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SENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)
TELEGRAM NO.
914
I
1
SECRET
38
127
2
Minister of State
There are two decisions which we have to take very quickly.
2. The first, which must be made today, is whether the trial of the
twenty-odd agitators arrested on 6 May should prooed (Hong Kong telegram
No. 607) tomorrow (Hong Kong time) as planned.
3. The second decision, which is not so immediate, is how we reply to
the Chinese statement about these disturbances of which ̧our Mission in
Peking has been handed a copy by the Chinese Ministry for Foreign
Affairs.
4,
We have discussed this with our colleagues in the Foreign Office Our
view on the trial is that there are three alternatives:
(a) to postpone the trial for, say, 48 hours in order to see how matters
develop;
(b) to start the rial tomorrow as planned but to seek an adjournment
perhaps on grounds that further evidence is required and to re-offer
bail which the men detained have already been offered but have
refused;
(c) to proceed with the trial as planned and let the law take its
course. Since the charges are for illegal picketing it does not
One
of the appear that prison sentences would be involved.
agitators who pleaded guilty when tried on 8 May was fined H.K. $100. We
cannot be sure that some of the other defendente may not have more
serious charges laid against them but on the evidence we have we assume
that fines of H.K.$100 (£6.5.0.) would probably meet the situation.
5. Our opjection to (a) is that if we show weakness from the outset we
believe that the Chinese will instigate the Hong Kong dissidents to
increase their pressure and demands against us. 6. Our objection to (b)
is that, as far as we know, the prosecution has prepared ita case and if
we ask for an adjournment for further evidence this also would look like
a sign of weakness.
7. We therefore conclude that we should proceed as at (c). We accept
that in view of the demands contained in Peking's statement, one of
which is that all the persons arrested should immediately be set free,
this may appear provocative both in Hong Kong and in
SECRET
Peking
us.
Peking and may lead to Berious escalation of the pressures against
But our view, subject to Ministers' decision, is that increasing
proasure is going to be put upon us anyway and that this will be less
rather than greater if we do not give the appearance of backing down
immediately but take the position that the law of the Colony must be
upheld.
8. We shall submit separately on the second decision, how to deal with
the Peking statement.
(H.P. Hall) 15 May, 1967
1
10
3
7,0
Cypher
39
SECRET
LOFY FOR RECUPERATION
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 16th May 1967
R. 16th
05222
MAP
b
FLASH SECRET No.612
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
tt
Peking No.224
1t
POLAD Singapore No.93
(Please pass IMMEDIATE to Peking
PRIORITY to Singapore)
LAET
2.41
Act.
26 42453948
Your telegram No. 919..
Peking Statement,
36.
37
DAR
I made the statement referred to in your paragraph 8 because there was
great public pressure and need for some explanation of the situation, To
have refused or delayed comment could have had a most damaging effect on
local confidence and morale,
2. At a meeting of my Executive Council this morning the point was made
with unanimous support that the reaction of the ordinary citizens of
Hong Kong to Left-wing pressure (and this after all is going to be
crucial during the next few weeks) would depend on their judgment of how
H.M.G. in London would react to that pressure, and whether H.M.G. also
was fully determined that law and order be maintained. I am sure that
if, as your telegram under reference appears to suggest, H.M.G. were to
avoid making any statement or reply to the Chinese protest, it would be
suspected here that their attitude to the Chinese demands was equivocal
and Hong Kong was being left to sink or swim on its own. The invariable
practice in the past has been for replies to Chinese Notes of protest to
be made in London or Peking, not Hong Kong. For me to make a second
statement on the lines you suggest in paragraph 6 would not be accepted
here as a proper substitute for a firm statement of views by H.M.G. and
I do not advise it.
る。
I entirely agree with your objections to alternatives a) (b) and (c)
of your paragraph 2 and I would hope therefore that Ministers would
agree to the making of a firm official statement in London, to include
the admirable points made by Hopson to Vice-Minister in Peking (his
telegram No.482). But I feel that it is equally important that an oral
exposition of H.M.G.'s views should be given concurrently to the Chinese
Chargé d'Affaires in London. It seems to me essential to try by every
means we can to get the Chinese Government (repeat Government) to
understand our essentially reasonable position. If the diecussion with
the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires were used to ram home the same points, it
need not be barrenly polemical and it might be possible to avoid
detailed discussion of the "demands". Only by the maintenance of
personal contacts of this kind does it seem likely that an eventual
solution may emerge.
140
SECRET
SECRET
41.
If you accept these views, it would seem that a statement would be
better drafted in London.
5. Your telegram No.918. We have done this so often in the recent past
that I doubt whether it would have any effect at this moment. It is a
point we try to keep constantly in front of the public.
