(D. H. REED)
28
Portland Toys Ltd., 24, Bell Street, London, N.W.1.
RECEIVED IN
ARC
No. 63
25 SEP:967
H&B 13/22
CONFIDENTIAL
23
Hong Kong Working Group
Quite a lot has happened since the Hong kong Working
Group held its first meeting, and I think the time has come
(b) agree
the present information priorities; and (c) consider the
mcans available to us.
for us to (a) review the progress made so far;
2. The situation at present is as follows:-
(a) Douglas Rivett-Carnac has been seconded from JIPGD
to the Hong Kong Government to direct a special
publicity unit. From the end of this month he
hopes to be able to turn his attention to the co-
ordination of the information effort in Hong Kong;
the term of his secondment has been extended by two
months to the end of November.
(b) The Hong Kong Government Information Service is now
cabling regular reports giving an accurate account
of the situation in Hong Kong to the Commonwealth
Office News Department (copies also go direct to the B.B.C. and the C.0.1.), the Hong Kong Government
Offices in London, Brussels, New York and Sydney and
to our Missions in Tokyo, Bangkok and Manila. Ав
well as reporting any disturbances these cables
provide brief pointers to the basic stability of Hong Kong. The production by the Hong Kong Information Service of any original material
features, etc. is said to be impossible at the
moment because of a lack of writers.
/(c)
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
(0)
(a)
JIPGD is liaising with the 0.0.1. in the production
of international commentaries and stories suitable
for the London Press Service, but are handicap,ed
by the lack of a good flow of material from Hong
Kong. A series of "Talking Points" (sent by
Savingram to most Missions) underlining Hong Kong's
basic slability and continuing economy viability
has been started, using extracts from publications
and the Hong Kong situation reports.
A number of enthusiastic replies have been received
to the circular announcing the setting up of the
Working Group. Although no sparkling new ideas
have been forthcoming from posts as yet, cuttings
of moderate or favourable reports on the Hong Kong
situation are beginning to arrive. here appropriate
these will be replayed,
(0) A sub-Committee of shipping line representativos
has been formed in London to attempt to protect and
encourage Chinese crews by disseminating factual
information about the true atɛte of affaire in hong
Kong. The sub-Committee is contacting the Hong
Kong Government and the B.B.C. about broadcasts;
are distributing free air letters to the relatio
of bellon when they collect their allotments in Hong
Kong and are arranging for the crews to receive the
more reliable newspapers from Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
130
}
CONFIDENTIAL
3.
With regard to the prio ties, our policy at the moment (is to show as clearly ani forcefully as possible that despite
the disturbances, life in Hong Kong continues much as normal
and that the colony's capacity to produce and trade is
unaffected. At the same time we are being careful not to
boast that the Hong Kong Government has 'beaten' the Communists,
lest the Communists see in this a challenge. The main targets
in the 'campaign of confidence' are Hong Kong's trading
partners, the international community generally end very
important Chinese seamen away from Hong Kong who may be
discouraged by sensational reports of chaos at home,
-
4. The most effective means of reaching the seamen are those
established by the shipping representatives and this is an
operation that the shipping lines and the Hong Kong Government
are able to mount with little or no assistance from the
Commonwealth Office and Foreign Office. Our most useful role
is in reaching, via our Missions, Hong Kong's trading artnera
(supplementing, where necessary, the work of the Hong Kong
Government offices) and the int.raad opsl community general iy,
5. Yuch can be achieved by members of our Missions in
conversation with pe ple of influence and especially by the
Comercial offi ers through their contact with the companies
and agencies interested in Hong Kong. It is, however, the
Information staff with their access to mans media who can do
most to help restore public confidence in Hong Kong. Thus our
main effort depends on a steady flow of hard information
material and this material can only come from Hong Kong. We
/need
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
need: -
6.
This
Fosture material of good quality (if the Hong Kong
Gvernment Information Service do not have the writers,
they may need to commission from among local journalists). Statements by local organisatione (such as the Werine Authoritjes statement of 21 september which gave facts an figures proving that the port is not strike-bound. particular statement was written into a story which also
included an extract from a speech by the Governor of
Hong Kong at a London Chamber of Commerce luncheon and
has been beamed to all posts having an L.P.S. tekprinter
link; the remainder will receive it by airm:11). Photographs showing new developments (the opening of new buildings, the launching of community projecta etc.) which give a general impression of life as usual.
Film on the same there.
Printed material for limited distribution to shipping
representatives and trading concerns and also, perhaps, among delegates to the present eeerion of the U.N. General
Aarembly,
I think this review shows that the exercise has progressed
far enough to warrant a further meeting of the Hong Kong
Working Group; if this is agreed I shall be happy to convene
the reeting.
22.9.67.
24
Record
I attended a meeting in Sir John Johnston's office this ofternoon. In addition to Sir John, those present were:-
2.
