(148281) Dd. 391599 1,500M 2/69 Hw.
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| SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
.In Confidence
DRAFT Submission
To:-
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr wilford
Els Sudden
Cofings to: Ihr Sammant
Type 1 +
From James Murray
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
4/8
Sentencing of Communist Trade Union Officials in
Hong Kong
In his
In his telegram No. 592 of 25 July the Governor of
Hong Kong reported the sentencing of certain communist
trade union officials to terms of imprisonment.
telegram No. 435 of 29 July Mr. Denson in Peking
commented that this case could not fail to have unfortu-
nate repercussions for Sino-British relations.
Mr. Denson has followed this up with a personal letter
expressing considerable disquiet at the manner in which
the Hong Kong Government dealt with the trade unionists
concerned. Mr. Denson followed this up with a personal
letter setting out his views at greater length.
Mean-
while the Governor of Hong Kong has telegraphed
explaining the reasons why he felt compelled to act
against the persons concerned and in essence apologising
for his failure to consult more fully before acting.
(Hmy Kmy Thigromm No 149 of 3034 Juny in Pelcump)
Recommendation
12.
I regard the Governor's last telegram as a reasonably
handsome apology. I see no need to pursue the matter
further. I attach a draft reply to Mr. Denson to go
ages.
personally from me. Hong Kong Department
Background
the
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3. Criticism of the handling of this matter was also contained in a mente addressed by IN Fosgow, levelled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Labour &
Labour Adonier, to the Mr Carlss & copied to
Ака
CONFIDENTIAL
/Adviser
My Goddew.