133
+
RECEIVED it. ARCHIVES No.3
23 JUN 1967
FD1/1.
cloude
IKKEDIATE
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 875.
Addressed to Commonwealth office.
Repeated
11
Peking No. 348.
++
"Political Adviser Singapore
No. 187.
"Washington No. 191. (Please pass
PRIORITY to all).
131
My telegram No. 854.
SITREP as at 21 1900.
The situation has remained quiet but there are indications that a
widespread transport strike is being planned for the near future.
Posters continue to appear but the only difficulty has been with those
put on goods waggons by C.P.G. railway staff. The body of a second man
has been found in the Kowloon gas works. Stencilled anti-British
pamphlets have been posted to local clerical staff in Government
offices.
2. There are numerous reports of an impending major transport strike.
offers of compensation are being made to those prepared to come out,
both during the strike and after if they are dismissed. Such
compensation is already being paid to many who have been dismissed for
their part in recent strikes. Great emphasie is being laid on this
financial backing, No firm date for the strike is yet known. It is hoped
that if both Government and employers stand firm there will not be a
complete disruption. However the Communists are strong in the transport
unions particularly in Kowloon.
3. Posters continue to appear on buildings and to be removed but without
any repetition of last week's violence, A Hong Kong Government
locomotive used for shunting waggons across the border into and out of
China has been covered with posters and two large pictures of Hao. The
drivers of this engine, who work in shifts, have been made to join in
chanting of slogans and have been warned not to remove postera, Waggons
carrying mail, livestock and vegetables from China into Kowloon have
also been festooned with posters, portraits and straw effigies. The
General Manager of the railway has writtent to the authorities in Canton
seeking assistance. This is unlikely to meet with any constructive
response and other measures are being examined. A decision to remove all
these posters, etc., could lead to an interruption of supplies which
might cause difficulties (my telegram 851 refers) particularly as
delivery of the extra quota of water is due to begin on 26 June and this
too could be stopped in retaliation.
4. The second body found on 17 June in the Kowloon gas works had been
there since the incident on 8 June. There is no evidence of foul play.
The Communists will of course seek to exploit this case as well as the
other two deaths (my telegram 831).
CONFIDENTIAL
80 far
/there
CONFIDENTIAL
there have been no funeral or memorial services. The holding of a joint
service may be planned by the Communists to mark the opening of a new
phase of activity.
5. The pro-Communist press has been slightly more defensive lately
although virulent attacks continue. An interesting feature has been the
claim, mainly in China but repeated in Hong Kong, that the Colony has
been paralysed by a successful general strike since 10th June. This is
complete wishful thinking. A new propaganda gambit has been the posting
of pamphlets to Government clerical staff calling on them to repent and
redeem themselves by rising against the British.
6. The key points for the future are the memorial or burial services for
the three dead men and the transport strike, if and when it takes place.
My own departure on leave may also be marked by attempts at disorder.
However the defensive tone
of the Communist Press coupled with reports of low morale amongst
Communist supporters, give grounds for hope that degree of disruption
achieved will be far less than the Opposition hopes despite the large
sums of money which they can now call upon to back then,
(Passed as requested to Peking, POLAD Singapore
and Washington)
(Passed to D.§.A.0. as advance copies for Private
office for Commonwealth Secretary, Mr. de la Mare, Mr. Wilson, Mr.
Bolland, Mr. Denson)
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"
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H
H
H
D.I.O., J.I.R.
P.S. to Mr. Rodgers Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson
Treasury
Export Credits Guarantee Department
Ministry of Defence Rm. 7365)
Η
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叶 Rm. 7163
H
Board of Trade
1
H
(CRE 4)
Australia House (Senior External
Affairs Representative)
Canada House (Counsellor)
Hr. Foggon
Mr. D. Hawkins
- Mr. C.P. Rawlings
Mr. Henn
Major Koe
1.0.2.
Kr. J.A.B. Darlington Mr. B.E.P. MacTavish
Kr. Critchley
Mr. K. MacLellan
CONFIDENTIAL
Stesen Affaria: Extract from
Hong Kong
(Previous
Reference: CC(67) 33rd Conclusions, Minute 2)
сс
SECRET
Reference..