Mr. Hall (who had to louve early)
Sir David Trench
Nr. Peck
Er. Littlejohn Cook
Sir John explained that the purpose of the meeting was to take a general look at the information services situation in Hong Kong with a view to sucing what could be done at this end to help in the propuganda field. The impression here was that the information staff in Hong Kong were under such heavy pressure thut no one there had time to exercise any overall direction and overall control of the propaganda effort. The Governor confirmed that this was the case, although he mentioned that he was speaking without having had any discussion adth Ir. Watt on the subject and did not know the latter's viewo.
3.
The following points were mude in the course of the meeting:-
(1) the establishment of the non-executive Working Group
to co-ordinate efforts here;
(2) the basic need for long Kong to supply material;
(3) the recent inauguration of the "Talking Points" series
of telegrams sent out by J.I.P.G.D. to posts abroad, based on Press telegrans and other suitable material received from Hong Kong;
(4) the need for more staff in Hong Kong. J.I.P.G.D.
undertook to look into the possibility of making someone available on loan to liong Kong whose main tusk would be to produce muterial and help in co-ordinating the information effort there;
(5) the possibility of obtaining a L.P.5. correspondent to go to
Hong Kong for a couple of months. J.I.P.G.D. would examine;
(6) the possibility of greater help being forthcoming in the future from the I.R.D. Regional Office in Hong Kong;
(7) the possibility of Hong Kong's making use of foe'd
Journalists to write feature articles;
(8) the difficulties presented by the Chinese/Luropean
population division. The Governor thought that some 75% of propaganda should be directed at the Chinesc community, but this presented language difficulties;
(9) the channel of communication between here and Hong Kong.
The Governor was particularly anxious to know what procedure
should
4
should be followed if, o.g. it became necessary to switch
It was targets or emphasis in propaganda themes.
agreed that there would be no objection to I.R.E. or J.I.P.G.D. communicating direct with the Director of Information Servicca on day to day or technical matters. But if points of policy arose, it would be as well if a copy were nent to the Political Adviser or Colonial Secretary.
4. A further meeting of the Working Group will shortly be convened.
ANG
(sgd.) A.W. Gaminura
22 September. 1967
CONFIDENTIAL
CYPHER/CAT A
TELNO 1954
22 SEPTEMBER 1967
PRIORITY COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO HONG KONG (D.T.D.)
TELNO 1954
22 SEPTEMBER 1967 (HWB 13/22)
24 A
(9)
CONFIDENTIAL
ADDRESSED TO HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO 1954 OF 22 SEPTEMBER REPEATED FOR INFORMATION TO CANBERRA NEW DELHI TOKYO UKMIS NEW YORK AND WELLING-
TON.
YOUR TELEGRAM NO 1355: ADVERSE PUBLICITY ON HONG KONG.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN. WE HAVE APPROACHED BOAC AND WILL BE APPROACHING P AND O. THESE APPROACHES ARE INFORMAL AND RESTRAINED, HOWEVER, SINCE SOME OF THE INSTANCES YOU CITE MAY PERHAPS HAVE BEEN DICTATED BY PURELY COMMERCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
(FOR HONG KONG ONLY).
2. DISCUSSIONS IN WHICH THE GOVERNOR IS TAKING PART ARE BEING
HELD NOW ON THE GENERAL QUESTION OF THE USE OF HMG'S INFORMATION
RESOURCES TO CORRECT AND COUNTER ADVERSE PUBLICITY AND PROPAGANDA
ABOUT HONG KONG.
SOSFA SENT 0120Z 23 SEPTEMBER 1967
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.O. H.K.D.
F.E. & P.D.
AVIATION & TELECOMMS. DEPT.
J.I.R.D.
J.I.P.G.D.
J.I.A.D.
NEWS DEPT.
19
C/W TRADE DEPT.
F.O. F.E.D.
งา
J.R.D. (ECONOMIC)
CONFIDENTIAL
TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.S.
Communications Department
H.K. Djl
Please send copies of the following, telegram
YTC/1
* Copy/ies of the following telegram has/have been sent
[delete as applicable
TO:
P. 1954 to Horny Kony.
ODM Draken
child)
ν
24/9/67
2nd P. Sodynick Hong Kong your apple,
J.K Steele
Clopped.
آدینا
(Signed)
(Department)
(Date)
(Initials)
Action taken in Communications Department:
taken in gre
(Date)
2519167
AFTER ACTION THIS FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO
THE APPROPRIATE ARCHIVES DIVISION FOR RETENTION
64208
ик
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Registry No. WB 13/22.
DEPARTMENT
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret
Secret
Confidential
Brassiered
Unclassified-
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
En Clair. Code Cypher
Draft Telegram to:-
れん
No. 1954
(Date) 12/9 22.
And to:-
Repeat ip:- Cantena 1923 New the 2044
Tokyo.878
UKRIS New York 5062 Wellington 981
Saving to:-
Distribution:--
As for HK sel 1355. Вода
Copies to:-
Mr. Sedgewich. Ith Office Mr. JR Steele, BOT. 16:02
22/4/67
• Date and time (G.M,T.) telegram should
reach addresses(B)...
