrawal became inevitable. No doubt you too will have given some thought to this, and we should in due course welcome your views generally on this range of problems,

7. Your assessment of the points in paragraphs 5 and 6 will be of greatest value to me in discussing this whole problem with my colleagues.

　　　　　　Finally, I should like you to know how much we admire the way you have handled this very difficult situation. Our thoughts are very much with you and your advisers in these anxious daya.

Distribution - H.K. WID 'C'

- I.G.D.

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SECRET

London Press Service Verbatim Service

1 E

IN HONG KONG.

WEALTH

TATE THE

DISPUTE

AND INDIJ

PRODUCING ANT

BOTH

די

SETT. MEIST

AND CORKER?

THE

OFFERED 175. SERPE

DISTURBANI

!ACTORIES SiluxRED IN NAMin INFORMED THOSE

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THE PARTIES I

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WEIR COLO 15 ABOUT WAGES *NG 950 ~ORKLOS IN TWO FACTORIES INGE. DE POUPLING TECTIONS OF

BONERS went IMISED, A NGOTIATIONS TWEEN EMPLOYERS NT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

HELP THE PARTIES TO REACH

BY BOTH SILES.

TH MAY OUTSIDE ONE ·

PARLY

THESE

5 GÖY ̄RNING PEACEFUL PICKETING, QUÈSICES OF DISORDER AND URGED

AND THE POLICE WERE NY UNHERIT,

TO KEEP THE PEACE, AS A RESULT 21 PERSONS

POZORIS BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO BRING THEIR DIFFICULTIES AND TRY TO

257 PERSONS ERE ARRESTED. A IN THE NORMAL

17TH MAY OF WITH UNGAVEL A

ET RUSTRATED BY THE OUTBREAK OF

IN AN UNDANTE

N THE VICINITY OF THE SAME FACTORY.

POLICE WERE OBLIGED TO TAKE ACTION

IRE ARRESTED. THERE WERE MORE 12TH AND 14TH MAY AND A FURTHER E OF ARREST ARE BEING TREATED

T THE DUE PROCESS OF THE LAW. BY

ARRESTE 12. HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH RIOT, 100

SUCH OFFENCES AS CHARGES PREFERRED AND

THROUGHOUT THE

WHOM WERE INJURED IN RESTRAINT IN

MINIMUM FORC

IN LABONN

MAT

AVAILABLE

IZPARTIAL HI.

DISPUTE THAT

MAT

THIS OCCASION AND SE

SETTLEMENT,

THE HONG KONG

LAW AND ORDER A

OF ALL IN

IN FUL

BREAKING THE CURFEW AND 88 WITH AND AFFRAY, 14 HAVE BEEN RELEASED WITHOUT 1. HAVE BEEN ACQUITTED.

TURBAN.

11: HONG KONG POLICE, A NUMBER OF 14% OF RIOTING, HAVE SHOWN GREAT

NDOS)BILITIES AND HAVE USED THE

GOVERN, ENT

JUICY IS TO MAKE OF ITS LABOUS DEPARTMENT TO GIVE

ANY AND TRADE UNIONS TO SETTLE EPN THEM. IT HAS ALREADY DONE SO ON EADY 10 Dai A!! CAN TO FACILITATE A

{

과

; I

KAK

→

EFFUNT

INDUSTRIA. DITUNTE THESE DISTURBATE,

IT SHOULD BE PO UNIONS POULD

END VERUATIM SERV

+ -

AN INESCAPABLE DUTY TO MAINTAIN AND FAIRLY AS POSSIBLE FOR THE BENEFIT SUPPORT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

AN AND ORDER AND IN THE INING

A SETTLEMENT OF THE

SEI THAT THE "RIGINAL CAUSE OF

MALL INDUSTRIAL CONFLICT WHICH DE IF THE MANAGEMENT AND TRADE TO PLUCUSS !! IN REASON AND GOODWILL.

LF S

klona

das co que you Bixente

23/5

With the compliments of

THE BRITISH EMBASSY

(N.C.C.Trench)

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No. 63

2 5 MAY 1,67

HUBIN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

R.0.Carter Esq.

D.T.D.

Commonwealth Office.

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17 May, 1967.

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THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, MAY 15, 1967

The Enter co

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HONG KONG LIFTS | Imperturbable Governor

3-NIGHT CURFEW

Minor Incidents Mar Gulet

at Scene of Ripting

Special to The Sew York Thaila

David Clive Crosbie Trench

Basend to the Xem Ten Time

HONG KONG, May 16-

When the Executive Conan- ell of this British Crows Col- ony was summoned the other day to discuss the recent slot-

HONG KONG, May 14- Hong Kong was quiet tonighting, which has been accorn. after three days of disorder in panied by strident Comm which moba clashed with the nist-press xllæcks on the Brit- police, burned ears and dam-ish authorities, members of these advisers appointed to "ged property.

There were only a few minor İnekdents during the day and no repetition of serious clsshot after nightfall. For the first Gimse in three nights no eurfew was imposed on the area where the rioting has taken place.

The Communist press has [been strongly denouncing the Government in connection with the rioting, which arose out of labor disputa involving Teftist union

The Peking-oriented Hong) of Trade, Kong Federation Unions has leaped a number of 14.mands that have been deli; tered to the Governor, Sir David

Treach

They on on the Goverment to release 300 arrested people, punish those responsible for "a inguinary suppression" and maka an apology. It is under stood that the Government does| not propose to accept these demands.

Throughout the riols, the Governmeal was confident that fit could restore order with tha

curity forces at its dispora!, but it has been concerned about whether Communids here are act ex on their own initiative, for norma some broader pad in

now at Peking's Instīgallon,

Na Word From Peking do far there has been no of- netai realian from Paking or jiny report on the riots in the kaitstund press, although Con- runt pipers in Haig Kong have been 25 ating almost their

Man In tha New

parlat The Gover nor were tense and preoccupied. The Governor, BLE David Olive Čroe- bie Trench, bade them welcome and relieved tension when he asked with a slight smile: "Well, whel's the first order of business to day?"

Bir David, who was awarded the British Milliary Cross and the United Blates Legion of Mert for his exploits behind Japanese lines in the Solomon 1lända during World War II is not a man easily unsettled, "It is the most unflappable person it has been my prive ilege to work with" and a senior Government offolal

Day to day decisions fall ulmately on Sir David, rep: resentative of the Queen and of the Commonwealth of. fice (Dependent Territories Division), formerly the Co- fontal Office. He governa an area" of about 130 square miles, only about 12 square miles of which is densely pops ulated, and about four million People, only 2 per cent of

whom are not Chinese,

Will Not Compromtre Under Sir David's direction, the Hong Kong police have moved quickly and effectively to deal with the misters, and the Government has indicate-1 that it will not compromise on the question of maintain- ing law And order. There wil de no capitulation to Come munist agitation Jere. It has been authoritatively stated.

departure from its

name, the c

has re

Aur

CUMITA PUNE-E

Little time for golf now

for the Western Paella in 106). AL 51, he still plays when he can take a weekend off, but he has not had much opportunity to haya a game recenity,

The present crisis has come after a more operation that kept him in hospital mora than a week at the beglaring of this month.

A golfing compasión p marked: "When a soe Sir David back at this Gold Club Bar agala rdling dice for drinks, we'll know that av styling is back to normal."

Dan.

han the Beslic authontses had Įnot only repressed workers pro-| testing agimat employers "but also children.

Dupke such denunciationa the Chines here appears to re- apert and like him.

They tell with some affee- tion the story about $ir David when he was a junior The Government's "colonial offelat in Hong Kong somme 1st net brazenly trampled upon years ago. Death and finister- the interests of the Chinese peo- fune had come to the people ¡ple in Hong Kong" the piper previously living in the house Sald, and its hostile attitude) into which he had moved. The toward them as associated with Chinese lake such matters the turning of Hong Kong Inte seriously, and say a place has la base tử the Fervice of the good or bad "long shui"

tated States vggressive war in which literally means "wind |Vietnam? Ch affe Communists and water" Chineze Iglands have also charged that Hong, told Sir David that the |Cong 11 being used as a base shuu" at his house |for American troops in Vietnam Bir David moved Some reaction to expected since prospered. ultimately from Peking, which When he returned.

tam several days to Kons as Governor piamant on events abroad. Of-| newspaper colummi her hope it will provide] "You are still re

Lo Peking's" long in Hong Kong for your song jringe intentions.

to cut through red tape, to |F. L. 24 add

take the right decision briskly Bouse officials here believe and to stand by that decl- That local Communists arni sion in the fare" of pettifog- merely simpting to prove ging opposition." (though they powe malblancy Ke Davis, ska man jorn

their loyalty to Mao Tse-tung and to demonstrate support for Usa Cultural Revolution launched

ja Chins a year ago.

Peking earns more than $100- million in foreign exchange A year from a direct trade with Hong Kong and up to $300- million ruore from business en terprises here, together with banking, shipping and remit tances from overseas Clunese wbo transfer their money through the colony.

Specialists in Chinese affairs believe that, as long as soul pragmatism prevails in Peking. it is unlikely to want to foment eronomie unrest here, and they de not think it would encour Age local Communists to carry their agitation to the point of

no return.

N LA

June 2, 1915, is amandunte of Jess College, Cambridge, he joined the colonial service A cadet In the British Solomon Islands protectorate in 1938, Transferred to Bijl before Uie Japanese occupied the Solemoss during the war, he returned to Guadalcanal th the United States First Marines Division as a mem her of the Solomons Island defense force. This was the same group that later rescued John F. Kennedy after the sinking of his P.T, boat.

Sir David does not remmd- nisce freely about his experi- ences behind the Japanese lines, but a former British

officer "we don't give chaps the Army

commented:

Military Cross for pollthing

their boots."

Sir David, who speaks - 1961'SI AVM'Avroudly of his lifetime hon

Vörny" membership is the

· First Marina Division, has another permanent associa" !tion with the United States. In Tonga during the war, The met and married an Army nurse from Minnesobs named Margaret Gould. They have one daughter.

Sir David who is 6 font 2, took up golf after he was Appointed Ïigh Compilasloner

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Cots to the Elliott 14K

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The Center Co

THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, MAY 15, 1967

(RTD)

HONG KONG LIFTS Imperturbable Governors

3-NIGHT CURFEW

Minor Incidents Mar Quiet

at Scene of Rioting

Special to The New York Times

David Clive Crosbie Trench

Special to The New York Times ONG KONG, May 14-

HONG

When the Executive Coun-

cil of this British Crown Col- ony was summoned the other HONG KONG, May 14- day to discuss the recent riot- Hong Kong was quiet tonight ing, which has been accom- after three days of disorder in panied by strident Commu- which mobs clashed with the nist-press attacks on the Brit- police, burned cars and dam-ish authorities, members of these advisers appointed to aged property.

