arill (169
Fla
150
Mr. Moreton
Parliamentary Office
The attached Question by Mr. Stan Newens (Epping) is for written answer on Friday, 24 January. The draft reply is based
on Hong Kong telegram No. 66.
2.
An unusually high proportion of young persons were among those arrested in connection with the disturbances. This is partly explained by the role assigned by the communist leadership to the children in communist schools who were marshalled and directed to take part in street demonstrations, both orderly and disorderly. It also indicates the success of the intensive indoctrination pursued in communist schools, where policies of violence were actively advocated and even in some cases organised.
3.
The Question, perhaps significantly, omits any request for information about charges. This has, I think, a particular relevance in the case of the five boys aged 14-15 still serving quite long sentences, no doubt for crimes of violence (possibly bomb-planting). I have telegraphed Hong Kong for this information (by 09.00 hours tomorrow morning) and would suggest that, if it is received in time, it should be incorporated in the reply to counter- balance any adverse impression that may be formed by the revelation that juveniles are serving such long sentences.
L.s. Carter
(W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
22 January, 1969
Copy to: Mr. Godden