23/9
ATD
PRIORITY MARKINGS
(Date)
Despatched.
[Sec
Security classification -if any
ion]
[
Privacy marking -if any
]
PEPTIDEMMAhlukomerNATHAHAKAMANIDADE DE
[Codeword-if any].
Addressed to
telegram No.......
No.
And to
box fidential
Hong Kong
PARVELLYKKETAHUI
1954
1954 (date)
22/9
repeated for information to Caubena New Delhi, Tokyo UKMIS New York
Saving to...............
Wellington
+---+------+++++++ Mod for MLADIHAHHAAL JEAN
Your telegram 1355 [ Adverse publicity
on
HongKong I
We appreciate your concern,
I will be approaching have approached BOAT and [Pand 0.
are
These appoaches have been informal and reshained, however, since some of the instances you cite may perhaps have been dictated by purely commercial considerations. [ For HongKong only ]
2.
Discussions in which the Governoring of taking part are being beed now on the
روانی
!
Reference
i
Sir Arthur Galsworthy
Sir John Johnston discussed with Mr. Gaminara and myself on Thursday afternoon whether there was any way in which we chould help to strengthen the Hong Kong Information Services, or in fact whether they did require strengthening.
I enclose a copy of some notes which Sir John Johnston made after discussion with Colonel Wild and Colonel Murray; I gather that Colonel Murray had been seconded by the Army to help on the Information side in Hong Kong.
Sir John Johnston would very much like to discuss the whole problem with Sir David Trench. is already booked for the afternoons of Monday to Thursday next week, but would be free during the mornings. If a meeting could be arranged he would like to bring in Mr. Peck and others as well.
Perhaps we could discuss this with Sir David
Trench.
c. Mr. Carter
24
¡
|
MR. Ganunara
MPH.
(H.P. Hall)
15 September, 1967.
This was.
I Huik, one
&
The subjects
He
for discussion this aftercoon. II imagine
there will to a record of the conclusions
reached
?
22/9
ME
CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong Information and Propaganda
Points arising in discussion with Colonel Wild and Colonel Kurray
1.
Series of separate but related problems
2.
open attempts by P.L.A. to subvert Gurkha
troops on frontier duty.
- Chinese communist activity with fishermen
and agriculturalists in N.T.s.
countering communist propaganda and
Bustaining morale of Hong Kong Chinese.
external problems of sustaining confidence,
keeping incidents in proportion.
Lack of overall direction of information/
a
propaganda effort. Cater too wider range
of responsibilities to concentrate on this
aspect. Stevenson rushed off feet. Lack of
general directive or propaganda strategy
resulting from total absorption with problems
of countering day-by-day communist
allegations, coping with news of incidents
etc.
3. Need for someone as permanent focal point for
feeding overseas correspondents.
4. Comparison with organisation in Singapore
under Reddaway during confrontation.
CONFIDENTIAL
P
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE,
LONDON, S.W.1.
25 September, 1967.
(224)
Dear Chancery,
Propaganda against Hong Kong
Thank you for your letter 10527 of 18 September with which you forwarded a copy of "W.S. Richard & Co's." letter to a Dutch firm.
2. Similar letters have been received by firms in this country and I can assure you that there is no such company trading in Hong Kong. The letter is, of course, yet another ploy in the Communists' attempt to maintain by propaganda what they have failed to achieve by strike action; it is encouraging that the Dutch firm should have been moved to pass the letter to the Consul General in Rotterdam.
3. We are copying this letter to Economic Relations Department in the Foreign Office and to Commercial Relations Department in the
Board of Trade. A copy also goes to Colin Wilson in IRD together with a copy of your letter and its enclosure.
Yours ever
DARY. HR).
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
Chancery, British Embassy, The Hague.
!
22A
Ed. (3746)
Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
DRAFT
letter
Type 1 +
From
26
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
To:-
Chancery Zilish Embassy
The Hague
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
AG
16
Year Chancery,
Similar letter have been received Asy firms in this Country and Hong Kong Betterfation
Amen and I com
hopaganda against Henry Kay
Thank you for you
letter 10527 of 18 September with which you fouvarded
a cony y
"W.S. Richard & Co "s
letter to
a fulch firm.
"The
Commercial
i ottice
Bryssels
will doubtless
sff bastone fire in this country bar
2. amen with the Houghtong
auth in
anange
to have me firm's
onat identity checked
assure you suck
There is no
but it
ove
trading to sarpact it is bogues d It. The alter
compasy in Hong Kong.
suspect
is feet another ploy in the Communists'
mestage
hat wructi
I Gommetrists" bave preacher
Are
Copy whe letter
in many ways
under ref to
in thei
altempt to maintain what by
nos tithe Cost Office Moraganda what hey have failed to
HK
achieve by shike action;
it is
в і ексотиазид
rewned
Bak
mat me futch
Firin
have been moved
сб раз не сни
is the
3.