There were only a few minor incidents during the day and no repetition of serious clashes, after nightfall. For the first time in three nights no curfew was imposed on the area where the rioting has taken place.

The Communist press has been strongly denouncing the Government in connection with the rioting, which arose out of a labor dispute involving a leftist union.

The Peking-oriented Hong of Trade Kong Federation Unions has issued a number of

demands that have been deliv- ered to the Governor, Sir David Trench.

They call on the Government to release 300 arrested people, punish those responsible for "sanguinary suppression" and make an apology. It is under- stood that the Government does not propose to accept these demands.

Throughout the riots, the Government was confident that

it could restore order with the security forces at its disposal, but it has been concerned about, whether Communists here are acting on their own initiative or with some broader goal in view at Peking's instigation.

No Word From Peking So far there has been no of

Dalring

Man

in the

News

assist the Gover- nor were tense and preoccupied. The Governor, Sir David Clive Cros- bie Trench, bade them welcome and relieved tension when he asked with a slight smile: "Well, what's the first order of business to- day?"

Sir David, who was awarded the British Military Cross and the United States Legion of Merit for his exploits behind Japanese lines in the Solomon Islands during World War II. is not a man easily unsettled.

"He is the most unflappable person it has been my priv ilege to work with," said a senior Government official.

Day to day decisions fall ultimately on Sir David, rep resentative of the Queen and of the Commonwealth Of- fice (Dependent Territories Division), formerly the Co- lonial Office. He governs an area of about 400 square miles, only about 12 square miles of which is densely pop- ulated, and about four million people, only 2 per cent of whom are not Chinese.

Will Not Compromise Under Sir David's direction, the Hong Kong police have moved quickly and effectively to deal with the rioters, and the Government has indicated that it will not compromise

on the question of maintain- Orling law and order. There will

Camera Press-Pix

Little time for golf now

for the Western Pacific in 1961. At 51, he still plays when he can take a weekend off, but he has not had much opportunity to have a game recently.

The present crisis has come after a nose operation that kept him in hospital mora than a week at the beginring of this month.

A golfing companion re- marked: "When we see Sir David back at the Gold Club Bar again rolling dice for drinks, we'll know that ev- erything is back to normal."

ܒj

not propose to accept these demands.

Throughout the riots, the Government was confident that it could restore order with the security forces at its disposal, but it has been concerned about whether Communists here are acting on their own initiative or with some broader goal in view at Peking's instigation,

miles, only about 12 square miles of which is densely pop- ulated, and about four million People, only 2 per cent of

whom are not Chinese,

Will Not Compromise Under Sir David's direction, the Hong Kong police have moved quickly and effectively to deal with the rioters, and the Government has indicated No Word From Peking

that it will not compromise So far there has been no of-| on the question of maintain- ficial reaction from Palting or ing law and order. There will any report on the riots in the be no capitulation to Com- mainland press, althougit Communist agitation here, it has munist papers in Hong Kong been authoritatively stated. have been devoting almost their] entire issues to reports of what they have described as the "fas- cist violence" of the police in making arrests.

In a departure from its practice of not attacking a Governor by name, the Com- munist press has responded by denouncing Sir David as the "chief criminal" respon- sible for the "suppression" of law-breakers.

Despite such denunciations, the Chinese here appear to re- spect and like him.

However, North Victrain's of ficial paper, Nhan Dan. today described the police action as "insolent provocation against people throughout China." It said the British authorities had not only repressed workers pro-

They tell with some affec- testing against employers but tion the story about Sir also children.

David when he was a junior The Government's "colonial-official in Hong Kong some ist act brazenly trampled upon years ago. Death and misfor- the interests of the Chinese peo- tune had come to the people ple in Hong Kong," the paper previously living in the house said, and its hostile attitude into which he had moved. The toward them is associated with Chinese take such matters the turning of Hong Kong into seriously, and say a place has a base "in the service of the

good or bad "fung shui" United States aggressive war in which literally means "wind Vietnam." Chinese Communists and water." Chinese friends have also charged that Hong told Sir David that the "fung Cong is being used as a base shui" at his house was bad for American troops in Vietnam. Sir David moved and has

Some reaction is expected since prospered. ultimately from Peking, which often takes several days to comment on events abroad. Of- ficials here hope it will provide some clue to Peking's long range intentions. P. L. 2d add

Some officials here believe that local Communists are merely attempting to prove through their new militancy their loyalty to Mao Tse-turg and to demonstrate support for the Cultural Revolution launched

in China a year ago.

When he returned to Hong Kong as Governor

1964, a newspaper columni wrote: "You are still remembered in Hong Kong for your ability to cut through red tape, to take the right decision briskly and to stand by that deci- sion in the face of pettifog- ging opposition."

Sir David, who was bom June 2, 1915, is aliuate of Jesus College, Cambridge, he joined the colonial service

　　　　　　　　　　as a cadet in the British Peking earns more than $400- Solomon Islands protectorate million in foreign exchange a in 1938. Transferred to Fiji year from its direct trade with before the Japanese occupied Hong Kong and up to $300- the Solomons during the war, million more from business en- he returned to Guadalcanal terprises here, together with iwth the United States First banking, shipping and remit- Marines Division as a mem- tances from overseas Chinese] ber of the Solomons Island who transfer their money through the colony.

Specialists in Chinese affairs believe that, as long as some pragmatism prevails in Peking, it is unlikely to want to foment economic unrest here, and they do not think it would encour age local Communists to carry their agitation to the point of no return.

defense force. This was the same group that later rescued John F. Kennedy after the sinking of his P.T. boat.

Sir David does not remi-

nisce freely about his expert. ences behind the Japanese lines, but a former British Army officer commented: "We don't give chaps the Military Cross for polishing

their boots."

Sir David. who speaks proudly of his lifetime hon-

- 1961'SI AVW Vorary membership in

- First Marine Division, has another permanent associa- tion with the United States.. In Tonga during the war, he met and married an Army nurse from Minnesota named Margaret Gould. They have one daughter.

Sir David who is 6 foot 2, took up golf after he was appointed High Commissioner

kept him in hospital moru than a week at the beginring of this month.

A golfing companion re- marked: "When we see Sir David back at the Gold Club Bar again ing dice for drinks, we'll know that ev- erything is back to normal."

En clair

PRIORITY No. 626

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 18 May, 1967. R. 18 "

00452

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

Peking No. 237 and

饮 POLAD Singapore No.104.

(74)

My telegram No. 624 refers.

There were a number of incidents during the late

afternoon and evening (17th) in the curfew area of West Central Kowloon in which crowds stoned various buildings including hotels, banks and several Government offices in the Nathan Road area and were successfully dispersed by police using gas shells and wooden projectiles. Several small fires started by rioters were successfully extinguished, Some damage done to traffic lights and road signs etc. The situation appeared to have been exploited by known criminal elements who were encouraging crowds of hooligans in a manner which makes clashes with the police inevitable.

　　　　Because of regrouping of crowds outside curfew zone, the zone was extended at midnight to include Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tong, Shek Kip Mei and Lai Chi Kok - that is, North West Kowloon. By 10.30 pm- the situation in West Central Kowloon was mainly quiet and in the extended curfew zone activity was confined to scattered and comparatively minor incidents. By 01.00 hrs. (18th) peace had returned to the curfew areas and all but twe police companies had returned to base. The curfew was 17ted at 04.00 hrs. arrested betwee.. 08.00 on 17 May and Four policemen slightly injured, no prisoner casualties, two civilians injured, both hospitalised. and 125 wooden projectiles fired.

Total number of persons 06.00 18 May is 131.

203 gas shells

　　　　Twelve Kowloon selle vls in vicinity of the Magistracy where the disturbances recommended will remain closed today.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　be opened, All other schools in Kowlo

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INWARD TELEGRAM

NO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Information Officer)

18 May, 1967.

En clair

R. 18

0603Z

MAY

75)

Hong Kong Situation for Information.

Throughout whole of this morning peace and quiet prevailed in Kowloon. 111 people arrested during night and charged variously with unlawful assembly, common assault, intimidation, disorderly conduct appeared in Kowloon courts this morning but there were no demonstrations. Most fires set by rampaging mobs of hooligans during night were of minor nature, predominantly rubbish fires in middle of roadways. Fire Services spokesman said the fires caused only negligible damage to property and there was no concerted effort on part of rioters to set fire to properties. An orderly group of about 300 Leftists demonstrated, singing Communist songs and chanting slogans outside Government House at eleven o'clock. About 30 posters posted on Government House gateway entrance.

For Boxall above copied.

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(76

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LATION

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

MAY

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* M

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D. 18 May, 1967.

+1 18

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IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL No. 627.

Addressed to Tokyo No. 25. (Please pass

IMMEDIATE).

Repeated " Commonwealth Office.

Tel 938

(61)

Your telegram No. 44.

We shall certainly try to give you the warning asked for in paragraph 2.

2. On paragraph 1 the line you are taking seems at present the right one.

(Passed to D.S.A.0. for retransmission to Tokyo)

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PRIORITY PEKING

Telno 509

FOREIGN OFFICE

18 May 1967

(77)

UNCLASSIFIED

　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 509 of 18 May 2 Repeated for information to Washington, Moscow, Hong Kong and POLAD Singapore.

　Peoples' Daily of 18 May continues to report anti-Britian demonstrations in Canton, Macao and Peking, where total mumber of demonstrators over last 3 days is claimed to be one million. There are also reports of the setting up in liong Kong of a stripple committee to oppose persecution by British Authorities au of Court hearings on 15 and 16 May.

　Same paper carries NCNA item of 17 May alleging that situation in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate because British atrocities are unrepentantly aggravating things. "You rashly escalate persecutions, but we are also prepared to struggle with you to the end in any place".

Mr. Hopson

Sent 0730 18 May Recd 09312 18 May

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PRIORITY BANGKOK TO FOREIGN OFFICE

dlno. 267

RESTRICTED

18 May 1967

　　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 267 of 18 May Repeated for information to POLAD Singapore and Hong Kong.

　　There is of course great local interest in developments in Hong Kong and early guidance would be appreciated. Among the questions that Thais are asking are:

(a) what answers we shall return to the Chinese demands;

(b)

(c)

(a)

what consequences do we anticipate if these are refused (as they expect them to be);

whether the riots were supported from Peking from the outset;

in general what do we think are Chinese motives and aims.

F.0. pass Hong Kong 47.

Sir H. Rumbold

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NO.

912

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PRIORITY HANOI

ΤΟ

330

Telno 330

FOREIGN OFFICE

18 May 1967

LASSIFIED

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 330 of 18 May, Repeated for information to Hong Kong, Peking, Saigon, Washington.

