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 inescapable 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) town"
4. Previous telegrams on this subject will be in tomorrow's bag.
糟
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for transmission to Peking and
repetition to Washington and Singapore)
Distribution M.K. W.I.D. 'C'
I.G.D.
J.I.C. EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
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