CONFIDENTIAL
COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY'S PRESS CONFERENCE
HONG KONG
QUESTION:
How do you see the present situation in Hong Kong?
ANSWER:
-
As you know, local Communists attempted to challenge the authorities in Hong Kong. They have tried to do this by fomenting strikes and disturbances, by intimidation and other activities intended to dislocate the life of the Colony all with singular lack of success. Their efforts have shown only that they are a small and isolated minority. The Hong Kong Government has had the full confidence and support of the majority of the people of Hong Kong in dealing with them and by firm action is now in control of the situation. In their frustration the Communists are now resorting to terrorist tactics. Although their activities are of a kind that naturally hit tthe headlines, we must keep them in perspective:
life in Hong Kong goes on much as before.
QUESTION:
ANSWER:
for the most part
What are the Communists really after in Hong Kong?
So far as the local Communists are concerned, their actions seem to be inspired by the current revolutionary atmosphere in China. Their reaction has taken the form of a challenge to established authority. There is no indication that their campaign has been directed from mainland China, although they have, of course, received considerable propaganda support and encouragement from the mainland.
QUESTION: Do you consider Chinese military intervention likely?
ANSWER: There is no evidence of any such intention, rather the reverse in (( fact. There are indications that the Chinese Army has been trying to control incursions into Hong Kong territory by civilians across the border.
QUESTION: What are your views on labour conditions in Hong Kong?
ANSWER:
I am aware of the criticisms that have been made on this subject. I am equally aware that favourable comparisons can be drawn with other countries in the area. We must bear in mind the economic position of the Colony; measures to improve conditions are being pressed forward as fast as circumstances permit.
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTION: