simultaneously published in Hong Kong and Paking. The language of this
latement is more violent and abusive than cry in racont years. It
acruzen "the British cuthorities in liong Kong" of "sanguinary
atrocities" of "sanguinary oppression of Cidnese residents in Bong
kong", of "ropeated nilitary and police manoeuvres hostile to China". It
ends by declaring that "the Chiness Government and the 700 million
Chinese people firmly support their compatriots in Hong Kong in their
horole and just strugglo; that "the British Government instruck the
ritish authorities An Hong Kong to "accept all the just fionando put
foraard by Chine se
workers and residents in Hong Kong; that "the Chinese Government and
people are determined to carry the struggle through to the end") that
"Should the British Government and British authorities in Hong Kong
oling
to their perverse cource they must be held responsible for a22 the grave
consequences arising therofrom,"
ttac
Attacks on our posta in Nackt, Poking and Shanghai.
11. During the disturbances of 11th-13th Hay in Hong Kong, the British
Consulate in Macau was the target of repeated denonatrations and the
have been compelled to vacate their querters for a hotel.
12. Since the Poking statemont of 15th Hay similar demonstrations have.
boon mounted against our Embassy in Peking and on the 16th Bay our
Consulate in Shanghai was invaded by a mob and thoroughly "sacked".
Chirago Notivaa
23. 421 available information suggests thate-
(a) the incidents of 6th Eay were not planned; what started as
poaceful pickoting degenerated into violence;
(b) because of the confusion in China (particularly in Centon) ther
is a 200coning of the control hitherto oxeroised from the
mainland over left-wing organisations in lieng Kong; uná jar)
:/(0)
1
14.
(c)
because "of the apread of the influence of th Cultural Revolution, with
1ta onarchie and iconcelastic tendencies, the left-wing Jøndership
in flong, Rong in having difficulty in controlling.
the rank and file.
Thuro in no hard evidence of any fundamentul change
in official Chinase policy towarda Hong Kong, It 10
perhapo algmificent that Peking han ohonen to make its
stand in the form of a statement rather than in a formal
note, although we should prold ronding too mich into this
distinution.
.154
What started as a gonulna labour diņpute become a
"political struggle" after the outbreak of disorder and
the arreate on the 6th Hey. The left-sing leadership in
Hong Kong committed themselves with 'some initial
reluctance and hesitation to ŝia "struggle" and Peking
havo, in turn and with equal reluctance, come out in suppo
The fact remains that there iú nos a situation of "aircat
confrontation" with the Communist leadership, both in long
Kong and raking, and thero lo as yot no sign of a solution.
16. A hopeful sig in Hong Kong Iteelf lo the strang
Genmuro of publicly expressed support among local neutral
and non-left-wing organistions for à return to peaceful
conditionu.
FOCO 0023/17
FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF TOKYO TELNO 262 OF 17 MAY TO FOREIGN OFFICE
SENT TO YOU FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO HONG KONG.
ROUTINE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
PLSE PASS FOLLOWING TO GOV HONG KONG AS MY CGP UNDEC ? 48).
"SITUATION IN HONG KONG"
WE ARE BEGINNING WE GET ENQUIRIES FROM BRITISH BUSINESSMEN
HERE, AND FROM TOURISTS, ABOUT THE PRESENT DISTURBANCES IN
HONG KONG. WE HAVE TAKEN A REASSURING LINE WITH THEM, AND HAVE
SAID THAT THE DISTURBANCES ARE VERY LOCALISED AND HAVE BEEN
TAKING PLACE AWAY FROM THE MAIN BUSINESS AND TOURIST AREAS.
IF, HOWVER, WE SHOULD SAY ANYTHING MORE THAN THIS, WE SHOULD
BE GRATEFUL FOR GUIDANCE.
(61)
2. IN PARTICULAR ONE CIVIL AVIATION AND SHIPPING REPRESENTATIVE
HERE HAS ASKED TO BE INFORMED IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ANY
INTERRUPTION OF COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
JAPAN AND HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE BY STRIKE ACTION, AS SOON AS
WE HEAR OF IT. WE HAVE ASSURED HIM THAT SUCH AN INTERRUPTION
IS MOST IMPROBABLE, BUT HAVE AGREED TO PASS ON TO HIM ANY
APPROPRIATE INFORMATION. WE HESITATE TO ADD TO YOUR BURDENS
AT THIS TIME, BUT SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR TELEGRAPHIC WARNING
IF AN INTERRUPTION BECOMES LIKELY.