FDI
Jepti
1
132
1) M. de tothome 2) FE Just 3) Enter by 23 fre
67 39th deeving, heir 15 fre
The
THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY said that the situation in Hong Kong was
still uneasy and there were widespread rumours of further strikes and
other disturbances. There was some evidence that the Communist leaders
in Hong Kong were no longer wholly in control of the situation,
Government of the People's Republic of China were urging the Hong Kong
conmunists to await a call to action, but this might mean either that
the Chinese Government intended to bring further pressure to bear upon
us or alternatively that they were seeking a relaxation of the present
tension. Governor of Hong Kong who had been ill, had been due to go on
leave before the disturbances, He had delayed his
The
departure when they broke out and his firm and skilful handling of the
recent troubles had been responsible for keeping the situation under
control, but he would shortly
ļ have to take his deferred leave if there were not to be a serious risk
to his health.
Ed (1426)
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
19 JUN 1967
FDI/l
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Solla J.
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19
Züch
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geld 16/vi
Cypher
PRIORITY SECRET No.854
119
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 16 June 1967 R. 16
13A
KL. D IN ARCHIVES No.31
19 JUN 1967
FDI/I
08502
ро
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated to: Peking No.339
POLAD Singapore No.180 Washington No.187
(C.0. please pass to all)
My telegram No.808.
Hong Kong Disturbances.
L.I.C. assessment of the situation as at 1200 hours
June 16th is as follows:-
The principal features of the Communist confrontation with the
Government over the past week have been:
(a) The attempt by the Struggle Committees of the
Government, Armed Forces and Hospitala
Hospitals' Chinese Workers' Union (GAFHCWU), the Marine Department
Chinese Workers' Union, the Postal Workers' Union and the Waterworks
Chinese Employees' Union, to call a joint strike of all members together
with employees of public utility companies and the Dairy Farm Company,
from 10th June. This attempt met with limited success, only the Gas
Company and Dairy Farm being seriously affected, initially at any rate.
Pira action by the Government Departments and the private companies
concerned in suspending and dismissing workers, had a salutary effect.
Consequently, apart from minor disruptions to deliveries of milk and the
production of ice, the strikes caused little or no disruption of
essential services.
(b)
The attempt to call token strikes by food stall- holders and hawkers,
building trade workers and tredesmen in the wood-carving industry. Here
again, these moves received little more than marginal support. Although
efforts were made to put pressure on hawkers who deal in mainland
foodstuffs, the vast majority ignored the threats to curtail their
supplies and the only real success was among dealers in pork and eggs.
This was the first occasion that the confronta- tion, in terms of
strikes, entered the economic sphere;
SECRET
/(0)
SECRET
(c) The continued display of posters and newspapers
containing inflammatory material, on much the same scale, by a number of
concerns under Communist control. A new feature has been the increased
militancy displayed by Communists, on a number of occasions, when
private citizens have attempted to remove or interfere with posters.
(a)
(0)
The continued absenteeism, though on a much reduced scale, of workers in
Government Depart- ments and private companies where action was taken
last week to remove poaters. (The suspension of all absentees by
Government and the companies affected, has resulted in a flood of
applications for re-employment.) The Star Ferry was able to resume a
limited service on the 10th June. The reopening of the Taikoo Dockyard
on 14 June passed off without incident and the Company is now operating
at virtually full strength apart from the 168 workers whom it does not
intend to recall for duty.
A cable sent to H.E. the Governor by the local branch of the N.C.N.A. on
instructions of its head office in Peking, protesting against the
continued "fascist atrocities" of the police (see my telegram No.819 of
12 June).
(f) An anti-British demonstration in Sha Tau Kok
(close to the border with China) on the 10th June by about 1,000 people
who paraded through the streets singing songs and chanting slogans,
sticking up posters on public and private buildings. The demonstrators
subsequently held an "anti-persecution meeting" in the rural committee
premises.
(g)
A press statement by Leung Wai Lan, Director of the Hong Kong branch of
the N.C.N.A. issued on 13th June, on instructions from Canton, which
said that whilst China would always welcome "compatriots" from Hong Kong
who returned to the mother country of their own free will, deportation
without sufficient reason would not be countenanced by the Chinese
people. Leung'a statement was made following publicity given to the
serving of deportation orders on three people currently serving
sentences for offences in connection with the disturbances, and a
recommendation by a magistrate that two people he had sentenced for
terms of imprisonment for similar offences, should be considered for
deportation; and
(h) the N.C.N.A. release from Peking on 13th June,
of a statement by a spokesman of the C.P.0. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
which said, inter alia, that the people in China have made "all the
preparations" and can support at any time, the "patriotic compatriote"
in Hong Kong with "actual actions". No indication was given of the
action envisaged but the following day, the All China Federation of
Trade Unions (ACFTU),
/Paking
SECRET
SECRET
Peking made a donation of HK 10 million dollars to All Circles
Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee (ACAPSC). Also on the 13th June the
People's Daily carried a 'commentator' article which condemned the
oppression of the"British Imperialists" and called upon people in the
enemy camp" to repent and redeem their crimes,
2. There was reliable information on the 12th June, that senior local
Communists in the labour field were dissatisfied with the lack of
support from the C.P.G. (absence of any real pressure on Hong Kong from
the mainland) in their confrontation. They also lamented their inability
to involve more workers directly in strikes because of the fear of
dismissal, and it was felt that the poster campaign had been a failure
because of poor planning and organisation. On the brighter side, from
the Communist viewpoint, they agreed that the New Territories offered
tremendous opportunity for furthering the confrontation, quoting alleged
reluctance on the part of the police to intervene in political
activities. Despite the difficulties they were convinced that they must
continue the struggle until final victory.
