FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
D. 22 May, 1967. R. 22
1400Z
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES N.
FD 1/1
172
IMMEDIATE SECRET No. 663.
Addressed to Commonwealth Office.
Repeated
"Peking No. 249.
Ħ
" F.A. Singapore No. 116.
H
to all).
"Washington No. 130. (Please pass PRIORITY
66
My telegram No. 656.
Statue Square was again the main centre for disorder but there were also
disturbances in Kowloon and farther east on Hong Kong Island. The first
main incident was at 1100 hours when a crowd tried to force its way up
to Government House. Over 100 people were arrested. At about the same
time a crowd of 600-700 outside the South Kowloon Magistracy, consisting
mainly of school children became unruly and had to be dispersed with
tear gas. Demonstrators on the Hong Kong side reformed in Statue Square
and at the foot of Garden Road, then moved in procession around the
central area of the city singing and shouting. Their main aim was to
provoke the police. they were encouraged and directed by the loud
speaker in the Bank of China.
In this
2. At 12.30 as the lunch time traffic was building to its peak, bus
drivers in the area of the Star Ferry and its approach roads on the Hong
Kong side abandoned their vehicles completely blocking the roads.
Shortly after on the Kowloon side a group of bus company employees
attacked the police at the bus/ferry terminus. At the same time, a crowd
in the Causeway Bay area on the island speedily grew to over 1,000 when
reinforced by school children and had to be dispersed with tear gas.
3. The situation was obviously deteriorating and the Commissioner of
Police asked for a curfew in Hong Kong. At 15.15 hours I declared a
curfew to cover the urban areas on the north of Hong Kong Island from
18.30 to 05.00 hours.
4. During the afternoon, demonstrators remained in the Statue Square but
made no major offensive moves. The drowning of the Bank of China's
loudspeaker by an even louder machine playing music from the roof of a
nearby Government building possibly helped. By 16.30 hours the situation
was quiet and crowds, mainly from offices in the central district, were
dispersing towards their homes as beat they could, conscious of the
impending curfew and hampered by the dearth of public transport. It is
hoped that the curfew will enable the police to rest some of its men. At
the same time it may discourege
the onlookers who throughout the day complicated the problem of
SECRET
/crowd
SECRET
crowd control.
Up to time of despatch although some minor incidents have taken place,
the curfew is effective.
5.
At 1700 hours today 148 persons had been arrested four policemen and a
number, not yet known, of rioters injured. This includes one man who was
shot after assisting in throwing petrol over the members of a small
police patrol. His condition is described as fair.
Details of arrests and sentences to date are:-
Arrested
convicted
727,
403,
remanded
90,
awaiting trial
193,
acquitted
24,
released without
charge
17.
6. Unions are obviously taking a more direct part in support of
demonstrators. The action of the bus drivers in blocking the main roads
at a peak period is one example. There have been reports of go-slow
tactics and disruption of work at a major Government workshop. The use
of children to swell crowds on a large scale is a new tactic and one
which it is difficult to counter. It would appear that the local
communist leadership has appreciated that a comparatively small number
of demonstrators can, with the unwitting aid of onlookers, tie up large
numbers of police and cause a dis-proportionate disruption of the city's
life. There is no sign of activities of this sort abating.
(Passed as requested)
(Also passed to D.8.4.0. for Messrs. de la Kare,
Wilson and Bolland)
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L
D.I.O., J.I.R. Mr. de la Kare Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson
Mr. Foggon
Mr. Rodgers
Mr. D. Hawkine
Mr. C.P. Rawlings
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OUTWARD TELEGRAM
RECEIVED IN ACHIVE
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICER 144)
(The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Bir D. Trench)
Sent 22 May, 1967. 22402
LEAUL
71
PLASH SECRET No.1001
2.
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong
Repeated FLASH to POLAD Singapore FLASH to Peking
H
PRIORITY to Washington.
Your telegram No. 662.
Disturbances.
70
Ministers approve courses II and IV.
ро
257
On course II imposition of curfew might be preferable to declaration of
closed areas but Ministers leave decision on actual method to you.
3.
On course IV Secretary of State for Defence has concurred. We assume
that you will invite C.inG. F.B. to take executive action.