Соиня белая і Rorteijaш
We are conyug
ii
Économu Relations Departs foreign a freef
in me
Ми вики й
&t and to
Department in the
1 copy also goes
Сочинение Relative верашен сй ни
Зоолук
rade
to fein Wilson arih а сегаў у чай елья моекложе Чолих елем
й делал маш
Ikk Department
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Reference.
Will 27
Mu Hode
Flag A
A
reply is outstanding to 30: I altall
draft.
2.
My Littlejohn Cook has no
Flag B.
Flag C
objection to our
sending a copy of @3 to yqu Corpor
3. At (24)
Sir John Johnston's office
a record which I kept of
the meeting w
2242 Sentender.
I thought
cor
might
as
will and expres of
concerned, although
it was
that also to those
intended only
for a
this file.
H. You should also sen
Sir Arthes Gelewartungs
Flag D
mindi
al-
AME
259.67
Thank you.
As in dift. Then receve
for Su Mutter folmath
to see
www
ANG
27/9
26/9
B 13/22
27 September, 1967
27
I am sorry not to have replied earlior to your letter AUS (POL) 6197 of the 12 September about psychological operations und the co-ordination of propaganda activity in Hong Kong, but we wished to discuss the whole problem with the Governor of long Tong.
Replies are now coming in to our Information Research Department from Missions abroad to the circular letter which was sent to them following the first meeting of the Working Group. And I have learned recently that there is to be a further meeting of the Working Group in the neɑr future,
The problem was discussed with the Governor at a meeting in Sir John Johnston's Office on 22 September with Peck and Littlejohn Cook. A memorandan had been prepared for the xesting by our information Policy and Guidance Department and I enclose a copy for your information, I also enclose a copy of an
informal record thất we took of the meeting and which may help to bring you up to date.
I am sending copies of this letter and enclosures to Sykes at the Foreign office.
I am also sending copies, omitting the first enclosure, to Sir John Johnston, Peck and Littlejohn Cook,
LAST
REF.
AFT
(20
(H.P. Hall)
F. COOPER, Esq., C.N.G.
Ministry of Defense.
SECKET
Registry
DRAFT
No.
HWB 13/22
To:-
Type 1 +
From
27
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
97499 30.3.
fls
26/9
Ворон
berbuat Secret. £afiduciak Bestricted Budzikodex
E/18.
73
сбру
નં.
Popies with copies
enclosures to st
F. Cooper Esq., CMG Ministry of Defence Main Building,
SW1
SECRET.
Jon I may
sorry out to have replied easter
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
Iom-replying to your letter AUS (POL) 6197
of the 12th September about psychological operations
and the coordination of propaganda activity in Hong Kong, but we used to discuss the whole pollon with the form of Hay Kong.
I understand that Replies are now coming in to our
Information Research Department from Missions abroad
to the circular letter which was sent to the following
the first meeting of the Working Group. And I have
learned recently that there is to be a further meeting
of the Working Group in the near future.
The proble
was discored with forcom at
I attended a meeting in Sir John Johnstone's Office
with
on 22nd September, together with Sir David Trench,
Peck & Littlejohn Cook, for the purpose of reviewing
the whole situation. A memorandum had been prepared
for the meeting by our Information Policy and Guidance
Department and I enclose a copy for your information.
I also enclose a copy of an informal record that we
took of the meeting and which may help to bring you
up to date.
I am sending copies of this letter and enclosures
to Sykes at the Fotolijn Office
I am also sending copies, omitting the first enclosure, to Sir John Johnstone, Peck & Littlejohn Cook.
(1) Sir John Johnston, UCHA
J.L. P.G.D.
(2) J. H. Peck, Craf
1.R.D.
(3) G. S. Little In Look,
J. 1. P.G/D.
(4) RA Sykey, CHG M.C., Defence Dent. Fo.
withint front
во во билет
with both enclosure
i
28
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE
5 4
PALL
MALL
S. WI
LONDON
28th September, 1957.
(228)
Our Ref: 42/220SD.
Dear
كالك
fra,
Papr
%
We have
Thank you for the copy of your letter of 22nd September, 1967, in regard to the propaganda letters from .S.Richard & Co., Hong Kong. received in all reports of about a dozen identical letters, including one which penched us from the Embassy in Paris via the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.
I have sent one original to the Director of Commerce and Industry in Fong Kong with a request for Police investigation but doubt if they will be able to trace the author. I have also sent conies of the letters to James Martin in Brussels, Derek Jones in Geneva and Alec Hermann in Washington.
Yours sincerely.
22B
(P.C.H.Sedgwick).
RECEIVED IN
D.H.Reed, Esq., Commonwealth Office,
Curtis Green Building, The Embankment,
LONDON, 3.V.1.
ARCH
20011yer
HWB 13/22
POS/ANH.
TELEPHONE WHITEHALL 01-930-7951
CABLES HONGAID LONDON S.W.F
R. 318.
For informatio propaganda file AKE
2.00.97.
ajice.
