Cypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
:
IMMEDIATE HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
TOP COPY
RECEIVED IN
ARCH
(D.T.D.)
Hal.
Telno 1276
21 August 1967
HWB14/32
8)
)
(55)
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Commonwealth Office telegram No. 1276 of 21 August repeated for information to Peking, POLAD Singapore and Washington
Peking telegrams Nos. 1116 to 1118 to Foreign Office: Communist Press.
Communists in Hong Kong are deeply disappointed by the continued lack of support from Peking and we know from reliable sources that the latest Chinese demand is a reaction to an
appeal from here to show more solidarity.
2. At present we hold:
(a) convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment
2 reporters - Hsueh Ping and one other (not NCNA) arrested on 23 May;
(b) five reporters (including 1 NCNA) (my telegram No. 460 to Peking) who come up to plead on 21 August;
(c) five editors and publishers (my telegram No. 1202) who also appear in Court today.
The figure of 19 journalists quoted in the Protest is completed by the 7 who took part in the demonstration outside Government House on 15 July, all of whom are now free, having either been convicted and fined or served their sentence or
been released. The 34 mentioned as arrested were all released the same day (see my telegram No. 1272).
3. Since we clearly cannot accede to Chinese demands we are considering what action we can expect at end of 48 hour period. It may include demonstrations in Courts and possibly also at the border. Deliberate stoppage of food supplies is another possibility though severe tropical storm "Kate" which is now blowing may have this effect on supplies coming by sea anyhow. There could also be a stepping up of violent incidents in the Colony. Beyond this I fear that the Mission in Peking
/and
CONFIDENTIAL