CONFIDENTIAL
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
159
Cypher
Sent 25 May, 1967.
2300Z
CONFIDENTIAL No. 1043
The Minister of State and I would like to convey to you personally our admiration, shared by all our colleagues, of your handling of the recent disturbances in Hong Kong. As you know the current situation was discussed by Ministers this morning. In the course of this, the Prime Minister particularly asked that we should let you know how much he himself, together with our colleagues, have been impressed with your handling of the situation, and how much they have appreciated your judgment and skill in keeping the situation as cool as possible.
He has been particularly pleased to note from your telegrams how common sense, grace and good humour have been uppermost, despite the gravity of the situation; for
example the arrangements made at Government House for the orderly presentation of petitions and your decision to deploy loud speakers, blaring forth "cheerful Chinese tunes" to counter the broadcasting from the Bank of China.
We very much hope that the worst really will prove to be over and that you will be able to get away shortly for the rest you must so badly need.
Distribution
39
H.K.W.I.D. 'C'
169
CONFIDENTIAL
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