Пишу
Thank
om
Melodi Mr Magligen.
مين
11/1
The gast of brought to the attention of
the letter was
the Grammer at a meatimes
Sir John Johnstone's office
on 22nd Sept.
The sorting had been convened to revient
the general informclio ffort, both wisade
05 -
trong
Temar
thang mong
The Govt. of Hong take the Frismcial
&
will undoubtedly
the
445.
FIN. TIMES
37
22 SEP 1967
29
Hong Kong,
Sir, I am writing to you at the conclusion of two weeks spent in Hong Kong in the course of a protracted globe-trotting holiday, In the course of this holiday I have visited West and South African ports, toured extensively in Malaya. stayed three umes in Singapur and visited Sarawak and a number of places in the Philip-
pind including Manija. previously lived in Bat'Africk för a number of years and have recently spent some Holland and France.
time
10
I have never, in all my travels, visited such a go-ahead, happy, efficient, busy and, above all, beautiful city and country as Hong Kong. Before I came here. after reading the British Press and listening to radio reports, 1 was under the impression that this was almost a beleagured city. Not a bit of it. This is the cleanest, In busiest city 1 have ever seen. two weeks I have travelled exten- sively in the colony, right up to the border with Communist China. I have travelled on foot and by car throughout the cities of Hong Kong and Kowloon and I have been greeted everywhere with courtesy such as I would never ex- pect in London. I have travelled on ferries to the outlying islands and have returned with hundreds of laughing and happy day-trippers on the evening ferries. I have seen the factories working capacity and have heard the eports of record export figures for last month. But in all my two weeks I have seen less evidence of unrest and violing than I should expect to see in any two weeks in Salford or Manchester where I used to live.
to
+
+1
H
I am aware that there are troubles here-but in two weeks of searching I have not been able meet up with any of the bombs or demonstrations," I have visited Macau twice and have seen that it is a dead city, completely under the influence of the Communists, where all build- ing sites are deserted, hotels and shops are closed and trade is at a standstill owing to the lack of tourists who normally go there from Hong Kong. Even the bull- ring has had to be closed through lack of support!
I write to you, Sir, as my im- pression from reports in the British and other Press was that Hong Kong was nearly in queer street. I find it is not-it is a great a wood ful-place full of wonder. ful people who, I believe, wäre less worried about the mas reppabler than are those people in Britain who hear about them. I leel that a Press cadeaign to correct this entirely false im- pression would be only just and fair to a great and kind people.
Incidentally, although I can buy THE FINANCIAL TIMES in the better bookshops in Singapore, here I have to date found only hotel, *The Mandarin," which has the paper-one copy daily! Not much help!
one
PETER N. BANKS,
Clo Westminster Bank.
2. The Rock.
Bur, Lancs.
M. Gadian
The 5/5 thanks
russ
that this leth
Sho be bought-
to the attention
of the Governor Hong Kong, if he has not already
Sea it.
Smachilifin 229
14v Reed.
Pl. speak.
25.9.67.
RECELED IN
- 2...
hours
2. In the wiremstances you may cigree that no
necessary.
ANG 28.9.67.
further action of
Ed (4206)
30
Reference..
IPG 1/1/240/4
Mr. Gaminara, (Hong Kong Dept.)
We spoke about Tokyo's suggestion that a Japanese speaker should be seconded to Hong Kong and I promised to let you see the correspondence. Personnel Department has now given approval in principal to a second- ment and Tokyo (Mr. Figgis) and Hong Kong (the Political Adviser) have been informed of this.
R318
肌
22/9
Wollong
(R.E. Holloway) 20 September 1967
RECL.
L
HWB Hos
|
1
R.3.18.
For information propaganda fore
Ao
3,00
.47
SECRET
HONG KONG WORKING GROUP
The second meeting of the Hong Kong Working Group was held in the Conference Room in Riverwalk House at 3 p.m. on Wednesday 27 September 1967.
Mr. Peck (Chairman) Mr. Carrocher
Mr. Gaminara
Present were:
IRD
News Department, C.R.O.
Hong Kong and West India
Department.
THIS IS A COPY
THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION
TVERORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED
(4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Mr. Holloway
JIPGD
Mr. Littlejohn Cook Miss Stowe
JIPGD
JIPGD
Col Wild
Ministry of Defence
IRD
3/
Mr. Wilson
All
The Chairman said that the meeting had been called to review progress, particularly in view of the recent return to Hong Kong of the Governor, the Political Adviser and the Director of the Hong Kong Government Information Services. In addition, Mr. Rivett-Carnac had taken up his post. had held discussions with members of the Group while in London and had seen the papers relating to it. As a result they now had a better idea of the kind of work in which the Group was engaged.
3
It was generally agreed that the problem was no longer an emergency issue but should be considered on a long term besis.
In these circumstances information work must be a continuous effort in order to prevent a loss of confidence in the colony which might not be immediately obvious but would eventually be reflected in Hong Kong's markets. Colonel Wild drew attention to the fact that the Ministry of Defence had increased its military intelligence effort by fifty per cent to meet the long term threat.
