Cypher
230
COPY FOR REGISTRATION
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 10th June, 1967
R. 10th
11
04002
121
UN
12 @
1967
PRIORITY
SECRET No. 809
Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D. T.D.). Repeated P.O.L.A.D. Singapore No. 171.
#1 Washington No. 176.
(Please pass to both.)
My telegram No. 808.
229
Confrontation in Hong Kong.
I would be very glad to have some idea of what diplomatic, economic or other similar moves in support of the situation here in Hong Kong are being undertaken or contemplated by you: particularly details of any that happen to be of a kind which could be publicized as a stimulant to local confidence. In this connexion I do hope it is fully realized how extremely dangerous the situation here remains and is likely to remain; and that we shall need every ounce of assistance and support we can get if we are to come through. We can win every battle locally, and still be brought down if our economy withers in a few months time.
2.
If I have any suggestions to offer for ways in which help could be given I will, of course, forward them; but I fear that in general we are too isolated here to be able to produce many ideas. Nevertheless:-
(a) Could not friendly Commonwealth and foreign opinion generally be mobilized and at least stimulated to offer expressions of support, if they cannot be induced to hint at active help if the pressure becomes too great?
(b) I believe there may well no longer be any virtue in asking the United States to stand aside, and that an indication of American interest and concern, coupled with a renewal of visits by major vessels, would be regarded by the Chinese as a reminder of the need for caution on their part. They now seem likely to be as wary of American intervention here as we are of Chinese intervention. Perhaps this fresh line of thought could be studied.
(c) Should we not be making some gestures towards friendly S.E. Asian countries who are having rather similar troubles, e.g. Singapore and Malaysia and even Indonesia and Taiwan? I notice Tunku Abdul Rahman recently referred to the similarity of the situations here and in Malaya: and I am told Singapore very recently deregistered three unions. The time may have
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