Following is text of M.F.A. statement issued on 18 May.

Begins:

Recently employers of Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works groundlessly closed branch of works and ordered massive dismissal of workers; to defend their legitimate interests Chinese workers in Hong Kong held demonstrations to protest against these brutal acts of employers at Artificial Flower Works.

3. British Authorities in Hong Kong sent out more than one thousand soldiers and fully armed police for savage repression of Chinese workers and other people in Hong Kong, arrested more than 400 people, wounded about 100 others and killed one youth. This fascist act trampled upon interests of Chinese Nationals in Hong Kon, and con- stituted an insolent challenge to Chinese people as a whole:

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　it gave expression to British Government's policy of colluding with Uni ted States in opposing Chinese people and is related to the fact that British Government is letting United States use liong Kong as base serving war of aggression in Viet Nam

4. The Government of Democratic Republic of Viet Nam fully supports correct stand of Chinese Government expounded in statement issued on 15 May, 1967 by Foreign Ministry of Chinese Peoples Republic.

5. The Government of Democratic Republic of Viet Nam resolutely demands that British Government stop at once its persecution of Chinese workers and other Chinese Nationals in Hong Kong, release those still detained, make excuse and compensate workers for losses caused to them, severely punish those responsible and take effective measures to ensure legitimate interests of workers and prevent recurrence of similar acts in future.

6. Article in Army Peoples' Daily of 17 May included following: Vietnamese and Chinese peoples are brotiers and close comrades-in- arms in their struggle against United States aggression for national salvation. Vietnamese people have always been enjoying deep sympathy and strong support from Chinese people including Chinese workers and in particular Chinese seamen in Hong Kong.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　The Vietnamese Army and people are greatly indignant at British Authorities acts of repression against the just struggle of Chinese workers in Hong Kong.

Ends.

Mr. Colvin

Sent 0415 18 May

Recd 1129Z 18 May

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Cypher

D. 18 May 1967

R. 18

11502

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RECEIVED IN

S No. 53

16 mafizur

IMMEDIATE SECRET

No.632

Repeated

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Peking No.238

"Singapore No.106

Washington No.120

(S. of S. please pass to all)

My telegram No.626.74

SITREP as at 18 1700.

During the night of 17/18 May up to

1700 hours today on the Kowloon side the re

HWAD

have been sporadic small scale disturbances none of which have demanded major police intervention. It has not so far been thought necessary to impose a curfew.

The All Circles delegation which called at Government House on 17th returned today demanding peremptorily to see me. My offer to arrange for them to see the D.C.s at the Colonial Secretariat was refused in rude terms. After a period of chanting and singing, during which posters were fixed on the sentry box and outer gate of Government House, the delegation and its accompanying crowd eventually withdrew still singing. There have been several other delegations with petitions all equally arrogant, noisy and demanding, though at this stage still disciplined and avoiding violence. The pressure is now being switched on to me personally and we can expect this to continue with the additional problem that it is spreading disorder on to the island which has hitherto been mainly

24 Peaceful.

वेश

Left-wing sources have seized on a report that Lord Shackleton has announced that H.M.G. is prepared to suspend the state of emergency in Aden and release detainees in return for co-operation from Opposition political parties. Two sources have asked why we are standing firm on the question of upholding the law here when we are prepared Lo suspend it to suit political ends elsewhere. the case have been explained to them but we should be grateful to be kept informed of developments.

。

The facts of

There have been fairly heavy withdrawals of bank deposits which appear to have affected the communist banks in as great or greater measure as others.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Bank note issue has been increased by £8 million ((HK)136 million) since 15th May: the total circulation was (HK)1,751 million at 30 April 1967, Remaining reserves of notes in Colony stand

SECRET

/at

SECRET

at about (HK)400 million. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank is arranging for further (HK)400 million to be flown to Colony. U.S. dollars T.T. price on the local free market has risen to $5.81 as compared with 25.73 on 1st May; the price of gold has risen to $275 (8263 on 1 May).

(Passed as requested and advance copies to

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11402

REL

MAY 1967

}}

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PRIORITY RESTRICTED No. 635.

Addressed to Saigon No. 51. (S. of S. please

pass).

Your telegram No. 90.

In view of the current disturbances in

Hong Kong grateful if you would emphasise the need for Korean and South Vietnamese forces personnel visiting the Colony to wear civilian clothes.

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CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

18 May, 1967.

Cypher

18 11

15452

↓

PARC!

ниет

EN IN

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 638.

Addressed to S. of S.

Repeated PRIORITY to High Commissioner Canberra

No. 32. Ottawa No. 1325.

"Washington No. 121.

ROUTINE

"Peking No. 239.

"P.A. Singapore No. 107. (S. of S.

please pass all).

Your telegram No. 944.

Kowloon Disturbances.

기

An essential need in the external field seems to be to make the Chinese count the cost of violent action in or against Hong Kong.

　　　　The Hong Kong press today prints a report that as a result of the present situation the Canadian and Australian Governments are at your request reconsidering their wheat deals. Is there any truth in this, and is there any indication of what the Canadian and Australian intentions at present are?

　3. I should also be grateful if I could be informed whether any. discussions on the situation here have taken place with the U.S. Government and if so what their views are.

(Passed as requested)

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Mr. de la Mare)

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D. 18 May 1967 R. 18 TI

1600Z

| HUA

HAY

1967

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated

Washington No.122

"Peking No.240

"POLAD Singapore No.108 (C.0. please pass to all)

Your telegram No.944.

Kowloon Disturbances.

(11)

The belief is growing here that one of the aims in the Chinese campaign against Hong Kong, (if there is any aim beyond a desire to humiliate), may be to force us to take some major anti-American gesture, e.g. by reducing the use of Hong Kong by U.S. servicemen for rest and recreation.

As far as the short-term problem is concerned, I adhere to the view expressed in my telegram No.604 that though Zu we ought for the moment to think carefully before agreeing to the entrance of large American ships, which would be regarded as unduly provocative, we should let visits by smaller ships continue. Any sign that we had cut out these visits altogether might depress local non-Communists and encourage the Chinese to demand formally that the visits should end altogether.

3. Should such a demand be made as part of some settlement, I take it that you would see difficulties in suggesting to the Americans that we should fall in with it; but I would be grateful for your views.

4. A further problem relates to the two daily flights to Hong Kong of servicemen on rest and recreation from Vietnam. They have occasioned far less criticism than naval visits in the past. However, there are obvious risks in having 1,000 U.S. servicemen at present billeted in Kowloon, especially if there are curfews. We have discussed the problem with the U.S. Consulate General. Their response has been that a complete cessation of these visits would inevitably become known to the public and cause alarm and despondency, i.e. as a sign that the U.S. was in some way dissociating itself from the present situation in the Colony. They propose instead that the current programme be revised to ensure that servicemen arrive only in the hours of daylight; this would probably imply a reduction in the programme of about 50%, but the risks of the change becoming known would in their view be relatively small.

inclined to agree with this, but would welcome your views.

기

SECRET

I am

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Your telegram No. 6.

　　At present it would probably be right to say that the disturbances have been very localised and that visitors with real interests in Hong Kong would not be running a disproportionate risk in coming here.

2. There has been trouble in Kowloon Tong, but the situation there has been quiet now for two days.

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YOUR TELEGRAM NUMBER 267: SITUATION IN HONG KONG.

YOU WILL BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED THE J.I.C. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON HONG KONG AND A GUIDANCE TELEGRAM, WE HOPE THAT THESE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH SUFFICIENT MATERIAL.

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957

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FROM HONG KONG (Information Services)

D. 19 May, 1967.

R. 19

0335Z

1HWA 1/1

191000 Standard Editorial.

For information.

"Hong Kong Standard" in editorial headed

"Mobs and the People" said today (Friday):- "Playing a leading role in disturbances in Kowloon are young stone-throwing and car-burning hooligans at forefront of mobe and agitators inciting them from rear.

Their law-breaking activities are however being given support by large numbers of people who are neither ruffians nor criminals and who in ordinary course of life are law-abiding members of community.

　　　It is to be presumed that these people are taking part in mob action because of resentment against authority.

　　　As in 1966 riot many appear to take satisfaction in making some gesture of defiance - by ignoring appeals to disperse or by throwing a single stone in general direction of police.

What they

These people may have genuine grievances. have failed to realise however is that it is one thing to seek to bring about improvements in a faulty system, it is quite another to strike at the foundations on which the system is based.

If power of Police to preserve law and order is destroyed all people of Hong Kong - rich and poor alike will suffer grievously.

Most people in Hong Kong are aware of this but unfortunately minority which has not (repeat not) yet appreciated this point is large enough to have provided. trouble-makers with enough crowd backing to achieve their ends.

It is to be hoped that these people will come to realise that they are inviting disaster by giving encouragement and support to rioters and that this awakening process will be hastened as much as possible by all organisations that have the public ear.

　　　Only lawless will benefit if structure of law and order is seriously damaged.

ровь

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D. 19 May, 1967. R. 19

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 645.

07202

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

Canberra No. 33,

Ottawa No. M327,

Peking No. 241 and

19:

180

HUDI/N

HUB.

1932

MAY 1980

I-

يانا

Washington No.123,

POLAD Singapore No. 109

(Commonwealth Office please pass IMMEDIATE

to Canberra and Routine to others).

My telegram No. 638.-

182

　The Australian Trade Commissioner has informed us in strict confidence that the Australian Wheat Trade Delegation is now in Hong Kong negotiating with the China Resources Company for the sale forward over the next six months of something over one million tons of wheat.

　Negotiations that took place here between 17 and 30 April were deadlocked, primarily because the Chinese offered 1 a ton less than the Australian price. The Wheat Board representatives returned here on 18 May from Japan and got in touch with China Resources after considerable difficulty. They started negotiations this morning however, and, though they were subjected to a lengthy tirade about the iniquities of Hong Kong, their view is now that the Chinese appear genuinely anxious to buy.

Negotiations continue tomorrow. has promised to keep us informed.

(Passed as requested)

The Trade Commissioner

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Telno 522 19 May 1967

UNCLASIFIED

　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 522 of 9 May Repeated for information to Hong Kong, PULAD Singapore, Washington And Saving to Shanghai

My telegram No. 510.

　　'People's Daily' of 19 May reports the televised rally on 18 May, attended by 100,000 people, to "angrily censure Fascist atrocities of Hong Kong Eritish authorities in their bloody suppression of Hong Kong compatriots".

Following is summary of Hsieh Fu-chih's speech.

　　2. From 6 May onwards Hong Kong British authorities have mobilised large numbers of army and police thugs who carried out armed suppression and persecution of Hong Kong Chinese workers, youths, students, journalists and residents. Up to morning of 14 May over 400 people had been arrested and over 100 had been sentenced to prison for no reason. Yesterday (17 May) Hong Kong authorities mobilised 6 companies of police to suppress several thousand Kowloon compatriots. These Fascist atrocities are a

new blood debt to the Chinese people.

