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it would be a long drawn out affair with the likelihood of appeals following on and attended by the other dis- advantages mentioned in paragraph 7 of (4). Moreover, it might prove even more difficult, from a presentational point of view, to resort to Emergency Regulations after the normal processes of the law had been tried and found wanting.
6. The F.O. (Mr. Wilson) consider that so far as provocation to Peking is concerned, the difference between using Emergency Regulations and the existing law would be only marginal in present circumstances. Use of the former, especially when dealing with the Press, is liable to be a risky undertaking. However, so far as the British Press is concerned, both Mr. Ellis and Mr. Carrocher doubt whether there would be any undesirable reaction: they add that this would not be their opinion if the venue were anywhere other than Hong Kong! They do suggest, however, that it might be advisable to explain the situation to the President or Secretary of the Commonwealth Press Union beforehand if it is decided to proceed in this manner.
7.
The Acting Governor is clearly reluctant to use Emergency Regulations if he can avoid doing so. This may be because he thinks that to do so might cause difficulties at this end.
I attach a draft telegram for consideration.
(A.W. GAMINARA )
31.7.67.
P.S. Some samples of the Communist Parss
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