CONFIDENTIAL
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
Sent 16 May, 1967. 1550Z
LAST
REF
IMMEDIATE
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 926.
NEX
REF.
HUJA
57
Following telegram of 15 May from Lisbon addressed to Foreign Office No. 213 repeated for information Hong Kong at request of Hong Kong Department Commonwealth office.
(55)
Begins.
Hong Kong telegram No. 610 to Commonwealth Office,
Situation in Macao.
Head of Overseas Department in Foreign Ministry (who was unaware of the situation) was informed today about the difficulties of Consul and Vice Consul and reminded that whilst we were aware of their difficulties the Portuguese authorities were still responsible for ensuring the safety of our Consular Officers and enabling them to carry out their functions.
20 This official ascertained from Overseas Ministry that the Governor had telegraphed on 13 May reporting the move of Consul and Vice-Consul to hotel, and saying that he had counselled them to use utmost caution and tact and not to move without protection of Portuguese personnel. Head of Overseas Department offered the personal opinion that the best results might be obtained by lying low and postponing reopening the office. He reaffirmed however Portuguese responsibility for the safety of Consul and Vice Consul.
30 Though he did not say so in so many words the official hinted that Portuguese have limited control in Macao and are following an appeasement policy. Their recent climb-down allows no doubts on this score and I fear that in the circumstances very limited weight can be attached to any assurances they may give us,
Ends.
Distribution
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H.K. WID 'C I.G.D.
CONFIDENTIAL