4
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
D. 1 June, 1967.
R.
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#1
1
1135Z.
IMMEDIATE
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 755.
Addressed to Commonwealth Office.
"Peking No. 294.
Repeated
#1
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"P.A. Singapore No. 150. "Washington No. 158. (S. of S.
please pass all).
193
* interdicted
190
RECEIVED IN
SITREP as at 01/1800 June.
My telegram No. 745.-
190
The stoppage over the removal of Communist posters at the Government dockyard continued until 1700. 90% of the Marine Department's launches were tied up as a result. The strikers, who included most of the crews and key maintenance workers, barricaded themselves into the dockyard and prevented four Europeans as well as loyal staff members from leaving. They refused to accept anything less than the replacement of their posters. (The Government posters which has been put up instead drew attention to the disciplinary penalties applicable in cases of absence without leave). Despite occasional chanting and attempts to foment violence by a small number, they all dispersed at 1700 on receiving a guarantee that they would not be arrested when leaving. They promised a repetition tomorrow if their posters were not put back.
An announcement is to be made tonight over radio and television and tomorrow in the press that the participants have been indiated (i.e. suspended) and disciplinary action will be taken against them. This may possibly provide the pretext for a major confrontation with the Communists.
There were no other incidents or stoppages today. There are indications that one of the ferry companies may stop work tomorrow.
ARCHIVES No. 63
- 6 JUN 170/
HWB / la
(Passed as requested)
(Advance copies also sent to D.S.A.0. for Messrs. de la Mare, Bolland, and Wilson Far East Dept. and for P.S. to Commonwealth Secretary)
CONFIDENTIAL
/Distribution