4.
Comments on other two courses will follow later.
(Passed to D.3.A.0. for repetition
to POLAD Singapore, Peking and Washington)
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r. Wilson
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Mr. N. Forward
SECRET
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FLASH SECRET No. 662.
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INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 22 May, 1967.
Å¢
R. 22
1100Z
RECEIVED
ARCHIVES NË- 81
24
FOY!
70
Helion Taken Reply
Sext avains 3(ii) (iv)
Addressed to Commonwealth office.
Repeated
H
E
" POLAD Singapore No. 115. "Peking No. 248.
"Washington No. 129. (s. of S.
please pass FLASH to Singapore and Peking and PRIORITY to Washington).
My telegram No. 641."
Hong Kong Disturbances.
Over the past two days the situation has deteriorated. There has been an
increase in the number of violent incidents, particularly in the central
area of Hong Kong; and known pro-communist elemente have been involved
in many of these. An important feature has been the continuous
broadcasting from the Bank of China (which has not opened for business
today) of incitements to violence against Government and Europeans
generally, including such slogans as "kill Trench", "police turn your
weapons (1.e. against your officera)". The pro-Communist press is giving
full and approving accounts of violent action by demonstrators and
calling for their extension. There have been token strikes today by the
bus companies and taxis.
2.
The key to the situation here is the maintenance of public confidence
and especially police morale. The police have stood up very well to the
harassments of the last few days, but there are two adverse factors in
the situation: (a) fatigue which is now beginning to tell on them; and
(b) the constant barrage of Communist propaganda directed specifically
to the subversion and intimidation of the rank and file. We believe that
Communist tactics over the next few days will be to create incidents in
several places at once, so as to extend the police while maintaining the
propaganda barrage. Public morale is still holding surprising well, but
there is increasing interference with daily life; and there are signs
that unless we are Been to take effective action to control the
situation, instead of simply acting to block individual communist
initiatives, public confidence will slip. A landslide could quickly
follow.
13.
SECRET
SECRET
3. We have considered various new measures to deal with the situation.
These include:-
(1)
(11)
(111)
(iv)
picking up and if possible deporting, and failing that detaining, a
selection (e.g. up to 24) of the known leaders of the present campaign;
action to neutralize several of the buildings from which the campaign is
being directed, notably (1) the Bank of China and (ii) the
communist-controlled Federation of Trade Union Head Quarters and the
Workers' Club. This might be achieved by declaring 24 hour curfews in
areas around the buildings, or possibly declaring them closed areas
under the Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245);
action against the principal communist newspaper "Wen Wel Po" the
official C.P.G. organ in Hong Kong, for either sedition or inciting
police to disaffection;
bring commando ship BULWARK on a visit to Hong Kon
Each of foregoing actions would entail certain amount of risk of
escalation, and possible complications with Peking. We face a dilemma,
in that:-
(a) we obviously wish so far as possible to avoid
action which could lead to more C.P.G, involvement (and there is some
evidence C.P.G. themselves wish to
avoid this); but
(b) holding the situation here requires that Government
should retain the initiative.
Since (b) 18 imperative, we must be prepared to face some risk under
(a). On this basis pros and cons of various courses in paragraph 3
above, as we see them are as follows:-
Course (1)
5. The disruption of leadership would be a distinct and positive gain,
at least in the short term. It would be seen by our friends here as firm
action. But since it is unlikely that China would accept persons
concerned as deportees, the probability is that they would have to be
detained indefinitely in Hong Kong. This would provide local communists
and Peking with a standing grievance, and would inevitably lead to
creation of a further "demand".
Course (ii)
6. This would seriously hamper the communist leadership in their control
and development of anti-Government operations. For a while they would be
bottled up in their existing Headquarters, cut off from outside
contacts. At very least
/it
SECRET
SECRET
it would disrupt their communications (e.g. Government could pick up all
their couriers). And they might well eventually have to move to other
premises where it would be easier for Government to keep them under
closer
Burveillance.