его
67 761
SENT AT 17/1345Z RR
QSL 1713452 GB
1
Cypher
COPY
STRATION.
62
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Do 17 May, 1967. R. 17
t1
11
01302
PRIORITY
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 624.
Repeated
Addressed to Commonwealth Office.
"Peking No. 235. "POLAD Singapore No. "Washington No. 118.
1.
**
1-144 1/1
小
102.
(S. of S. please
pass to all).
149
1
My previous telegram No. 618 refers.
This morning two separate cases arising out of disturbances
were due to be heard in two different courts.
2. At the South Kowloon Magistracy the 20 defendants whose cases
could not be heard yesterday because of court room disturbances did not
reappear at 9 a.m. The Magistrate delayed the hearing until 10 a.m. in
case there had been a misunderstanding but the defendants who are on
bail still did not reappear. Magistrate then issued bench warrants for
their arrest, but this is not being effected immediately.
The
3. At the North Kowloon Magistracy this morning a film studio
photographer appeared for trial but a well-disciplined chanting of Mao
made the trial impossible. The case was deferred until 2.30 p.m. and
because the demonstrators refused to leave the court room it was decided
to transfer the case to the South Kowloon Magistracy.
4. While court hearings proceeded during the afternoon at the South
Kowloon Magistracy crowds formed in neighbouring streets. There was
chanting and throwing of bottles. When the police intervened they were
stoned. Nine police companies were deployed in clearing the streets
during the afternoon leading to the arrest of eight persons and the
injuring of one police constable. Three baton shells were fired and gas
was used.
5. In view of the situation, I authorised the imposition of a curfew
over West-Central Kowloon from 7.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
6. During the day slogan bearing posters and copies of Left Wing
newspapers have been appearing on a number of walls and shop windows. In
some cases these have resulted in incidents which did not however
escalate. In addition seven groups have presented petitions at the gates
of Government House showing varying degrees of belligerence which has
tested patience but has not caused any major incidents.
(Passed as requested:
for F.E. Dept.)
advance copies to D.S.Avo.
CONFIDENTIAL
49
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de la Mare
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#
时
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M
#
*
Mr. Denson Mr. Foggon
CONFIDENTIAL
En Clair
PRESS
COPY FOR MED
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Information Office)
D. 17 May 1967 R. 17
tt
1t
06152
RATICA!
MUAI/17
People of Hong Kong are rallying behind Government in task of
maintaining the peace which has been re-established in Hong Kong. Many
appeals to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support the
authorities have been issued by public organisations. Businessmen, trade
organisations and leading educationalists called for realistic approach
to situation and there was unanimous agreement that lawlessness should
be checked immediately lest they lead to Hong Kong losing its image as
business and tourist centre.
Federation of Hong Kong Industries said it had always supported
right of labour to negotiate with management but added all labour
disputes must be settled round conference table by peaceful means.
Federation also recognised Government's role to maintain law and order
and that Government does not interfere in legitimate rights of
management or labour. Federation deplores disturbances which could only
bring about loss of confidence in Hong Kong's stability. There was grave
danger that work done by Federation in interesting overseas
manufacturers to bring new industries to Colony would be undermined.
Federation added: "Success of Hong Kong industry has been built on
co-operation of management and labour. This co-operation must continue
and every effort must be made to restore confidence in Hong Kong so that
people can continue to find employment and rising standard of living.
Only through stability in industry can these be achieved.
Chinese Manufacturers Association said Hong Kong industry was in stage
of difficulties. "It will lose foreign markets if peace cannot be
restored. We hope a close co-operation between management and workers
will be made and workers will be given reasonable wages. This is key to
solve disputes between management and workers. If both parties calm down
and try their best without any prejudice to seek early settlement, we
are sure that problem will easily be solved."
Tung Wah Group of hospitals, Hong Kong's leading charitable
organisation, appealed to all residents to remain calm and called for
early settlement of labour dispute. It urged people to co-operate with
Government in maintenance of peace.
Hong Kong Teachers Association, with membership of nearly 6,000
appealed to all school teachers and pupils to "take calm look at
situation and refrain from taking part in any activities that may likely
lead to a disturbance".
Unofficial members of Urban Council last night appealed to
residents to remain calm, respect the law and support Government in
efforts to find fair and just solution to present difficulties.
