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to a round of reprisals culminating in (a). The best
step seemed therefore to be (c). However we decided
not to do this at the moment, having in mind the overrid-
ing need to keep down tension with Peking as much as possible because of its possible repercussions on China's attitude towards Hong Kong. If Peking should take further
hostile action against our Mission or its officials we
would then consider, in the light of the circumstances, what action to take, including measures against the N.C.N.A.
3. After the intolerable harassment of the Consul and
his staff in Macao they were withdrawn to Hong Kong on Thursday, 25 May. The Consulate has been temporarily
closed. Its future will be decided when we see how the
situation develops.
40 Latest reports from Hong Kong indicate that the Governor remains firmly in control. The only developments over the weekend have been the continued brief stoppages in public
utilities. Present indications are that these will continue
for some time. The local Communist leadership seems to be
engaged in rethinking its tactics.
that at present Peking wishes to force us out of Hong Kong.
But we do not think
FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT
30 May, 1967.
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