2.11
Mr. Murray
MUNTRY M 24 Jam.
Mr. Moreton
Sir A. Galsworthy
In Godder.
away
SECRET
DETAINES IN HONG KONG
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Fl
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Problem
The Governor of Hong Kong was asked to review the cases of the
remaining persons detained under Regulation 31 of the Principal
Emergency Regulations with a view to their early release and to the revocation thereafter of that Regulation. His report is attached;
he is unable to envisage the early release of five of the six
remaining detainees.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that the Governor should be authorised, in the
light of his report, to continue the present policy of releasing
detainees as fast as he safely can, having regard to security
considerations and to public opinion in Hong Kong; and that he
should be told we agree that detainees should be released under
police supervision orders, wherever possible, in preference to their
continued detention. Far Eastern Department have been consulted.
A draft letter to the Governor is attached.
Background
3.
During his recent visit to this country, the Governor of Hong Kong had discussions (on 13 December) with the Secretary of State,
which included the subject of detainees in Hong Kong. A record of
those discussions is attached. So far as detainees were concerned
the conclusion reached was that the Governor should continue to
release detainees as fast as he safely could.
4.
It was subsequently agreed that on his return to Hong Kong the Governor would review the cases of the remaining detainees (then sixteen in number) and would report his conclusions with regard to their release and the revocation of Regulation 31 of the Principal
Emergency Regulations.
SECRET
The Governor's Report
...