3. The presentation of 10 million dollars from China, the statement by
the C.P.G. Foreign office spokesman and the commentator article in the
People's Daily, will reassure, at least the local militant Communists,
and make them more determined than ever to succeed in their struggle. In
particular the 10 million dollar gift from China, will provide adequate
financial resources, at least for the time being, and this could mean
that a fresh round of token strikes, may start in the near future. There
is little doubt also that the virulent anti- British propaganda will
continus. The current theme is a call for the local population to make
the British atone for their suppression during past hundred years and
bring about, at an unspecified date, their eventual eviction from the
Colony.
H.
Whilst it is clear the Communist leaders are conscious of the absence of
any widespread following in the population, there is still a demand
amongst the more militant cadres for direct action. To this end there
are plans to form "small fighting groupe" for aggressive action against
Government supporters and other tasks such as the protection of posters
by the use of strong arm tactics. Therefore, although the situation on
the ground has been relatively quiet over the past week and the
Communists have failed to gain much support for their attempts to
engineer strike action, there is no room for complacency.
5. Peking, of course, still holds the key to the present situation in
Hong Kong. Whilst the propaganda which has originated from China over
the past week must have given some encouragement to the local
Communiste, the tone of the statements and articles issued from Peking
indicate, yet again, that they must be prepared for a long hard struggle
and can expect only financial, moral and propaganda support from China.
(Passed as requested)
(Advance copies to DSAO for Mesars. de la Mare, Bolland,
Wilson, Denson and Private Office (Commonwealth
Secretary)
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E) E│
#
It
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P.8. to Mr. Rodgers
Ir. de la Mare Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilso3
H
Kr. Denson
-
Mr. Foggon
Treasury
Export Credits Guarantee
Ministry of Defence (Rm.7365)
#
Board of Prade
Dept.
RB.7163)
Rm.51 31)
Hong Kong Government Office
Mr. D. Hawkina
Mr. C.P. Rawlings
Mr. Hern
Major Koe
1.0.2
Mr. J.A.B. Darlington Mr. P. Sedgwick
SECRET
130
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMON/ALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
RECEIVED
ARCHIVES No.31
19 JUN 1967
Cypher
Sent 16 June, 1967.
2320Z
pc.
PRIORITY BECRET
れ
No. 1228
Addressed to Governor, Hong Kong
Repeated
Ħ
POLAD Singapore
IT
Washington.
Your telegram No. 809.
Confrontation in Hong Kong.
An inter-departmental committee has been
120
set up to consider questions such as those which you have raised. At
present we intend to confine membership to a few departments (Sedgwick
of course will also be a member), bringing in other departments ad hoc
as required.
2.
Our preliminary thoughts on your other suggestions are as follows:-
FD10/1 (133
127
(a)
(b)
(0)
We will send circular guidance to Commonwealth and foreign posts;
we agree that occasional visits by large American naval vessels may help
to keep the Chinese guessing about American intentions in relation to
Hong Kong. We think that some of the American requests for such visits
could be accepted, each request being considered on its merits in the
light of the situation at the time. Accordingly we are content that you
should agree to the visit of the U.S.S. HANCOCK (your telegram No. 835
refere). We also agree that for the time being we should do nothing to
reduce visits by troops from Vietnam (paragraph 2 of your telegram No.
727). We feel some doubts "about more direct indications of American
interest and concern in Hong Kong. There is perhaps a danger that these
might serve the purposes of the extremists in China rather than act as a
deterrent. Clearly we need to look very carefully at the form and
content of any American gesture of support. We are studying this and
will let you have our further views;
we see many difficulties in the idea that Hong Kong might seek closer
alignment and identity of interests with countries in the region that
are regarded by the Chinese as "anti". What dividend this might bring
for local confidence could be more than offset by the provocation it
will give in Poking;
SECRET
/(a)
3.
