Flag "L"
see (1)
Mr. Carter
asith 2
has sent us at (234)
The Acting Governor has sent us the telegram at because of paragraph 4 of our telegram No.1038 (flagged "F" on file HWB. 1/17 Part B). That telegram referred specifically to the use of emergency regulations to close printing presses in order to combat any campaign of sedition and intimidation. Although the Acting Governor does not specifically ask for our views on (209)?) I nevertheless feel that he may be hoping for some re- assurance that he will have our backing if he went ahead as he proposes in that telegram.
2.
It is clear that the Acting Governor is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of taking action in the case of the libel against Mr. Li and I think we must leave it to his discretion and back him in his judgment. This is all part and parcel of the stronger measures recently taken against rioters and those adopting violence towards the forces of law and order.
Flag "N"
3.
which
I attach a draft telegram for consideration, I have cleand with MV Wilson at the F.O,
(A.. Gaminara)
18.767.
Sir Arthur Galsworthy
On the face of it, it may seem strange that we should forbear to proceed against the Communist Press for its grossly subversive and seditious campaign and yet choose to join issue with it on such minor causes as the vilification of Unofficial Members of Councils and Government offices. But from a morale point of view, it seems to me that there is ample justification for seeking to restrain attacks on officers and members of Government.
2.
It may not do a great deal of good but, in the particular case of F.5. Li, it is infinitely preferable to the embarrassment that his resignation would cause us.
Mr. Carter
2.
S.
Carter
(W.S. Carter)
18.7.67.
We had a word about this on the telephone.
I agree entirely with the reasoning in your minute but I am puzzled by the second sentence of the draft telegram which seems to me ambiguous. When I read it I first thought it meant that government itself should bring the action against the newspapers in the cases of the officer of the Commerce and Industry
Department and the Police Officer as in the
case of Mr. F.S. Li, But I gather the point the draft is intended to put across is a
different one.
3./