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
It is
the Chin re are planning to take over Hong Kong. equally unclear how far they intend to push their demands.
$
The Hong Kong police and garrison (which consists of 6 major units including more than 7000 fighting 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, there 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 sort 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