3. We firmly support the Foreign Ministry statement of 15 May and will carry on the struggle against British imperialist Fascist persecution to the end. Present activities are part of British imperialist collusion with United States imperialists and Chiang Kai-shek bandits. Hong Kong authorities "sed Chiang Kai-shek agents and black society elements to suppress our compatriots. Chiang newspapers boasted that Chiang agents were "assisting" the Hong

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Authorities have protected Kong authorities in opposing the workers. Chiang elements who have carried out propaganda attacks and slander against Socialist system. They have allowed Chiang agents to use Hong Kong to infiltrate the Chinese mainland for sabotage. Chiang elements have also carried out "two China" activities in Hong Kong. In addition the United States imperialists have been allowed to set up factories for war materials in their aggression against Viet Nam. The United States has been permitted to establish a huge Intelligence and Secret Service network in Hong Kong.

/. Hong Kong

LAST

Peking telegram No. 522 to Foreign Office

..2.

4. Hong Kong authorities have attempted to limit the effe of the cultural revolution in Hong Kong. They have carried out* military and police exercises hostile to China. They have prevented the carrying of Mao quotations and imprisoned and beaten people who carried them. All attempts to prevent Hong Kong people from studying Mao will fail.

Chiang

5. Not only have the Hong Kong British authorities failed to apologise or immedi" tely accept all the serious demands put forward in our Government statement but on the contrary they have mobilised troops and police, colluded with United States agents and have prepared to carry out even larger scale persecutions. They are using policies of carrot and stick, intimidation and deception, splitting and subversion to suppress the just struggle of our compatriots. They have even openly said that China is occupied with the cultural revolution and has no time to pay attention to the struggle of her compatriots. They have miscalculated. "You must frankly accept the blame before the whole of Chinese residents in Hong Kong and come clean, otherwise you must bear all the serious consequences".

6. Report says that over last three days one million people have demonstrated outside British office.

Mr. Hopson

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PRIORITY

R. 19 it

SECRET

No.649

189

AWB1/17

Orijued a FP7/200/1

Banking Situation.

Further to paragraph 4 of my telegram No.632.

3. Since yesterday withdrawals have continued but not too excessively except at Sheung Shiu (N.T.) branch of Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation which experienced a run due to deliberate rumours that bank was running out of cash and invasion scare. Story was played up by a Left-wing evening newspaper and repeated this morning by other Left-wing papers but not by majority of other papers. Statement issued over radio at midday to effect that rumours were unfounded appears to have had calming effect though withdrawals are continuing but at a slightly reduced rate. Bank note issue has been expanded by a further £7 million since yesterday. All banks are orderly and since this morning there have been no queues. U.S. dollars T.T. price has risen further to dollars 5.94 and gold to dollars 280 per tael.

4. Unissued reserves of notes in the Colony amount to about dollars 300 million and another dollars 400 million will be arriving over the weekend. This will leave a reserve in the U.K. of about dollars 450 million.

5. If the situation deteriorates further however we might wish to make Bank of England notes legal tender as was done in February 1965 and I should be grateful if the Bank could be forewarned of the possibility that they may be asked to supply us with sterling notes for use in Hong Kong. I consider this possibility remote at present but situation could change.

　Legislation to limit the amounts of payments in cash from the banks has been drafted and is being kept in readiness but present indications are that it is unlikely to be needed.

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1967

RECEIVED IN ARCHI 11 63

IMMEDIATE

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No.650

Repeated

Addressed to Commonweal th Office

"Peking No. 243

"POLAD Singapore No.110 "Washington No.125

(S. of S. please pass to all)

My telegram No.632.

SITREP as at 19/1900 hours.

Confrontation with the Left-wing.

They

1/2

As expected the pressure today has again been on Government House. Throughout the day, starting at about 1000 hours until 1700 hours, with short break at lunch time, groups from a wide range of Left-wing organisations including publishing circles, bankers, trade unions and particularly schools, have demonstrated outside Government House. formed up in the area of the Bank of China, marched in orderly, well-disciplined form up Garden Road to Government House where they chanted, sang the Thoughts of Mao and acted in an arrogant and noisy manner. Posters were again plastered on the walls and gates of Government House, but today they were more violent in nature, some exhorting the public to "beat up the British and foreigners". The demonstrators then marched off again, back to the Central District area, still in orderly well-disciplined form, chanting and singing the while: they dispersed in the area of the Bank of China. No petitions were presented.

2. It is estimated that during the day some 2,000 to 3,000 demonstrators were involved, but that at no one time were there more than 1,000 outside Government House. It is difficult to assess the effect which the se demonstrations had on the local population: there was the expected normal Chinese curiosity and interest in such proceedings; some openly thought it a bit of a joke although naturally others were concerned. Particularly as to what might happen next.

3. A reliable source reports that the Left-wing emphasis is now on propaganda. Clearly the recent heartening gestures of support for and confidence in the Government and in particular the Police has caused the Left-wing concern, hence the importance now placed on the battle for hearts and minds.

80 101

SECRET

рад

140

SECRET

At the

So long as the Left-wing demonstrators continue to be well controlled and orderly (apart from singing and abuse I intend to try letting them develop their full demonstratí against my gates, and let them see where it gets them. worst, it is confining the trouble to one spot. The risk is, of course, that the public at large will misunderstand the policy and think it one of excessive weakness. We are trying to counter this by discreet suitable publicity.

5. The position in Kowloon remained quiet. Cases against people involved in recent riots continued to be heard at both North and South Kowloon Courts. There were some crowds outside

the courts but on the whole they remained orderly.

6. I am taking my family to Fanling Lodge this weekend, on advice that my absence may damp down weekend demonstrations and because as much normality as possible is desirable. I shall be remaining quite well in touch and can get back into town very quickly, by helicopter if necessary.

(Passed as requested)

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TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Press)

D. 19 May 1967 R. 19 tr

1500Z

RECEIVED IN ADIN 63. 22 MAY/5/

(91)

HWA 1/17

　　Life throughout the Colony has remained peaceful for the second day running and no (repeat no) violent incidents have occurred. Left-wing organisations have continued to send groups to the gates of Government House to chant slogans and paste-up anti-British posters but they have otherwise behaved in an orderly fashion. A crowd of about five hundred people began to gather outside Government House shortly after half past two this afternoon.

The crowd later increased to some two thousand five hundred and there was another crowd of six hundred in the slip road east of Government House, singing and shouting.

on.

The crowd started to leave the scene as the day went

　　Shortly after five, it was reported that the crowd outside Government House had completely dispersed.

A crowd of workers gathered outside the Green Island

Cement Works, but the situation is quiet.

　　Another meeting took place in the Labour Department this morning between the management of the Hong Kong Artificial Flowers Factory and the hundred workers of the factory who presented a petition to the Department on Tuesday.

future.

It was agreed to hold further meetings in the near

Meanwhile more public organisations have expressed their support of the Government in its efforts to maintain peace.

A group of leading citizens representing some two hundred thousand residents and landlords of multi-storey building, met Mr. Sutcliffe, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, this afternoon and handed him a letter supporting Police efforts in the current disturbances.

The leader of the delegation said that residents of multi-storey building were very much disturbed by the unfortunate disturbances in Kowloon.

　　　The Director of Education today reminded school certificate candidates and invigilators for four centres that they should all report to King George The Fifth School at Mission Road to take the papers scheduled for tomorrow,

The school certificate examinations in all other centres will be held as scheduled.

DAD

/A11

All other schools which normally have Saturday

morning classes will be open as usual tomorrow.

Today the China Mail published the following editorial: Hong Kong's people have left no doubt about whe they stand in this current unrest. They have rallied to the support of the Government in a manner that has surprised every-

one.

This is unusual in a city that is normally rather apathetic in voicing its collective opinion. It is for this reason that the Government places so much importance on this support.

The Governor, Sir David Trench, has received petitions or representation from almost eight hundred thousand people supporting the Government's firm stand for law and order.

There will no doubt be many more.

　　　Compare this to the ten or twelve delegations from pro-Communist Organisations which have been visiting Government House. Many of these delegations contain the same faces over and over.

It is too early to predict victory but we can tell those "voices of doom" to pipe down. Hong Kong is too tough to let a few rabble rousers do permanent damage.

　　　Just look at the plan already organised to reward Hong Kong policemen for their heroic behaviour and struggle on behalf of our people announced this morning. The policemen's educational fund is mushrooming with support coming from ordinary workers as well as big business.

Hong Kong is bouncing back.

For Boxall above copied.

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MOSCOW TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Te no 833 19 May, 1967

RESTRICTED

Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 833 of 19 May.

Repeated for information to:

Peking

Washington

Hong Kong

POLAD Singapore.

192

Peking telegrams Nos. 85 and 86 [sic].

There has so far been no mention in the Soviet Central Press of the disturbances in Hong Kong and the anti-British demonstrations

in China.

Foreign Office pass Peking No. 29, Washington No. 61,

Hong Kong No. 12 and POLAD Singapore No. 14.

Sir G. Harrison

[Repeated as requested].

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SENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

TELEGRAM NO.

976

SECRET

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COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO CANBERRA

FLASH

TELNO 1105

SECRET.

19 MAY 1967 (HWB F.E. & P.D.)

ADDRESSED TO CANBERRA TELEGRAM NO.1105 OF 19 MAY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG OTTAWA WASHINGTON PEKING AND POLAD

SINGAPORE.

$2 8

10A3/1

1/12

HONG KONG TELEGRAMS NOS.638, 645 AND 647: KOWLOON DISTURBANCES.

PLEASE TAKE VERY URGENTLY THE INIATIVE SUGGESTED BY GOVERNOR, HONG KONG. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION HERE (PARAGRAPH 2 OF HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO.638) WITH EITHER THE AUSTRALIANS OR THE CANADIANS.

2. IT SHOULD BE EMPHASISED TO THE AUSTRALIANS THAT WE ARE NOT IN ANY WAY TRYING TO FRUSTRATE THE DEAL, BUT ONLY ASKING THEM TO GO SLOW IN CONCLUDING IT. PLEASE EMPHASISE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE WE ATTACH TO THIS. IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF THEY WOULD INSTRUCT THEIR DELEGATION IN HONG KONG TO KEEP IN CLOSEST TOUCH WITH THE

GOVERNOR REGARDING THE TIMING OF THE DEAL.

