CONFIDENTIAL
Sino-British relations is substantial
concessions in Hong Kong. Therefore, however
harmful to Sino-British relations generally,
we must firmly maintain our position and
authority in the Colony; to do otherwise
would indicate weakness which would encourage
Chinese designs and seriously damage public
confidence in Hong Kong on which our position
there basically depends. In taking the
necessary measures in Hong Kong due regard
must be paid to the sensitive position of our
Mission and of other British subjects in China.
But it would be most dangerous to give any impression to
the Chinese that this factor was of over-riding
importance to us, since this would only
encourage them to increase their demands on us
in Hong Kong, without in any way improving the
lot or situation of, the British subjects
concerned.
Conclusions:
9. The activities of the communist.schools
and press present the most dangerous problems
now facing the Hong Kong authorities, both in
the short and in the long term. The communist
press still publishes a very considerable
amount of seditious material, but we are
inhibited from touching it. The last time
action was taken to curb the press it was
followed by the attack on our Mission in Peking.
The de-registration of Chung Wah School gave
rise to extravagant recrimination in the
communist press and caused two formal protests
/to be made
CONFIDENTIAL
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