4.
In commenting on the note which he had prepared on IPGD's requirements and cireulated to members of the Group, Mr. Littlejohn Cook emphasised that the major concern as to maintain confidence in the Hong Kong stability particularly in its main markets in the United States and Western Europe. The supply of material from Hong Kong had now improved and London's role should be to disseminate this.
Staffing Problena in Hong Kong.
5. Mr. Gaminarà reported that at a meeting with the Governor, the need for more staff in the Colony had been raised together with the possibility of an officer being loaned permanently from JIPGD to coordinate action. Mr. Littlejohn Cook said that Rivett-Carnac would be doing this until November.
He added that Mr. Watt had asked the COI for five additional journalists but the request had been turned down. It was not possible he said to spare an LPS correspondent to write up the material in Hong Kong. An argument in favour of engaging an outside journalist was that those concerned
/with
15.63
SECRET
-4UCT 1967
HWD 13/22
1
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED
SECRET
IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION
2.
3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
with the information effort in the Colony lacked appreciation of the targets they should be trying to reach and of the scope for favourable publicity presented by facts with which they
were over familiar.
Foreign Press
6.
Mr. Littlejohn Cook sugested that any suggestion of offers
nafavour- of facility visita to journalists would meet with an an able reaction in Hong Kong, since most newspapers and magazines
The Hong already had representatives stationed there. Kong Government had agreed to bear the cost of a visit by a Japanese speaker lasting sono weeks to handle Japanese correspondents in the Colony.
7. It was generally felt that facility visits should be
So far as the US press was offered to foreign journalists. concerned, it was agreed that BIS, New York was the best channel of influence. An invitation should go to a West European magazine with picture coverage rather than a newspaper and journalists from South East Asian news-
papers should also be considered.
Filma
8. Hong Kong had asked for a British camera tean to make a 28 film in colour and black and white of Hong Kong week. This was, however, likely to cost £30,000 and take two years to make. A shorter, colour newsre 1 was generally felt to be a better proposition but Hong Kong's om film unit, which sends copies of its films to London, as thought to be in no hurry to undertake this work. A facility visit for a Pathe camera tean was suggested.
9. Colonel Wild said that an army information vean, equipped with a 16 man canera, had been set up at the tine of the Aden emergency and had never been disbanded. He thought this could probably be sent to Hong Kong within a month, but not by October 10. There was particular need for psychologi- cal operation work of this kind in the New Torzitories which were open to infiltration from China.
Miscellaneous
10. The Chairman asked for the meetings views on Mr. Watt's suggestion that Ir. Boxall of the Hong Kong Office in London should be co-opted as a member of the Working Group. It was agreed that in view of the close daily contact between members of the Group and the Hong Kong office, this was not necessary, Mr. Boxall could be asked to attend meetings when appropriate.
11.
Miss Stove requested that iteris suitable for the savingram Hong Kong Talking Foints, should be sent to her.
12. Mr. Littlejohn Cook said that he would be discussing Hong Kong with civilian and military authorities in Singapore during his forthcoming South East Asian tour.
13.
Representatives of the Commonwealth Office undertook to examine the possibilities of using Lord Shepherd's forthcoming visit to Hong Kong for publicity purposes.
SECRET
/Action
SECRET
3.
Action
14.
It was agreed that:
a) JIPGD should write to Mr. Watt in Hong Kong to
find out whether a replacement for Mr. Rivett- Carnac rould be necessary and whether an experienced journalist was still required in Hong Kong.
b)
c)
JIPGD would explore with Hong Kong the question of sponsored trips for foreign journalists.
The Ministry of Defence would investigate the possibilities of sending an army canera tean to Hong Kong.
SECRET
g
You know
HONG KONG
even if you've never be
This
restaurant is
piece of the East
LOYAL TO THE BRITISH FLAG
ד
HONG
12
Mr. Gammara
KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE
3/10
LONDON S. W.
PALL
MALL
5 4
Our Ref: 42/220SD.
3rd October, 1967.
:
(C
Dear Benny
I enclose a copy of a poster received from Information Services in Hone Kon which we have been asked to distribute to Fore Kong Chinese restaurant owners. The idea apparently is that they honla Ajeelay it in their windows to demonstrate a connect- ion with Hong Kong rather than with China. The sucrestion that a noster on these lines should be produced was first monted in Hong Kong at the time of the hostile demonstrations acainst the British Consulate General in Shanghai and the British Embassy in Pekin, as it was feared that anti-Chinese feeling in Britain micht affect the business of Chinese restaurants here and reduce remittances to the New Territories. In Commonwealth Office enhle No. 1544 of 24th July you said that you did not think that business had in fact been affected or that posters were necessery or desirable. Apparently the Portland Square incidents must have decided Hong Kone to ro ahead and a large number of these nosters have been air freighted to u5.