3. THE SHORT POINT IS THAT IF DEAL GOES THROUGH NOW CHINESE WILL

CONCLUDE THAT IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL IN SPITE OF THEIR BEASTLINESS, WHEREAS IF IT IS HELD UP THEY MAY THINK AGAIN. YOU COULD ADD THAT WE KNOW THE GREAT IMPORTANCE THE AUSTRALIANS ATTACH

TO THE STABILITY OF THE AREA. WE WOULD THEREFORE HOPE THAT THEY

WOULD FEEL ABLE TO DO WHATEVER THEY COULD TO ASSIST US TO MAINTAIN OUR POSITION IN HONG KONG.

CROSEC SENT 17372 19 MAY

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NO.

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193

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IMMEDIATE WASHINGTON

TELEGRAM NO. 1681

SECRET

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

19 MAY 1967

SECRET.

ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM NO. 1681 OF 19 MAY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION IMMEDIATE TO CANBERRA AND HONG KONG.

HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 647 TO C.R.O.: AUSTRALIAN WHEAT SALES

• TO CHINA.

HWA D/N.

WE HAVE LEARNT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY, WITHOUT REVEALING THE INFORMATION IN HONG KONG TELEGRAM UNDER REFERENCE, THAT AS A RESULT OF AN ENQUIRY FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF HOLDING UP THE AUSTRALIAN WHEAT DEAL, THE AUSTRALIANS HERE ASKED FOR GUIDANCE FROM CANBERRA AND WERE TOLD VERY FIRMLY (WE DO NOT KNOW BY WHAT DEPARTMENT) THAT THE PROPOSED DEAL WAS A PURELY COMMERCIAL MATTER CONDUCTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN WHEAT BOARD AND THAT GOVERNMENTAL INTERVENTION COULD RAISE THE QUESTION OF COMMERCIAL CONFIDENCE. THE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY COMMENTED THAT THIS REPLY HAD PROBABLY BEEN SENT BEFORE THE OFFICIALS CONCERNED OR THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS HAD FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF WHAT WAS NOW TAKING PLACE IN HONG KONG. THE EMBASSY HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE SIZE OF THE DEAL IS IN THE ORDER OF TWO MILLION TONS,

F O PASS IMMEDIATE CANBERRA 23 HONG KONG 69.

SIR P. DEAN

SENT AT 19/1755Z RECD AT 19/1755Z

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED].

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NO.

974

RECEIVED IN

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2 3AFK Iyo/

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IMMEDIATE OTTAWA

TELEGRAM NO. 656

SECRET

TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

19 MAY 1967

ADDSD TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TELEGRAM NO. 656 OF 19 MAY RFI HONG KONG CANBERRA WASHINGTON PEKING AND POLAD SINGAPORE.

YOUR TELEGRAM 1464.

KOWLOON DISTURBANCES.

IN VIEW OF IMPENDING LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND HERE WE ASKED DEA IF THERE WAS ANYTHING IN REPORT THAT CANADIANS WERE RECONSIDERING THEIR WHEAT DEALS (HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO.638 TO CO). THEY SAID THERE WAS NO REPT NO FOUNDATION FOR REPORT.

(82)

2. OUR OWN VIEW IS THAT CANADIANS WOULD CERTAINLY CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM US FOR A GESTURE OF SOLIDARITY, BUT FOLLOWING CONSIDERATIONS SEEM RELEVANT :-

(A)

　　THERE ARE NO CHINESE/CANADIAN DISCUSSIONS GOING ON AT PRESENT, UNDERSTAND TRADITIONAL PATTERN IS THAT CHINESE TURN TO CANADA AFTER THEY HAVE TALKED WITH AUSTRALIA:

(B) ANY GESTURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DELAY THEY COULD MAKE WOULD PROBABLY NOT SHOW EFFECT FOR SOME TIME:

UNDERSTAND QUESTION OF FOOD SUPPLIES DID NOT ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH PAST DIFFICULTIES WITH CHINA, E.G. DURING THEIR ATTACK ON INDIA: (D) THEY WOULD WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE WERE DOING ABOUT OUR TRADE AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS IN CHINA:

(E) MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON OUR ASSESSMENT OF SERIOUSNESS OF THREAT TO FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

CO PASS HONG KONG M101 CANBERRA 3 PEKING M102 POLAD SINGAPORE M103.

SIR H LINTOTT

SENT AT 1940/19 MAY 1967

RECD AT 1941/19 MAY 1967

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

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NIPS 196

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(Date)

19 May, 1967.

Despatched

Secret

Res Mirand

Wifthsfied

"Eimer City, Immediateli

1920012 BAL Passed OSAO for afte

1922112

IMMEDIATE

As for

H.K. tel.

626

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

[

Security classification

SECRET

Gods Cypher

[Codeword-if any】

Draft Telegram 10:-

Addressed to

GOVERNOR, HONG KONG

HK 380

GOVERNOR, HONG

telegram No.

967.

(date) ...

No...

And to...

Immediate

(Date)

And to:-

964ONG

Repeat to: (1) PEKING

(2) POLAD,

Singapore

(3) WASHINGTON

(ROUTINE)

Saving to:-

Distribution:-

HK wise

(340)

Coples to:-

1200

++/5

repeated for informationto

(1) Peking, (2) POLAD, Singapore,

(3) Washington

(ROUTINE)

Saving to

Following from Garner.

Your tel. No. 641.

Kowloon Disturbances.

I have discussed the latest situation and

your telegram with Commonwealth Secretary. May I

all say at once how concerned we are that attack now

seems to be concentrating on you, and how very

much we admire the calm spirit in which you are

meeting it (your telegram No. 650).

2. We are most grateful for your thoughts on the

longer term problems and entirely agree that they

will need very serious thought,

all

We entirely agree that all these matters both Long Term and immediate

need personal discussion. Of course you cannot

leave your post at present and we recognise the

difficulties in the way of a Ministerial visit.

But we are anxious to arrange talks with you as soon as possible and it has been decided that Galsworthy, Carter and Bolland (F.O.) should fly out tomorrow (20 May) by BOAC flight BA.922 arriving Hong Kong 16.00 hours on Sunday hope this will be convenient to you and they

give you all the hel

p ther

will

CM.

14.

We are sure you will agree with us that it would be desirable to avoid publicity for this official visit, if at all possible. We hope means can be found of avoiding

the Press at airport.

　　　　　　　　　　　　POLAD Singapore (Passed to DSAO for Paking, POLAD Sing

and Washington,

wash and

(83247) (2) 300M 10/05 St.S.

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

SECRET

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Sent 19 May 1967.

2001 Z

IMMEDIATE SECRET

Drafy Bak

No.967

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated IMMEDIATE to Peking

should

196

POLAD Singapore Washington

ROUTINE

Following from Garner.

Your telegram No.641

Kowloon Disturbances.

see 15. ANNEY

I have discussed the latest situation and your telegram with Commonwealth Secretary. May I say at once how concerned we all are that attack now seems to be concentrating en you, and how very much we admire the calm spirit in which you are meeting it (your telegram No-650).

(90)

2. We are most grateful for your thoughts on the longer term problems and entirely agree that they will need very serious thought.

3. We all agree that all these matters both long term and immediate need personal discussion. Of course you cannot leave your post at present and we recognise the difficulties in the way of a Ministerial visit. But we are anxious to arrange talks with you as soon as possible and it has been decided that Galsworthy, Carter and Bolland (F.0,) should fly out tomorrow (20 May) by BOAC flight BA.922 arriving Hong Kong 16.00 hours on Sunday. We hope this will be convenient to you and they will give you all the help they can.

4. We are sure you will agree with us that it would be desirable to avoid publicity for this official visit, if at all possible. We hope means can be found of avoiding the Press at airport.

(Passed to D. S: A:O. for Peking, POLAD Singapore and

Washington)

Distribution H.K. W.I.D. 'C'

THE

InG.D.

''TrÌ¿6, EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Copies le sent to: Cabinet Office - D.I.O, J.I.R.

als

Foreign Office

時

Mr. de la Mare

Mr. Bolland

Mr. Wilson

Mr. Denson

Mr. Foggen

вівто

P.S. to Prime Minister

SECRET

Sab.

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

Far Eastern

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

cret

Confidencial

Cheladfjed

NIPS

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)...

Plast fimmediat Priority

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

reach addressee(s)

Ted. 129742

920702 Tedi

Despatched Hong Kong blades

RECEIVED

2 0 MAY 1967

Fo E.O

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

tyClair.

Aade

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:- Hong Kong

No.

(Date)

And to:-

[Security classification]

-if any

[

Privacy marking -if any

[Codeword-if any].

Addressed to

Aktiv-----

969.

telegram No.....

969.

And to

*ker-----TrekkerkyLEITETSPACERATASTELLATAPPETTATETE-----------------------SETT

Hong Kong

..(date)

FORMAT PRATAMARAN MELETAKPETE

par beking and Singapore

repeated for information/to

　　Saving⋅ Repeat to:-

Peking Singapore

Saving to:-

Washington

HK, WID 'e'

891

Distribution:-

F.E.D.

Aden Dept.

FO.News Dept.

C.0. D.T.D.

RY 1545 Copies to:- 2215

Saving to...

Washington

Your telegram No. 632 paragraph 3:

Lord Shackleton's speech in Aden

M.I.FT. contain the text of relevant

passages from the broadcast made by Lord Shackleton

on 16 May. Many press reports were/slanted to sugg-

est that the release of detainees was to be in

return for co-operation from opposition parties.

Essential differences between situation in Hong

Kong and Aden are:

(a) Offer in Aden s

(bas Connected with

How far

return to conditions of normality

abolition

including suspension of state of

and release of detainees;

emergency

and

(b) In Aden those concerned are detained

without

without trial under emergency

regulations for suspected terrorism.

This is very different from Hong

tow

Kong were those arrested are hooligan

elements charged under the law with

criminal offences, have been

legally tried or will be in the

immediate future.

3. We shall keep you informed

any

Fouack Front

future

which may

developemento which reberent to Hong Kong.

Są

(8430 24,033246 600m 9/66 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.163

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

CONFIDENTIAL

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Sent 19th May, 1967

201 02

PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL

No. 969

Addressed to Governor, Hong Kong,

Repeated to Peking

POLAD Singapore

"Washington

by Savingram

Your telegram No. 632, paragraph 3. 80

Lord Shackleton's speech in Aden.

　My immediately following telegram contains the text of relevant passages from the broadcast made by Lord Shackleton on 16th May. Many press reports were wrongly slanted to suggest that the release of detainees was to be in return for cooperation from opposition parties.

Essential differences between situation in Hong Kong and Aden are:

(a) Offer in Aden was connected with return to

conditions of normality including abolition of state of emergency and release of detainees;

and

(b) in Aden those concerned are detained

without trial under emergency regulations for suspected terrorism. This is very different from Hong Kong where those arrested are hooligan elements charged under the law with criminal offences. They have been legally tried or will be in the immediate future.