Further advantage is that it would enable us to isolate Bank of China
without taking direct action against the building which could involve us
with the C.P.G.. As an immediate measure I have deployed loudspeakers
blaring forth cheerful Chinese tunes to drown the inflammatory
broadcasts coming from the Bank. But this is not sufficient in itself,
since the Bank building remains one of the principal rallying points for
demonstrations; and anyhow we know it is one of the main communist
control pointa.
Course (iii)
7. The worrying thing about not taking action against the worst offender
among the communist press is that it 18 daily in flagrant breach of the
law, and if we continue to ignore this it may well be taken as sign of
weakness. But it would obviously be regarded by Peking as a provocation
(see Feking telegram No. 483 of 15 May). Furthermore there are 9 other
communist newspapers here which could all continue the campaign unless
similar action were taken against them.
Course (iv)
8. It would take three and a half days for BULWARK to reach Hong Kong.
Her presence here, with a commando aboard, would undoubtedly strengthen
public and police morale, and both Commissioner of Police and CBF are
strongly in favour. Her arrival here might be represented by Peking as
sabre- rattling, although they could have no legitimate grounds for
doing so. It would not of course be publicised here as a reinforcement,
but simply as a routine visit. Practice here is not to publicise visits
of H.M. ships in advance.
9.
Recommendations.
My advisers and I have discussed these courses with CBF, Galsworthy and
Bolland, and we all agree in recommending course (11) and course (iv) at
this stage.
10.
I am holding a meeting of my Executive Council tomorrow (Tuesday)
morning, and I intend to seek their views on courses (1), (11) and
(111), but on a contingency planning basis only. However, I would hope
that I may have urgently your approval for courses (ii) and (iv) and
would welcome your early comments on the other two courses.
11.
Galsworthy will be telegraphing separately about useful discussions held
this morning on labour matters.
(Passed as requested with advance copies to
Foreign Office F.E. Dept.).
SECRET
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SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
69
IN
RECEIVES ARCHIVES
24
FO1/11
Services)
FROM HONG KONG (British Information Services
En clair
D. 22 May, 1967.
R. 22
03552
PRESS
ра
Hong Kong Standard on its front page this morning covera yesterday's
evente in central district with a story headlined: "Little Force, from
action wins day for peace and order".
Standard.
It was the battle of downtown, central, said
The police won.
The paper added: "their superably co-ordinated action nipped in the bud
every effort by the mob to break loose from their box after police had
manoeuvred them into it.
They sealed off three major accesses. To the east at Arsenal Street. To
the west at Jubilee Street near the vehicular ferry pier. And the roads
to the Albert Road levels.
In the limited perimeter enclosed, police kept the twisting turning
writhing tired frustrated mobs in check. And there, platoon after
platoon of supremely disciplined men in khaki, dealt with each emergency
in text book fashion".
In addition the papers editorial said: "Not only is there an ever
present danger of eruption into lethal violence, but also it is evident
that a failure to take effective counter-measures is likely to encourage
wilder and more lawlese activities"
The official announcement that further disorderly gatherings will not be
permitted is, therefore, to be fully supported by the public.
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RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES Nc 31
22 MAY 1967
01/1
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COKKONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
K11) (68
FROM HONG KONG (British Information Services)
En clair D. 21 Hay, 1967.
PRESS
* R. 21
16322
pa flesh
Situation on Hong Kong Island returned to normal this evening after day
of scattered incidents which at one time brought central district to a
standstill.
Police acting on the announced policy of preventing large unruly groups
gathering were constantly in action dispersing chanting demonstrators
and nuisance groups. A total of 44 people were arrested. One European
who was attacked by a mob was detained in hospital. Six other prople,
including five police received hospital
In all treatment but were not (repeat not) detained. eleven gas
cartridges were fired today. Crowds gathered at barrier erected to block
route to Government House, Police insisted that only orderly groups of
not (repeat not) more than 20 people could proceed past the barrier.
They
A mob outside Hilton Hotel unsuccessfully demanded management remove
British flags flying from hotel. broke one window and ripped down sign
board.
In a chain of events in Central District police clashed with scattered
crowds. The area was sealed and traffic diverted. Police broke up
biggest groups with tear gas and baton charges. Another crowd burned
Union Jack at Harcourt Road fire station.
Order was restrored by 1830 hours when normal traffic flow was resumed.