(a)
(e)
SECRET
we do not think an approach to the Japanese Government would produce any
useful response. We are considering other methods;
We really do not see any future in trying to find out what would satisfy
Peking.
An approach in a third country or through a third party will not result
in a response that would be any different to the one we would get if we
made our own approach in Peking or London; no such approach would be
answered directly but would be referred back to Peking whose response in
present circumstances must be the reiteration of their full demanda.
With the example of Macao before us we must avoid entering into any
negotiations unless Peking itself offers terms that could provide the
basis of an acceptable settlement
Your paragraph 2(f). You should know of the following developments:-
(1) In answer to the few trade enquiries received,
we and the Board of Trade are taking the line that Press reports may
have tended to give an impression of more widespread disturbances than
have actually occurred and that there has been very little disturbance
to commerce and industry. We have suggested that no precipitate action
is called for in abandoning projected deals and in using more than
normal caution in the conduct of business. E.C.G.D. have not altered the
terms on which they are prepared to cover exports to Hong Kong,
(11)
(111)
(iv)
(4)
At the B.N.E.C. Asia Committee yesterday, Montagu suggested that he
might visit Hong Kong with a view to reporting on the attitude they
should take to trade with Hong Kong. We shall be grateful for your views
on this and for those of the Trade Commissioner.
As you are probably aware, the Hong Kong Association have made various
proposals, details of which are available at their Hong Kong office.
They have seen the Minister of State and also Cowperthwaite. We
understand that some of these can only be put into effect if you could
help with financial support.
We shall do what we can to back up Sedgwick's efforts to push the line
that Hong Kong remains a good market for British exports and that Hong
Kong industry and trade continues to function normally. We have made
some suggestions to Sedgwick about extending the distribution of the
material now being put out by his office and will continue to keep in
touch with him on this.
We know of Boxall'e contacts with our News Department and 0.0.1. on
question of strengthening your London Office staff.
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Singaporo
and Washington.
SECRET
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D.1.0., J.I.R. P.8. to Mr. Rodgers Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland
Н
#
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson
Treasury
Mr. Foggon
Mr. D. Hawkins
Export Credits Guarantee Department
-
Mr. C.P. Rawlings
Mr. Henn
Major Koe
1.0.2.
Ministry of Defence
Room 7365)
(Room 7163)
(Room 5131)
Board of Trade
Hong Kong Government office
-
Mr. Sedgwick
Kr. J.A.B. Darlington
SECRET
KLCEIVED AN ARCHIVES No.31
19 JUN 1967
FD1|1
小
129
potl
Zzdvi
Cypher
PRIORITY DECRET No. 1226
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
8ent 16 June, 1967. 22522
Addressed to Governor, Hong Kong Repeated
Ħ
H
= =
H
Peking
POLAD Singapore Washington
Your telegram No.845.
Disturbances
We agree.
P
127
You will of course bear in mind that there is almost certain to be an
adverse reaction from Peking. But if you consider this step necessary
you have our authority to take it,
(Passed to D.3.A.0. for repetition to Peking,
Singapore and Washington)
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H
D.I.O., J.I.R.
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Mr. Bolland
甘忙
忖
H
H
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson
Mr. Foggon
Mr. D. Hawkins
Treasury
Export Credits Guarantee Department Ministry of Defence (Rm.7365)
H
E
Board of Trade
(RE. 7163) (Rm.5131)
Mr. C.P. Rawlings
Hr. Henn
Major Koe
1.0.2
Mr. J.A.B. Darlington
Hong Kong Government Office
-
Mr. Sedgwick
SECRET
Cypher/Cat A
SECRET
IMMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 712
S...RET
16 June, 1967
Addressed to Hong Kong telegram No. 181 of 16 June. Repeated for
information to:
87
Foreign Office
Washington.
128
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
16 JUN 1967
Singapore
FD
Your telegram No. 845 to Commonwealth Office: Deportation
FDI16(57)
As you will know (see also my telegram No. 701 to Foreign Office and
N.C.N.A. in English item 061426 of 14 June) Hong Kong Director of
N.C.N.A. has already made strong protest about deportation orders. We
may conclude that this will be a sensitive point for the Chinese, and
anyone who is successfully deported will no doubt be given a hero's
welcome here, with maximum publicity, demonstrations, etc.
Foreign Office pass Washington No. 349.
Mr. Hopson
Sent 0839Z 16 June
Recd 11152 16 June
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.O. F.E.D.
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