INWARD TELEGRAM CL
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Information Office).
En Clair
D. 23 May 1967
ARCHI
R. 23
21 09Z
23.4 2.
PRESS
ния
1967
127
Hong Kong Government has decided with immediate effect, no (repeat no) further public processions or public meetings will be permitted without prior authority of Commissioner of Police. In a statement last night, Government spokesman said although for the past few days small groups of petitioners have been permitted to move in procession to Government House provided they did so in an orderly manner. disorders have subsequently broken out on each day.
He said any person who in future participates in a
- procession or meeting in a public place without prior
permission in writing from the Commissioner of Police will be liable to arrest and prosecution. He pointed out
that individuals who wish to petition the Governor may continue to do so by post.
Latest police report states the curfew which was imposed on Hong Kong Island at 6.30 last night is being observed.
Earlier today, police units on riot duty were issued with special cameras that had been specially fitted with telephoto lens to photograph people taking part in the illegal gatherings. Government loudspeakers broadcasting Cantonese music also drowned out message inciting the crowd which were broadcast from loudspeakers installed in the Bank of China building.
So far police have arrested 167 people most of them on Hong Kong Island. Fifteen people have been taken to Queen Mary Hospital where seven, including one police constable, have been detained for treatment.
All day crowds of "demonstrators" frequently swelled by young hooligans gathered in various parts of central Hong Kong, blocking traffic and singing and chanting outside banks and public buildings. Traffic in central district was also disrupted.
In Kowloon there were a few incidents.
Another 19 representative organisations have pledged support for Government's firm determination to maintain peace in Hong Kong. This brings to 270 the total number of organisations which have so far publicly stated their support for the authorities.
The education fund for children of junior police officers has now reached almost 400,000 dollars (repeat dls.400,000) and contributions from ordinary citizens continue to pour into the collection office at the Department of Commerce and Industry.
(D.T.D.)
For Boxall, above cable sent Commonwealth Office
раф
/Distribution