BACKGROUND
CONFIDENTIAL
Japanese Attitude towards Hong Kong
Soon after the disturbances began in May, some
doubts were expressed in the Japanese press whether
we could maintain our position in the face of Chinese
hostility. At one stage it appeared that the Japanese
Foreign Ministry had advised Japanese nationals not
to visit Hong Kong. But this advice was later with-
drawn and tourist traffic from Japan to Hong Kong
has now returned to normal. It would be preferable
to take a robust and confident attitude towards our
position in Hong Kong rather than to criticise the
Japanese for any doubts they may have expressed.
Chronology of Disturbances
2.
The disturbances, which began in May, originated
with a minor labour dispute. Forceful picketing led
to police intervention and arrests. The situation
was inflated for political reasons by local commu-
nists, who put forward five demands (the release of
those arrested; the punishment of the police
involved;
the issue of an apology: the payment of
compensation; and a guarantee that there would be
no more police interference in trade disputes),
These demands were supported in a statement by the
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 May.
There followed demonstrations and acts of civil
/disobedience
CONFIDENTIAL