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(40)
COPY
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The
RATION
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
D. 16th May, 1967. R. 16th
11
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"
MAY 1909
12
No. 613.
FLASH
CONFIDENTIAL
16
"
Addressed to Commonwealth office. Repeated "Washington No. 113.
"Peking No. 225.
(Commonwealth Office
please pass IMMEDIATE to Washington and ROUTINE to Peking).
Admiral Sharp U.S. c.-in-C. Pacific is due to visit Hong Kong on
18th - 21st May and 23rd and 24th May on his way to and from a
conference in Saigon. Purpose of his visit is apparently to see local
American representatives and have a rest. His wife and a party of six
will remain here while he is in Vietnam. Commodore would call on him
privately but he would have no other contact with British forces.
2. U.S. Consul-General has asked me today whether I would wish to cancel
the visit. I replied that as yet I saw no reason to do so, but I might
have to advise it in the case of more serious developments within the
next 24 hours,
3. We had already arranged that he should come in plain clothes and that
there should be no publicity. But we know that the left-wing are already
aware of the visit.
If
you feel that in the circumstances we ought to ask him not to come,
grateful if you would let us know by Flash telegram.
(Passed as requested)
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Інновате
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Washington
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unara
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Mr.....
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Sir.....
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ENCLOSURES
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Tourmal
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30
1950
117/5
Your telegram No. 613.
how the
circumstances
are
think that
Admiral SHARP
SWARA
should not visit
Hong Kong at present, since thes
world
be open to propaganda
exploitation by C.P.G.
Please
explain to U.S. Consul. Feneral.
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and advance copies hit. de tu Mare, wer Bolland and Wihen).
IAN
Cypher
CONFIDENTIAL
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Sent 16th May 1967. 143OZ
41
FLASH
CONFIDENTIAL
No.925
(42)
Draft Below.
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong
Repeated IMMEDIATE to Washington
忻 Peking
中情
Your telegram No.613.
In the circumstances we think that Admiral Sharp
should not visit Hong Kong at present, since this would be open to
propaganda exploitation by C.P.G.
exploitation by C.P.G. Please explain
to U.S. Consul-General
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Washington and Peking
IMMEDIATE and advance copies to Mr. de la Mare,
Mr. Bolland and Mr. Wilson)
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SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 16th May 1967 R. 16th
11
0830Z
10
ธ
(42)
MAY
12
1967
1.
3
J
PRIORITY SECRET No.615
Repeated
14
Addressed to Commonwealth Office
"Peking No.226
" POLAD Singapore No. 94.
(Please pass Routine to both)
My telegram No.612. 39
Peking Statement.
There is good evidence that statement referred to in paragraph 1 of my
telegram had a beneficial effect on confidence and was widely welcomed.
2. Further to remark in parenthesis in my paragraph 2, we have been
trying over the past few days to stimulate local neutral and
non-left-wing organisations and personalities in all walks of life into
coming out with public expressions of a desire for peace and stability
in Hong Kong, and similar indications of lack of support for present
left-wing agitation. I feel sure that if we can stimulate enough of this
kind of public comment it could become one of the more effective real
deterrents available to left-wing demands being pressed to the limit.
За
As you know, it is not at all easy to get people here to do this sort of
thing, but we are so far having an encouraging amount of success. If
there are any Hong Kong Chinese groups in England who could be
stimulated into the same sort of thing, it would be possibly helpful.
might have some ideas.
(Passed as requested)
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REF.
SECRET
123ITY
FROM HOHT
14- KOLJATI 2-46TH MAY 1967
No.616.
ADDRESSED 0.0.48 2•༠。 ༥༣༦
No.
from Hous
(63,
Konsi
En Clinger, bd from
0.16 Mary
67
R. 16 Many 61 05302
No.
REPEATED PEKING 227 AND POLAD 31 MAPORE 90.
THE LEFT-WING PAPERS THIS MORNING C16 MAY) DEVOTE THEIR
FRONT PAGES TO THE TEXT OF THE H.F.A. STATEMENT AND TO REPORTS
OF DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPORT IN PEKING AND CANTON.