3. We shall keep you informed of any future developments which may be relevant to Hong Kong.

Distribution:

H.K. W.I.D. 'C' I.G.D.

Copies also sent to:

Foreign Office

- Aden Department

News Department

CONFIDENTIAL

F.E.D.

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

reach addressee(s)

1920.217.

Hong louiz Holah

2 0 MAY 1967

Registry No.

DEPARTMENT

Far Eastern

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

→Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Restricted

Unclassifad

Miimed late Priority

Routine

PRIORITY MARKINGS

(Date)......

Despatched

-------

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

[Sect

"Security classification"

if any

tion]

En Clair.

[

Privacy marking -if any

]

ник

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Fo.

Cypher

Draft Telegram to:-

Hong Kong

No.

(Date)

And to:-

970

[Codeword-if any].

Addressed to

telegram No...

And to

LLLLL

Hong Kong HK 380 970.(date)

Sowe

Peking and Singapore

repeated for informationta...

Repeat

Peking Singapore

Saving to:-

Washington

A.K, Wife

طع

Distribution:-

F.E.D.

Aden Dept.

News Dept. C.O. D.T.D.

RY 1545 22/51 Copies to:-

Saving to....

Washington

M.I.P.T.

"I would like to issue the strongest appeal

to all parties to come forward and talk. My wish

is that we should be able to fulfill the United

Nations resolutions, for example, those relating

to the state of emergency and the release of

detainees, just as soon as circumstances are favour-

Lable,

able, so that the people of the country may live

in peace once more. But we still have responsibil-

ity and if we are to make this gesture, which would

be an act of faith, we need at least some indication

from those who at present feel they have to use

violence that they will reciprocate.

I should like to say again that if represent-

atives of political groups are prepared to come

/forward

(9430 4333246 600m 9/66 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

forward, we shall wholeheartedly welcome this co-

　　　　operation in our efforts to bring South Arabia to peaceful and prosperous independence."

NOTHING TO BE Written in THIS MARGIN

}

RESTRICTED

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

VILA 1/17

Sent 19th May, 1967

2021 Z

PRIORITY RESTRICTED 110 970

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong, Repeated to Peking

POLAD Singapore Washington

by Savingram

My immediately preceding telegram.

"I would like to issue the strongest appeal to all parties to come forward and talk. My wish is that we should be able to fulfil the United Nations resolutions, for example, those relating to the state of emergency and the release of detainees, just as soon as circumstances are favourable, so that the people of the country may live in peace once more. But we still have responsibility and if we are to make this gesture, which would be an act of faith, we need at least some indication from those who at present feel they have to use violence that they will reciprocate.

I should like to say again that if repres- entatives of political groups are prepared to come forward, we shall wholeheartedly welcome this cooper- ation in our efforts to bring South Arabia to peaceful and prosperous independence.

Distribution:

H.K. W.I.D. 'C' I.G.D.

Copies also sent to: Foreign Office

F.E.D.

Aden Department News Department

RESTRICTED

LAST

EXPORT

COITS*IN]WIX

EXPORT CREDITS GUARANTEE DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX NO. 272, BARRINGTON HOUSE, 59-67 GRESHAM STREET, LONDON EC2

Telephone: MONarch 6699 Telex: 21821

Your reference

CONFIDENTIAL

Our reference

O.D.35

19th May, 1967.

991

Dear Carter,

Colyn HUD 21/5

You will know that we in E.C.G.D. are being asked to back Costain's negotiations with the Hong Kong Tunnel Company to secure the order for constructing the tunnel. This will be worth some £10m., the work will take some 3 years and there will be a further 7 years credit for repayment. We have, accordingly, to assess the acceptability of assuming up to a £10m. risk on Hong Kong now, with our risk continuing et a variable figure for some 10 years ahead.

　　　We are fast reaching the stage where Costains ere pressing to complete negotia- tions and will require a firm decision from us. In order to give them this we for our part need to take account of the new situation brought about by the current political disturbances.

I should explain that we have hitherto regarded Hong Kong as a first-class 'A' risk along with other British colonies not verging on a change of political status. We have assumed that mainland China's economic self-interest will make her content to let the existing status of the Colony continue until the Crown lease expires. The current situation makes us now question whether this assumption is firm enough for us to accept a 10 year risk as a reasonable commercial proposition in present circumstances.

We in E.C.G.D. have not seen any cables from Hong Kong or Peking about these developments. I should like in the first place to put our interest on record and ask that we be sent copies of current material. This apart, I should appreciate it if you and the Foreign Office could let us have an urgent assessment of these developments.

We are, of course, concerned to know whether they are believed to indicate any basic change of attitude towards the Colony's status by the mainland authorities. And if they are not, to judge the likelihood of the situation getting out of hand to an extent which may force the mainland authorities into an active militancy.

W. S. Carter, Esq., C.V.O.,

Commonwealth Office,

S.W.1.

LAST

C'E

BRANCH OFFICES; BELFAST BIRMINGHAM ORAdrodd bristol CARTITE 107 LONDON (CITY, SOUTH & WEST END) MANCHLÉTOR NUWÉASTLE NOTE:

поро

GLASGOW 1EEDS LIVERPOOL. SHEFFIELD: & few vonk

W. S. Certer, Esq., C.V.O., Commonwealth Office.

Our Ref: C.D.35

19th May, 1967.

I appreciate that it is difficult to judge all this at the moment but we should be grateful for your views. If the situation should quieten down soon we should in any case need to take cognisence of the likelihood of recurrences over theeers ahead

and with this sort of perspective in mind it seems to us in any case necessary for us to take a view now as to likely Chinese ettitudes towards external private liabilities (as these Tunnel Company liabilities would be) in the event of a take-over by force. We should accordingly be grateful if the Foreign Office could let us have comments on this particular point in the light of experience when the Communist regime took over on the mainland. And we should of course, be grateful to be kept in the picture on any longer-term Assessments that may be made of the political or economic consequences for Hong Kong of these events.

I am copying this to the Treasury who have themselves expressed to us some concern about the outlook, and to other Departments who will no doubt be interested and need to be consulted if we should be forced to the view, when the time comes for a decision on the case, that the prospects are so uncertain as to make the risk commercially unacceptable. In that event we should require an urgent decision from the Export Guarantees Committee about its desirability in the national interest

　　　Copies go to Bollend and Mason (F.O.), S.H. Wright and Lucas (Treasury), Spiers (Bank of England), R.L. Davies (Board of Trede) and Cotterill here.

Yours sincerely,

(C. P. RAWLINGS)

CONFIDENTIAL

MHHall, DTD 100

This Document is the Properly of Her Britannic Majesty's Government.

PMV (W) (67) 16

19 May, 1967

Körlachanes

کرتے

Copy No. 20

VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER TO

CANADA AND WASHINGTON MAY/JUNE

1967

CHINA AND HONG KONG

Brief by the Foreign Office

Talking Points

All the available information suggests that the

incidents in Hong Kong on 6 May and later were not instigated from mainland China. They may have occurred,

however, partly because control over pro-communist

organisations in Hong Kong from the mainland has recently slackened and local leaders and the rank and file have taken the initiative in acting in a militant fashion to keep up with the present extreme atmosphere of the Cultural Revolution

in China.

2. The Chinese Government came out in full support of

their sympathizers. Their statement of 15 May was the strongest and most abusive about Hong Kong for some years. There is no hard intelligence to indicate that the Chinese Government has changed its basic policy of allowing British

rule in the Colony to continue. There are, however, strong pressures within China tending towards intransigence and though China would stand to lose a great deal of foreign exchange (£200 million annually) if they push matters to such an extent that business confidence in Hong Kong is damaged, it may be difficult for those elements favouring caution to secure a hearing in the present overheated atmosphere resulting from the Cultural Revolution.

CONFIDENTIAL

13.

CONFIDENTIAL

Myne.

It would clearly be impossible for the Hong Kong Government to accede to the demands of local pro-communists without a complete abdication of authority, which would put them in the same position as the Portuguese authorities in

　　As it becomes clear that the demands are not being met, there may well be further and more widespread outbreaks of violence which could not be repressed without bloodshed. If this does occur there will be a grave risk that the Chinese authorities would react by bringing other pressures

to bear.

Hong Kong has an efficient police force and there are over 7,000 fighting troops, British and Gurkhas, who could be used for the maintenance of law and order if necessary. Depending on the attitude of the local communists and the Chinese Government it might be possible by sidestepping Chinese demands and by firm but unprovocative action to ride out the crisis without any major change in the status quo. Nevertheless, there remains a grave danger that the Chinese

Government and the local pro-communists will force the Hong Kong Government to a full-scale confrontation.

CONFIDENTIAL

Background Note

The disturbances in Hong Kong which began on 6 May originated from a series of industrial disputes. After demonstrations and obstructive picketing had led to intervention by tix police and arrost the union concerned

put forward demands for the immediate release of workers

arrested, compensation and punishment of the police invol-

ved and no interference by the police in labour disputes

in future. The pro-communist press endorsed these demands

and accused the police of unnecessary brutality when they

had in fast behaved with exemplary moderation.

The

2. On 15 May the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

issued a statement castigating the Hong Kong authorities

for "Fascist atrocities hostility to the Chinese people

and "collusion with the United States imperialists".

statement included a demand that Her Majesty's Government

should instruct the Hong Kong Government to accept all

the local oro-connunist demands. Subsequently there

were large scale demonstrations outside the Office of H.M.

Chargé d'Affaires in Polting. The house of the First

Secretary in Shanghai was ransacked and he was submitted

to various forms of humiliation. The Chinese authorities

have so far refused to allo. another officer to visit

Shanghai and permit Mr. Hewitt to be withdrawn temporarily

to Peking. If he is withdrawn without a replacement this may result in the closure of the Office in Shanghai.

　　Strong oral and written protests have been delivered in Peking by H.. Chargé d'Affaires about the action against his Office and that in Shanghai.

All have been

rejected. The Chinese Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in

London was summoned on 16 May to receive a similar protest

//hich

CONFIDENTIAL

which was also rejected.

The Commonwealth Office issued statement on 17 May giving a factual account of what

occurred in Hong Kong and stating that law and order

would be fairly and impartially maintained.

4. There is still no evidence

that

the Chin re are planning to take over Hong Kong. It is equally unclear how far they intend to push their demands. The Hong Kong police and garrison (which consists of 61 major units including more than 7000 righting soldiers) could probably contain all but very widespread disturbances. It is considered unlikely that the Chinese would cut off water and fresh food as this would harm the Chinese population. If they do, thore is enough water for a limited daily supply, rice stocks are high and fresh food could be obtained from Japan though at a much higher cost. Governor also considers that short of deliberate Chinese

intervention sea and airways could be kent open.

