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CONFIDENTIAL
(COVERING SECRET)
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schools constitute so real a danger in Hong Kong as to merit
tough Government action against them; and whether such action
would not do greatly disproportionate damage in Hong Kong and
elsewhere. In a further personal telegram to me, Mr. Cradock
has urged the need for a high-level decision that our present
policy should prevail, i.e. that we should avoid provocative
Action in Hong Kong (Peking telegram No. 817) particularly
in the sensitive field of education.
he
4. There is force in Mr. Cradock's arguments - though he puts
them in over-dramatic terms. A decision to adopt a forward
policy against Communist education in Hong Kong could have
grave implications for our relations with China. It would be
a radical change of policy. But the Governor has not yet
proposed any specific actions against Communist schools;
has merely canvassed the possibility that he might have to
resort to them. Mr. Cradock's telegram may, therefore, be
deemed to be a premature resort to the use of heavy artillery.
Nevertheless it is a matter that cannot be permitted to rest.
The Commonwealth Office share our concern that the Governor
should not embark on any new course regarding Communist
education in Hong Kong without the fullest consultations.
have, therefore, despatched an appropriate telegram to Hong
Kong (copy attached).
James Ways
CONFIDENTIAL
COVERING
(James Murray)
6 September, 1968.
SECRET)
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