IT
THE VEN WEL PAO EDITORIAL TAKES THE LINE THAT THE EXPRESSION OF
SUPPORT BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REINFORCE THE CONFIDENCE OF
LOCAL PATRIOTS, WHO ARE TODAY "PPDEFINITELY NOT ALCHE'' GOES ON TO
REPEAT THE ALLEGATION THAT THE POLICE ACTION WAS PART OF A PLANNED HOVE
AGAINST THE LEFT-WING AND SAYS THAT
H THE EVENT TRENCI. ENGAGED IN SOPISTRY IN DEFENDING THE LAW' AND
THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER'. WHO WILL BELIVE THESE
''FINE WORDS''? IT CONCLUDES: THE CHINESE PEOPLE ARE NOT
-
AFTER
-
A
TO BE TRIFLED WITH. THE CHINESE PEOPLE HEAN WHAT THEY SAY. IF
THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES INSIST ON GOING AHEAD THEY WILL FALL INTO THE
GREAT SEA OF THE PEOPLE'S ANTI-PERSECUTION STRUGGLE
TRAGIC END'' THE WEN WEI PAO ALSO HAS A COMMENTARY ABOUT AN
INCIDENT IN WHICH IT IS ALLEGED TWO REPORTERS OF THE IA KUNG P40 WERE
BEATEN UP BY 'PLAIN CLOTHES SPECIAL AGENTS' YESTERDAY.
''
THE COIMENTARY SAYS THAT THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE JUST AFTER THE
FOREIGN MINISTRY HAD ISSUED ITS STATEMENT AND WAS THEREFORE PARTICULARLY
SERIOUS. ''THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY THE BRITISH AUTHORIT- IES IN HONG KONG
USING THEIR RUNNING DOGS AND WAS A PLANNED AND PREI EDITATED PRELUDE TO
AN ESCALATION OF THEIR ATROCITIES''
ра
3. THE TA KUNG PAO EDITORIAL REPEATS THE STANDARD ALLEGATIONS
AND SAYS IN PART THAT THE HASSES ON THE STREETS IN THE SANPOKONG
AND OTHER AREAS WERE NOT AFRAID OF TEAR GAS OR POLICE BATONS;
/SKULLCOLON DELEGATIONS GOING TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO PROTEST
ARE MORE AND MORE FREQUENT
ANTI-PERSECUTION STRUGGLE
ORGANISATIONS ARE BEING SET UP IN COMPANIES, FACTORIES, AND
UNITS...... THEREFORE THE PATRIOTIC COMPATRIOTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ARE
RESPONDING TO THE CALL OF THEIR BROTHERS WORKERS, ARE
MAKING ALL PREPARATIONS TO ENTER INTO A NEW STRUGGLE.
POVER JOR
Disit
H.KW, DC
1.9.0.
I.l. C. External Distribution
Copes to!-
cabinet office. DIO, JIR.
fo
HIGO.
Messis de la Hare, Denson, Wiben, Mr Boxall.
T
Minister of State
OUCERE
باب
201
Pont Kont
Kr. Carter and I had a further meeting with Foreign
Office officials this morning to diceuas Hong Kong telegram No. 612 in
which the Governor hus süvised that any further otatement on Hong Kong
should be made in London rather than
in Hong Kong.
be accepted Lin advice, although the Poreign Crfice still do not wish to
enter into any discussion about the Fcking statemont. The proposal
therefore is that a statement should be irsued from the Common:ealth
Office explaining what hus happened and the Hong Kong Government and
V.1.0's policy on Hong Kong.
This stut rent is at procent being drafted in encultation with Foreign
Office officials and will be sent out to the Dov mor of Hong Kong and to
our Charge d'ffaires in Peking for their comments because we think it is
esential that it should be as
factually correct es orcible.
The Foreign üffice dɔ not intend to attempt in any way to refute in
detail the Poking statement, but the Under Sceretary concerned will
summon the Chinese Charge d' \ffaires in London to protect to him about
the demonstrations utside the office of the British Charge d'Affairen in
Teking and to insist that
the Chinese Covernment ɛive proper protection to Britich property in
Peking. He will at the game time hand the Chincre Chargo d'Afraires a
copy of the ctutement on Hong Kong which
will be iusued in London.
It in hoped that it will be possible to clear the draft
statement with the Gov mor and with Peking by tomorroż coming and cubmit
it to Ministers for approval tomorrow,
cc. to
rir 3. Garner
Sir A. Galsworthy Fr. Carter
Mr. Gammaia
(H.P. Hall) 16 May 1967
ié/sa
SECHT
MAG
No 618.
D 16 may 67
Rib
ming
43
I
PRIORITY
FROM HONG KONG DATED 1874/1978-1987. ||
CONFIDENTIAL
ENTIAL ADDRESSED
AL/AED
C.O. REPEATED PEKING/228, P.A. SINGAPORE
97, WASHINGTON/114 CPLEASE PASS TO ALL).K
KOWLOON_DISTURBANCES. I
20 PERSONS ARRESTED ON 6TH MAY OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARTIFICIAL FLOWER