CONFIDENTIAL
All persons arrested are being treated in the normal way in accordance with the due process of the law. The House may feel that these facts contrast somewhat with other reports alleging, for example, that on 22 May "at least two hundred compatriots were killed or severely injured" in Hong Kong and Kowloon.
6. There have been no demonstrations since the 22 May. But there have been a series of token stoppages in certain transport and supply services.
7. In Hong Kong itself there has been widespread and forthright public support for the Government's measures to deal with violence, intimidation and hooliganism by a small minority, including messages of support to the Governor from nearly 300 representative organisations.
8. As regards the original labour dispute, my latest information is that work at both the factories has now been resumed. I am in consultation with the Governor about changes in the field of labour relations which I think we would all feel would be timely. I have in mind such matters as hours of work for women and young persons, conciliation machinery and factory legislation.
9. For the future, we must hope that good sense will prevail. I am,
of course, in close and constant touch with the Governor. There have been statements by the authorities in China alleging that the Hong Kong Government have been acting out of motives of enmity towards China. I do not need to say in this House that we, like all sections of opinion in Hong Kong, desire friendly and good-neighbourly relations with China. But the Government of Hong Kong has the duty to maintain peace, order and good government in there for the benefit of all sections of the community; and this task they must fulfil, and in it we shall give them our complete support.
10. Finally, I wish to pay tribute to the calm and courageous leadership during these difficult times of the Governor, Sir David Trench; to the ability and the determination shown by the whole Hong Kong Administration; and to the splendid and exemplary manner in which the police hace acquitted themselves.
Distribution
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Wang
H.K. W.I.D. 'C' I.G.D.
Copies also sent to:
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Mr. de la Mare
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Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson Mr. Denson
Commonwealth Office
Lord Beswick
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Ends.