A
I shall be grateful for your reaction to the distribution of these nosters. My information is that the Portland Place incidents did affect the business of Chinese restaurants for a short time and that thern were a few unpleasant incidents including visits by touchs who refused to nay for their meals and tried to start fights. The effect annears to have been temporary and public memories short.
We have our own ideas as to the likely effectiveness of these posters but would like yours.
Il Carter chescussed with 14° Scopusis. Yours sincerely,
d myself.
It wins agreed that these postus charlo bermet lô izstawsont owners
would decade for them whe sur
to asc
Chems
Am5410.
7.S.Carter, Esa., C.V.O., Commonwealth Office,
Curtis Green Building,
Victoria Embankment, LONDON, S.V.1.
(P.C.M.Sedrwick).
R. 318
P.A.
file.
Enel: (1) PCMS/WITH.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.63 4 OCT 10
Am
TELEPHONE WHITEHALL 01-930-79
CABLES HÔNGAID LONDON
S.W.I
SECRET
SECRET
Category AC: no unclassified reply or reference
From:
CINCFE
To &
MOD UK
Info:
CBF Hong Kong
ни чува No. 2610 Mr. Gaghmana
R. 318.
0401222 October
Date: 4.10.67
Read: 21022
33
RE-CIRCULATION AT REQUEST OF DOC 5-10-67
WARNING
PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY OR REFERENCE
KBC
SEASEC 49
Subject is PSYOPS support for Hong Kong.
CBF supported by HE The Governor has stated need for further PSYOPS support and advice both in closed border area and also in consolidation PSYOPS of a community relations nature in villages in new territories. This role could be discharged by my information team currently deployed in Aden and due for withdrawal soon. Hong Kong requirement is for experienced mobile PSYOPS capability able to react quickly to counter Chinese cross border efforts which are clearly professionally planned and directed and also able to operate in remoter areas and islands. Hong Kong Government has hitherto provided equipment for use along border but this is essentially static and has to be operated by Officers whose tactical responsibilities preolude attention necessary for well timed and planned PSYOPS reactions. One PSYOPS Staff Officer lent to Hong Kong Government is fully committed and is unable to devote continuous attention required to keep in touch with border situation. CBF states that if PSYOPS unit were deployed in Hong Kong
he would place it in support of 48 BDE with following tasks:
8.
Provision of PSYOPS advice and support to forward units.
b.
Tactical PSYOPS including broadcasts during border incidents according to situation.
Counter propaganda in closed border area in response to Chinese propaganda.
d.
PSYOPS support for extension of hearts and minds operations now being planned for remoter areas using resources of all three services.
If army information team deployed to Far East assume that this would be treated as a unit move and that special financial considerations would not apply.
TLM Distribution
and
ра
DMO
Dafi
9.0.67
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES .63.
11111513/22
SECRET
0401222
CW/28
(IPG1/1/240/4)
CONFIERTIAL,
R. 312
Aro
9.60.
n
Mor Gupfinare
孙
Foreign Office/
Commonwealth office,
London S..1.
3 October, 1967
हैं
34
PA
We have just held another meeting of the Hong Kong Information Working Group to review the progress made since its esta lishment. You will be pleased to hear that the general consensus of opinion was that, thanks to the discussions which we have had with yourself, the Governor, the Political Adviser and others in the last two months we now have a far clearer idea of how the machine works in Hong Kong and the ways in which those concerned at this end can help. I hope this feeling is mutual and that you too are better aware of our numerous channels of production and communication. We look forward therefore to even closer co-ordination between our two networks in the future, for the Working Party was agreed that, while the actual sense of emergency might have diminished during the past few weeks, urgent and vigorous publicity would be a continuing need to ensure the long-term economic stability of Kong Kong and international faith in that stability.
2.
+
In this context there was some discussion about the secondnent of extra personnel. As you may know, the Governor at his meeting with us, promised to look into this subject on his return and let us have his views. We were wondering, however, whether you felt that a replacement for Douglas Rivett-Carnac on his departure in November would be useful, or whether it was considered that his tasks would by, then have been effectively completed. On a completely different plane the question of feature writers came up again with reference to your request to Fife-Clark. From our own point of view, it is the thought that this proposal might still be very useful. Our problem here is that, whilst the C.0.1. are highly skilled at writing up points from your sitreps and press telegrams and angling these storie. appropriately for different sections of the world press, they are nevertheless handicapped by having to work in the dark without first- hand knowledge of the subject. By this I do not mean to imply that the material you send us is lacking in any way but I am sure you would agree that, being so closely involved in the daily train of events, cne can overlook or take for granted the continuing achivement of development. For instance the "overnor mentioned to us the fact that each year Hong Kong builds accommodation equivalent to one new town in England. This is the sort of story that can well be exploite around the world and which would more likely be picked up by somebody new to the colony. It would seen to me therefore that it would be extremely valuable if someoody with experience of our world-wide information network could visit Hong Kong for a short period to look at the situation objectively and report it as viewed from the outside.