For Boxall above cable sent Chapelries.
(Copies passed to Messrs. de la Kare, Wilson
and Bolland)
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En Clair
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
❘ RECEIVED
ARCHIVES No: 31
2^AY 1967
FD //!
FROM HONG KONG (Information Officer)
D. 21st May, 1967 R. 20th
67
1940Z
pa dash
PRESS
Hong Kong Government has announced that it will not, repeat not,
tolerate any more disorderly gatherings such as occurred in Statue
Square in Central District this (Saturday) afternoon.
Following events of today, Government tonight issued a statement which
stated: "During past few days Government has permitted group proteste at
gates of Government House to proceed without interference. Until today,
demonstrations associated with these protests have been noisy but not,
repeat not, violent.
"Today, the demonstrations have lost their orderly and disciplined
nature. Groups of demonstrators returning from Government House have
mobbed around Statue Square and the Law Courts and have resorted to
violence and rowdiness by molesting spectators and by attempting to
block the tramlines with rubbish. These activities have been urged on by
loudspeaker exhortations to further violence and disorder.
"It has therefore been decided that in the interests of the public,
disorderly gatherings of this nature will not, repeat not, in future be
permitted. People will, however, be allowed to continue to exercise
their right to petition the Governor in small, orderly groups or by
post, but disorderly processions or unlawful gatherings will not be
allowed". End of statement).
Noisy demonstrations took place all afternoon around Bank of China which
has been headquarters for demonstrators marching to Government House.
Following chanting of slogana and pasting of posters around Government
House marchers returned to vicinity of Bank where they interrupted the
weekend calm of central area by noday shouting.
At times passers-by were molested by the crowd. Photographers were
approached and forced to expose their films. However, visits by police
parties to the scene prevented serious trouble.
/ At
At a few minutes to six the crowd surged towarda Hilton Hotel. A group
saw the hotel manager and demanded the flage, British, American and the
hotel flag should be lowered. Hotel manager pointed out it was one
minute to six anyway and he always had flags lowered at six. So the
flags were lowered as usual by a uniformed pageboy wearing white gloves,
In Kowloon situation is remaining normal.
Commissioner of Labour said today that a series of discus- sions between
management of Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works and representatives of
various groups of workers have been held in Labour Department during
past four days.
As a result of these discussions considerable progress has been made
towards resumption of normal work at two factories, one in Kennedy Town
and other in San Po Kong, which have been scene of recent disputes.
Spontaneous support for Government's firm maintenance of peace swells
today.
More organisations representing people from all walka of life-from small
man hawking his wares in street to business executive and professional
man have added their names to those who have already come forward
publicly to support Government,
Statements of support for the authorities' action were issued by 56,
(repeat 56), organisations today.
Contributions to the higher education fund for children of junior
members of Hong Kong Police have exceeded $7,500. Director of Commerce
and Industry, Mr. Sorby thanked the many persons, firms and
organisations who have expressed sup- port for the fund.
For Boxall.
Above cable sent Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.).
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1
66
SECRET
INWARD TELFORAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM MONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
RID
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
22 MAY 1967
[FD1/1
Cypher
D. 21 May 1967
R. 21
141 OZ
INMEDIATE BECRET No.656
Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated PRIORITY to Peking
No.246
rt POLAD Singapore No.114
Washington No.128
(C.0. please pass to all)
My telegram No.655.
165
pd
est
SITREP as at 21/2000.
Access to Government House was limited today to groups of twenty by
blocking or cordoning access roads. Demonstrations were therefore kept
in the centre of the city. The bottom of Garden Road was the main
concentration area, the
crowd building up to about 1,000 by midday. It remained fairly orderly
though the main core perhaps half, continued to bait the police and to
exhort then to turn on their English masters. At 13.30 hours the mood
became more ugly. Some windows were broken and the police moved in to
disperse the crowd, which scattered but kept reforming.
2. By 16.00 hours the centre of the disturbances moved about a quarter
of a mile to the North West to the water front and particularly the area
of the Post Office where a European was manhandled by the mob now about
2,000 strong. Over a period of an hour the police three times had to use
tear gas. By 17.30 hours the crowd began rapidly to disperse and there