'The

FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT

19 May, 1967

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 8(4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

CONFIDENTIAL

Cypher

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 20 May 1967

R. 20

05552

101

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

No.654

Addressed to Commonwealth Office

Repeated

"Washington No.126

# Peking No.244

POLAD Singapore No.112

(C.0. please pass IMMEDIATE to Washington and

ROUTINE to Peking and Singapore)

My telegram No.639.

-83,

Kowloon Disturbances.

On 16 May, U.S. Naval authorities asked for clearance for visit by U.S.S. "PRINCETOWN" a helicopter carrier, from

27 May to 1 June. A Rear Admiral would be embarked. The carrier carries 81 officers and 1,300 men.

20 There had been no mention of this particular visit in the existing schedule of U.S. ships and the timing of the request seems fairly pointed.

30 There is no need to give the Americans an immediate reply, and I shall of course discuss with Galsworthy.

But you may have views on how far the Americans would be affronted by a negative reply at the moment.

(Passed as requested)

(Advance copy to Resident Clerk)

Distribution

H.K. W.I.D. I.G.D.

J.I.C. EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

Copies also sent to:

P.S. to Prime Minister

Cabinet Office Foreign Office

D.I.O., J.I.R.

Mr. de la Mare

Mr. Bolland

Mr. Wilson Mr.

Denson

Mr. Foggon

CONFIDENTIAL

En Clair

PRIORITY PEKING

Telno 527

CLASSIFIED

ΤΟ

FOREIGN OFFICE

20 May 1967

102

　　Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 527 of 20 May, Repeated for information to Washington, Moscow, Hong Kong and POLAD Singapore.

Peoples' Daily of 20 May carries only one item on Hong Kong which is mainly a report on recent attempts by demonstrators to protest to Governor.

2. Same paper publishes two photographs, one showing crowd of young demonstrators in Ilong Kong, and the other purporting to show "embarrassment" of British Consul in Macao who has been photographed standing among group of Chinese and looking at the ground. Another unidentified European member of Consulate staff appears to be at his side.

Sent 0339 20 May

Mr. Hopson

Recd 0815Z 20 May

FO/CO/WH DISTRIBUTION

Far Eastern Dept.

NINNIN

паро

Cypher

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

D. 20th May, 1967 R. 20th

tr 14502

IMMEDIATE SECRET

No. 655

MAY

1967

103.

Leon in

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.), Repeated to Peking, No. 245,

" POLAD Singapore, No. 113,

Washington, No. 127 (Secretary of

State please pass IMMEDIATE to all).

My telegram No. 650. 90

SITREP as at 20/2000 hours.

Confrontation with the Left Wing.

Much

After a quiet night without curfew or incident the pressure was once again on Government House. the same drill was followed as yesterday but the demon- strators were in an uglier mood. Numbers involved though never greatly above 3,000, were on the whole larger and there were unpleasant elements who deliberately tried to provoke the police. On two occasions at about 1100 hours and 1500 hours the police cordons had to be reinforced. After 1500 hours there was a new development when crowds denied immediate access to Government House began to move back into the area of Statue Square opposite the Bank of China and also westwards, causing considerable traffic congestion.

2. Soon after 1600 hours Government House, the front of which was plastered once again with posters, ceased to be the focal point which now shifted to the Statue Square area. The crowd here was about 1,000 strong, a considerable percentage appearing to be bystanders. Except for the occasional hooliganism, directed mainly át Europeans with cameras, the crown remained reasonably orderly. A loud- speaker from the Bank of China interspersing offensive propaganda with Communist music tended to raise the general temperature. Soon after 1700 hours the crowd began to dis-

The withdrawal of the police perse, westwards and eastwards.

to less obtrusive positions probably contributed to this dispersal though it may have given the Left Wing the idea that they had achieved a victory.

SECRET

/3.

لاور

IR/CAT

PRIORITY WASHINGTON

TELEGRAM NUMBER 1697

SECRET.

SECRET

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

20 MAY 1967.

104

ADDRESSED FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM NO 1697 OF 20 MAY REPEATED FOR

　　　　　INFORMATION TO HONG KONG, 82 HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 638

PEKING AND POLAD SINGAPORE.

PARA 3. KOWLOON DISTURBANCES.

WE HAVE KEPT THE AMERICANS IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS AND ASS- ESSMENTS AS REPEATED TO US IN TELEGRAMS FROM YOU, HONG KONG AND PEKING, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. WE HAVE NOT (NOT) INFORMED THEM

67) OF INTERNAL DELIBERATIONS (E.G. HONG KONG TELEGRAMS 624 AND 635) 81 AND WILL NOT (NOT) DO SO UNLESS COMPELLED BY SOME FACTOR OF SPECIAL URGENCY.

2. WHEN A MEMBER OF CHANCERY DISCUSSED J.I.C. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF 18 MAY WITH STATE DEPARTMENT DEPUTY DIRECTOR CONCERNED (DONALD) ON 19 MAY, DONALD SAID THAT IT COINCIDED EXACTLY WITH THE STATE DEPART- MENT'S JUDGEMENT, AND HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE OF VIEW IN ANY OTHER AMERICAN AGENCY.

3. HE ADDED, AND EMPHASISED AGAIN AT THE END OF A LENGTHY DIS- CUSSION, THAT IN CASE IT NEEDED SAYING THE ADMINISTRATION WERE ANXIOUS TO DO ANYTING THEY COULD TO BE HELPFUL TO THE GOVERNOR IN THE PRESENT SITUATION.

FO PASS PRIORITY HONG KONG 70 AND ROUTINE PEKING 19 AND POLAD

SINGAPORE 21.

SIR P DEAN

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.0.

F.E.D.

S.E.A.D.

C.O.

F.E. AND P.D. D.T.D.

77777

SENT 2002/20 MAY 1967

RECD 2002/20 MAY 1967

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63-

8.2 149

HWD In

SECRET

SENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

TELEGRAM NO.

987

SECRET

(105

CYPHER/CAT A

PRIORITY WASHINGTON

TELEGRAM NO 1698

SECRET.

TO FOREIGN OFFICE

20 MAY 1967

ADDRESSED FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM NUMBER 1698 OF 20 MAY REPEATED FOR INFORMATION (PRIORITY) TO HONG KONG AND ROUTINE TO PEKING

AND POLAD SINGAPORE,

MIPT: KOWLOON DISTURBANCES,

AS MINOR PERSONAL COMMENTS ON THE J.1.C. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF 18 MAY, DONALD SAID THAT HE DOUBTED WHETHER THE PROSPECT OF HARDSHIP FOR, OR ALIENATION OF, THEIR OWN SUPPORTERS IN HONG KONG WOULD DETER THE CHINESE FROM CUTTING OFF SUPPLIES OF FOOD AND WATER, IF THE SIT- UATION OTHERWISE DEVELOPED TO THAT DEGREE (PARA 9). HE ALSO COMM- ENTED THAT THE ASSESSMENT NOTABLY UNDERSTATED THE DIFFERENCES IN IMPORTANCE AND EFFICIENCY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAO: NO DOUBT OUT OF MODESTY (PARA 6). HE STRONGLY ENDORSED THE ARGUMENT THAT APP EA SMENT WOULD RESULT ONLY IN INCREASED DEMANDS. FINALLY, HE SAID THAT THE AMERICANS HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED AN ASSESSMENT FROM THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN HONG KONG WHICH, THOUGH DIFFUSE AND AM- BIGUOUS, CLEARLY ASSUME THAT CHINESE OBJECTIVES WERE LIMITED, AND TENDED TO SEE THEM AS A COMBINATION OF SEVERING THE AMERICAN CONN- ECTION AND CURTAILING NATIONALIST ACTIVITIES. DONALD COMMENTED THAT HE HAD AT FIRST DISCOUNTED THE SECOND POINT, AND STILL FOUND THE JAPANESE REASONING TO IT QUITE UNCONVINCING. BUT HE HAD ALSO SINCE RECALLED THAT IT WAS A FEATURE OF THE MACAO CRISIS AND HAD ENTERED INTO HSI EH'S SPEECH ON 18 MAY: AND IN THE PRESENT CONFUSED STATE OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION IT MIGHT BE A MORE SENSITIVE POINT WITH THE CHINESE THAN WE TENDED TO SUPPOSE. AT ANY RATE HE THOUGHT WE SHOULD KNOW OF THIS JAPANESE VIEW IF WE HAD NOT RECEIVED IT DIRECT. 2. DONALD WENT ON TO WONDER (ON A PERSONAL BASIS, AND MENTIONING THAT HIS COLLEAGUES WERE NOT INCLINED TO SET MUCH STORE BY THIS POSSIBILITY AT PRESENT) WHETHER THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION MIGHT BE

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　/ENTERING ED 150 IN

ARCH 17 49.63

SECRET

SENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.}~

TELEGRAM NO.

985

119

SECRET

WASHINGTON TELEGRAM NO. 1698 TO FOREIGN OFFICE

-2-

ENTERING A NEW PHASE OF CONFUSION IN WHICH IRRATIONAL FACTORS

WERE IMPINGING ON FOREIGN POLICY, HE NOTED THREE RECENT INCIDENTS, ALL OF WHICH SEEMED INEXPLICABLE IN TERMS OF TRADITIONAL CALCULAT- IONS OF THE CHINESE MENTALITY, NAMELY THE GROUNDLESS CLAIMS TO HAVE SHOT DOWN AMERICAN PLANES OVER CHINA: THE FLAT DENIAL THAT MALLEY HAD EVEN SEEN CHOU EN-LAI: AND THE SURPRISINGLY SUDDEN AND EXTREME ''DEMANDS' NOW MADE AGAINST HONG KONG.

3. ON THE BALANCE OF INITIATIVE BETWEEN PEKING AND LOCAL EXTREMISTS, DONALD TOOK THE VIEW THAT, IF THE ORIGINAL DISPUTE HAD BEEN ENGEN- DERED IN HONG KONG, THE IMPORTANT THING NOW WAS THAT PEKING HAD CHOSEN TO BACK THE 'DEMANDS''. WE HAD THEREFORE TO RECKON WITH THEIR REASONS FOR DOING SO. HE WAS INTERESTED IN THE TIMING OF PEKING'S DECISION, AND WONDERED IF IT COULD BE DETECTED IN THE LATE AND CLEARLY STRENGTHENED EDITORIAL OF WEN WEI PAO ON 11 MAY. 4. WHILE THE DANGER IN THE PRESENT SITUATION LAY IN THE FACT (CF. PARA 3 OF PEKING TEL NT 480) THAT THE CHINESE HAD APPARENTLY (THOUGH, IF SO, SURPRISINGLY LEFT THEMSELVES NO WAY TO BACK DOWN FROM THEIR EXTREME AND IRRATIONAL DEMANDS. DONALD POINTED OUT THAT THE DEMANDS HAD NOT (NOT) BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SPECIFIC THREATS OR TIME-LIMITS. NEVERTHELESS, ONE HAD TO TAKE SERIOUSLY THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEIR OBJECTIVE WAS TO HUMILIATE THE BRITISH IN HONG KONG, AND THAT THEY WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO TRY THIS THROUGH A SUSTAINED PERIOD OF TURMOIL. HE THOUGHT CHINESE MOTIVATION HAD TO BE SOUGHT IN CALCULATED OBJECTIVES RATHER THAN A RESPONSE TO THE SHEER INTOLER- ABILITY OF OUR POSITION IN HONG KONG AS AN AFFRONT TO THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE THE LATTER WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE RELATIVELY MEASURED TEMPO OF THE CAMPAIGN (CF. NOW PEKING

TEL NO 523).