Tigel Watt Esq. Government Information Services,
Director of
HONG KONG.
जी
40/2/
CONFIDENTIAL
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.631
-9 OCT 1967
HWA 13/22
13.
I
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
our's.
3.
Of course no material we can produce on Hong Kong can affect the bias of articles filed by working Journalists, and hone-based news editors are far more likely to take their word rather than
Nevertheless we know from our own experience in the U.K. that if we can get a senior staff member of à newspaper to visit this country on a sponsored tour, this sometimes pays very good dividends, Presumably you have been doing the same sort of thing and I wondered if you would consider it of value if we were to ask our Information Officers at one or two posts to put forward the names of influential journalists and editors likely to benefit from a facilitated visit to Hong Kong. In particular I was thinking of South East Asin where the newspapers are almost entirely dependent on News Agency cources and also Western Europe where a favourable article in one of the large circulation German illustrated magazines, could achieve a great deal. You will also have seen Tokyo's letter 1512/78/67 of 14 September to me, copied to the Political Adviser, about the influence of "Mine" end "Newsweek" reporting.
I am writing separately to B.1.5. New York on this, but you might conside: en invitation to one of their senior news editors appropriate.
1. As you will realise these are all very tentative ideas and as I said during our meeting I look forward to receiving from you any practical suggestions you may have once you have settled back into your office again. I should add that the question of finance is one for the Government of Hong Kong. Our Information posts can recommend foreign journalists whom you might invite; and we could probably lend you for a month or so a man from here who eculd write a series of articles for dissemination world-wide through B.I.S. But I doubt if the Treasury would agree to our paying for such operations. I did mention this to the Governor who thought he could find the funds for one or two worthwhile projects.
(0.5. Littlejohn Cook)
P.S. As I am
CONFIDENTIAL
dor
1 SE 20
leaving for
should reply
Judy Stowe.
Asia, you Job Peck
w
GOVERNMENT OFFICE
HONG
KONG
5 4
PALL
MALL
LONDON
S.W. I
J.S. Ellis, Esq., C.H.G., O.B.E., Head of News Department,
Commonwealth Office,
Downing Street,
London, S.W.1.
9th October 1967
1613
Dear Mr. Ellis,
It has been suggested that it would be useful at the present time if the various organizations concerned, in one way or another, with the "projection of liong Kong's image" in Britain were to meet at regular intervals for an exchange of views. We are therefore proposing to set up a Fublic keletions Liaison Committee," under the chairmanship of Mr. P.C.M. Sedgwick, Director of this Office, and a representative of your Office is cordially invited to the first meeting, which will be held here on Tuesday, October 17th, at 3 p.m.
Other organizations wh' will be invited to attend are the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Association, the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Hong Kong Studerts' Office, the Hong Kong Chinese Liaison Office, and the Committee of Shipowners Employing Chinese Crews.
I shall be grateful if you will let me know whether your Office agrees to be represented on the Committee, and the name of your representative, by October 16th.
I
I understand that this matter has already been discussed between you and Mr. Gaminera and that Mr. Carrocher was mentioned as a possible representative of the Commonwealth Office News Department.
With best wishes,
RB/SC
Yours sincerely,
Komman
Ronald Boxall,
icer.
Principal Information Officer.
1
54
PA
se 1r. Carrocker
• Mr. Gaziŋára
P
36
12 RB/LC
IC 1/2/4
10th Getober, 1967.
I have distructed
i.
i rocher
on
ablic elutions
to rttend the first meeting et 3 : Tuesday `etcher 17th of the Liaison Committee, which in being set up under the Chair Snæbij of dr.
oŭgrich.
You may be are thuit this Depart ́ent
will do evarytinu poezi: le to co-oper te with your Office in tde matter.
jours sincerely,
Bilim,
oxa
sq.,
end of NPWe Department
rincipal Infóriation officer,
ong Government
London,
1
IN
15.63
[170]
R
ffice,
3 chid (35) (20) sent
Pe cary
"/PA
ie M°C Wilson
(IRA) & M Holloway (JIPEND)
MS 11.10.47.
12.60
Our reference: Your reference:
(19) (24A)
R&R
37
باسا
例心
'twis'
BOARD OF TRADE
Shipping Policy Division
1 Victoria Street, LONDON S.W.1
Telex: 25955 Answer Back: BOTHQ LONDON Telegrams: Advantage London S.W.1 Telephone: ABBey 7877, ext.
12th October, 1967.
few Mewith,
Hong Kong
I refer to telegram 1355 from Hong Kong of 7th September and Commonwealth Office telegram 1954 of 22nd September about adverse publicity on Hong Kong.
I am enclosing the copy of a letter we have received from P. and 0. on the subject of the reduction of calls by their passenger liners next year.
I suspect this will be received with mixed feelings in Hong Kong.
24A
Yours sinceres,
M. Cochhi
(K. J. Cochlin)
i_
P. M. Hewitt, Esq.,
Commonwealth Office,
Room 315,
Curtis Green Building,