5. DONALD THOUGHT THAT SOME PROCRASTINATION ON WHEAT BY THE AUST- RALIANS AND CANADIANS COULD BE USEFUL.

6. FINALLY, DONALD MENTIONED THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT ARE ADVISING AMERICANS GOING TO HONG KONG ON BUSINESS TO PROCEED AS USUAL.

[? EP OMITTRI

TOURISTS WHO ASK ARE BEING, NO DIRECT ADVICE, BUT A FAIRLY GRIM PICTURE OF THE SCANT LIKELIHOOD OF THEIR ENCOUNTERING THE USUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. THIS IS INTENDED TO DISSUADE POTENTIALLY TROUBLESOME VISITS WITHOUT IMPLYING, EVEN OBLIQUELY, THAT THERE IS ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE CONTINUED PRESERVATION OF LAW AND ORDER: AND THEY HOPE IT WOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S WISHES.

F.O. PASS PRIORITY HONG KONG 71 AND ROUTINE PEKING 20 AND POLAD SINGAPORE 22.

SIR P. DEAN

SENT 2017 20 MAY

RECD 2017 20 MAY

[REPEATED AS REQUESTED]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

F.0

F.E.D. S.E.A.D.

77777.

C.O.

F.E. AND P.D. D.T.D.

SECRET

TWO

LIL

FOCO 024/20

FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF WASHINGTON TELEGRAM NUMBER 1700 OF 20 MAY

TO FOREIGN OFFICE SENT TO YUU FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION PRIORITY

TO HONG KONG

106

CONFIDENTIAL.

ADDRESSED FOREIGN OFFICE TEL NO 1700 20/5 REPEATED FOR INFORMATION

TO HONG KONG (PRIORITY) AND ROUTINE TO PEKING AND POLAD SINGAPORE.

U.S.S. PRINCETOWN.

WE HAVE MENTIONED TO THE STATE DEPT THE FIRST TWO PARAGRAPHS OF

HONG KONG TEL. UNDER REF, EXPRESSING SURPRISE AT THE INSERTION OF

NEW, MAJOR REQUESTS IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR

CONCERNED (DONALD) ASKED THAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD FEEL ENTIRELY

FREE TO REFUSE, AND WE ARE SURE THAT, IN WASHINGTON AT LEAST, REFUSAL

AT THE MOMENT WOULD CAUSE NO (NO) AFFRONT.

2. HEAD OF BRITISH DEFENCE STAFF CWASHINGTON) AGREES.

FOREIGN OFFICE PASS HONG KONG 72

SENT AT 2220 z 20 MAY RR K

RECD 2022222 HEE

пор

Cypher/Cat.A

CONFIDENTIAL

COLOMBO TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

elno. 283

21 May 1967

(07)

CONFIDENTIAL

Addressed Commonwealth Office telegram. No. 283 of 21 May. Repeated for information to Hong Kong and Saving Peking.

Chinese propaganda on Hong Kong.

Official bulletin of Chinese Embassy of 18 May

(received 21 May) carries number of items on Hong Kong, including "commentators" article in "People's Daily" of 15 May and a news item datelined Hong Kong alleging, for example, that:

"All the arrested, including children of ten or so, were brutally beaten up so that many vomited blood or fainted.

　　"Even the injured were beaten up on the way to hospital by plain clothes men on board the ambulances."

2. Such items offend "Third country rule" (against the publications of foreign Missions carrying objectionable or disparaging references to countries with which Ceylon maintains friendly relations). We are accordingly raising the subject informally with the Ministry of External Affairs later on 21 May.

Commonwealth Office pass Hong Kong M12 and pass Saving

to Peking.

Mr. Dutton

Sent

Recd.

1128Z/21 May 1967

11302/21 May 1967

[Repeated as requested]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

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S.A.D.

F.E.P.D.

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News Dept. J.R.D.

F.0.

F.E.D. S.E.A.D.

SSSSS

CONFIDENTIAL

RECE!, ED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

2 2 APK 1967

HWA 1/17

SENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

TELEGRAM NO.

990

SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

D. 21 May 1967

11 R. 21

141 02

IMMEDIATE

SECRET No.656

Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated PRIORITY to Peking No. 246

18 POLAD Singapore No.114

Washington No.128

(c.o. please pass to all)

My telegram No.655.-

103

108

SITREP as at 21/2000.

　Access to Government House was limited today to groups of twenty by blocking or cordoning access roads. Demonstrations were therefore kept in the centre of the city. The bottom of Garden Road was the main concentration area, the

crowd building up to about 1,000 by midday. It remained fairly orderly though the main core perhaps half, continued to bait the police and to exhort them to turn on their English masters. At 13.30 hours the mood became more ugly. Some windows were broken and the police moved in to disperse the crowd, which scattered but kept reforming.

2.' By 16.00 hours the centre of the disturbances moved about a quarter of a mile to the North West to the water front and particularly the area of the Post Office where a European

Over a was manhandled by the mob now about 2,000 strong. period of an hour the police three times had to use tear gas. By 17.30 hours the crowd began rapidly to disperse and there have been no incidents since. Kowloon has remained quiet throughout.

3. Except for the European, who was not badly hurt, no

The police casualties have been admitted to hospital. arrested 44 men the majority of them Left-wing workers living on the island.

We have no information on what we can expect tomorrow.

Distribution H.K. W.I.D. 'C'

- I.G.D.

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100

175

Mr. de la Mare

Mr. Bolland

/Copies also fent to: P.S. to Prime Minister

HWalli

Cabinet Office - D.I.O., J.I.R.

Foreign Office

Mr. Wilson

раво

Mr. Denson

- Mr. Foggon

- Mr. Rodgers

SECRET

CC..

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

TION (109

FROM HONG KONG (British Information Services)

En clair D. 21 May, 1967.

16322

PRESS

　Situation on Hong Kong Island returned to normal this evening after day of scattered incidents which at one time brought central district to a standstill.

　Police acting on the announced policy of preventing large unruly groups gathering were constantly in action dispersing chanting demonstrators and nuisance

One groups. A total of 44 people were arrested. European who was attacked by a mob was detained in hospital. Six other prople, including five police received hospital treatment but were not (repeat not) detained. eleven gas cartridges were fired today. at barrier erected to block route to Government House. Police insisted that only orderly groups of not (repeat not) more than 20 people could proceed past the barrier.

In all Crowds gathered

A mob outside Hilton Hotel unsuccessfully demanded

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　They management remove British flags flying from hotel. broke one window and ripped down sign board.

　In a chain of events in Central District police clashed with scattered crowds. The area was sealed and traffic diverted. Police broke up biggest groups with

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Another crowd burned Union Jack tear gas and baton charges.

at Harcourt Road fire station.

　Order was restrored by 1830 hours when normal traffic flow was resumed. For Boxall above cable sent Chapelries.

(Copies passed to Messrs. de la Mare, Wilson

and Bolland)

Distribution H.K. WID 'C'

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曾

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= =

Mr. Foggon

· F.E.D.

(110)

אס.............

En Clair

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

ста

HUA 5/12

FROM HONG KONG (Information Officer)

D. 21st May, 1967

R. 20th

1940Z

PRESS

Hong Kong Government has announced that it will not, repeat not, tolerate any more disorderly gatherings such as occurred in Statue Square in Central District this

Saturday) afternoon.

Following events of today, Government tonight issued a statement which stated: "During past few days Government has permitted group protests at gates of Government House to proceed without interference, Until today, demonstrations associated with these protests have been noisy but not, repeat not, violent.

"Today, the demonstrations have lost their orderly and disciplined nature. Groups of demonstrators returning from Government House have mobbed around Statue Square and the Law Courts and have resorted to violence and rowdiness by molesting spectators and by attempting to block the tramlines with rubbish. These activities have been urged on by loudspeaker exhortations to further violence and disorder.

"It has therefore been decided that in the interests of the public, disorderly gatherings of this nature will not, repeat not, in future be permitted. People will, however, be allowed to continue to exercise their right to petition the Governor in small, orderly groups or by post, but disorderly processions or unlawful gatherings will not be allowed"." End of statement).

Noisy demonstrations took place all afternoon around Bank of China which has been headquarters for demonstrators marching to Government House,

Following chanting of slogans and pasting of posters around Government House marchers returned to vicinity of Bank where they interrupted the weekend calm of central area by noisy shouting.

At times passers-by were molested by the crowd. Photographers were approached and forced to expose their films. However, visits by police parties to the scene

evented serious trouble.

HWAYD

/ At

PARO

　　　　At a few minutes to six the crowd surged towards Hilton Hotel. A group saw the hotel manager and demanded the flags, British, American and the hotel flag should be lowered. Hotel manager pointed out it was one minute to six anyway and he always had flags lowered at six. So the flags were lowered as usual by a uniformed pageboy wearing white gloves.

In Kowloon situation is remaining normal.

Commissioner of Labour said today that a series of discus- sions between management of Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works and representatives of various groups of workers have been held in Labour Department during past four days.

　　　　As a result of these discussions considerable progress has been made towards resumption of normal work at two factories, one in Kennedy Town and other in San Po Kong, which have been scene of recent disputes.

　　　　Spontaneous support for Government's firm maintenance of peace swells today.

More organisations representing people from all walks of life-from small man hawking his wares in street to business executive and professional man have added their names to those who have already come forward publicly to support Government.

Statements of support for the authorities' action were issued by 56, (repeat 56), organisations today.

　　　　Contributions to the higher education fund for children of junior members of Hong Kong Police have exceeded $7,500. Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Sorby thanked the many persons, firms and organisations who have expressed sup- port for the fund.

For Boxall.

Above cable sent Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.).

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Mr. Foggon

Office

Mr. Boxall

P.S. to Prime Minister

9350

14 MA

IN TA 3 316 COMMOSA O

HWB 1/17 Part B (1)