Livelihood of residents, they said, depended on maintenance of law and
order without which there could not be continued
prosperity and happiness. Hong Kong had achieved much for better
/life
life of its citizens. There had been quickening tempo of achieve- mente
notably in fields of housing, education and provision of recreational
facilities. Urban Council members believed even more progress would be
made to improve living conditions of community
if all sections would co-operate closely to achieve this aim.
Hong Kong Tourist Association said disturbances might not affect tourist
trade but it was too early to make assessment. Association recalled that
Kowloon disturbances last year did not have any such effect. Up to
present moment Association had not heard of any cancellations of tours
or of tourists leaving because or situation. Colony had gone through
many troubles at other times and had always managed to pull through.
Association expressed confidence that Colony could do so again.
Many readers letters appearing in correspondence columns supported
Government's actions in re-establishing peace and normal conditions.
They
One hundred workers of the Hong Kong artificial flowers factory at San
Po Kong have appealed to Hong Kong's Commissioner of Labour to help them
get back to work. signed their names to petition which was taken to
Labour Department yesterday.
It may be recalled that on 8th May, 6 workers claiming to represent 200
or more workers in San Po Kong plastic flower factory approached Labour
Department to convey to management their request to return to work. A
joint meeting between these representatives and management took place in
Labour Department on 10th May when both parties agreed in principle to
resumption of work in Hong Kong and that all acceptable workers would be
re-employed. This resumption has not taken place because of disturbances
in Kowloon on 11th May. On 11 th May also, management agreed to
discussions with Left-wing representatives provided these were held in
Labour Department and not in the factory. With the restoration of peace
and order, every effort is being made by Labour Department to reopen the
negotiations between workere and management.
Heung Yee Kuk, advisory bodies in New Territories, appealed to Hong Kong
residents to "approach our present difficulties with calmness". The
Heung Yee Kuk said the present situation was not unlike events following
bank crisis in 1964 and Kowloon riots last year. These disturbances had
radically affected livelihood and wellbeing of Hong Kong residents, the
Heng Yee Kuk said. Heung Yee Kuk said it believed majority of Hong Kong
people were glad to see that scope of disturbances had not been
extended. It said that all residents of New Territories shared its
viewa.
(Correction being obtained)
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++
===
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10
-
=
10
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
- Ero
Mr. Denson
- Mr. Foggon
En Clair
IMMEDIATE
PEKING ΤΟ
FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno, 502
17 May 1967
(64)
UNCLASSIFIED
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 502 of 17 May. Repeated
for information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore and Washington.
Demonstrations have continued on roughly the same scale as those
yesterday, but seem rather more under control. For very short periods
yesterday it was not possible to enter or leave the Mission, but so far
today this has not been too difficult. Demonstrators continue to chant
standard slogans and have both strangled and burned Mr. Wilson in
effigy. We have also been treated to occasional puppet shows,
revolutionary dances and a performance depicting Chinese heroes
vanquishing British and American imperialists.
2.
Our Chinese office staff and domestic servants reported back for
work this morning.
3. The house of the Reuters correspondent Gray has also been covered
with such slogans as "Crush Wilson's dog's head" and "British
imperialists get out of Hong Kong". This morning, following an attempt
by Gray to photograph his own house, he was besieged for a few hours by
a hostile group of 200 or 300 people who had also trapped Toronto Globe
and Mail correspondent Oancia, who was watching incident from his car.
Mr. Hopson
FO/CO/WH DISTRIBUTION
F.E.D.
SSSSS
Sent
08502/17 May 1967
Recd. 09372/17 May 1967
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
DET
рабо
COPY FOR DOUTRAL, eit
MAY
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
D. 17 May, 1967. R. 17
1558Z
65
FLASH SECRET No. 625.
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated PRIORITY to Peking No.236, to
P.A. Singapore No. 103
tt Washington No. 119
(Commonwealth Office please pass to all)
Peking telegram No. 504 to Foreign Office.
I would have no objection to specific reference
to Chinese M.F.A. statement being avcided. Perhaps "H.M.G. consider that
the Chinese Government have been misinformed about the actual course of
recent events leading to disturbances in Hong Kong. The true facts would
do.
(Passed as requested)
Distribution
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TE
J
==
וז
11
+
+4
-
D.I.O., J.I.R. Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson Mr. Denson "Mr. Foggon
SECRET
KLF.
HWA
1/17
ва
En clair
PRIORITY No. 626
COPY
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 18 May, 1967-
R. 18 ELI
0045Z
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
**
E
Peking No. 237 and
€66
11 POLAD Singapore No.104.
62
My telegram No. 624 refers.
There were a number of incidents during the late afternoon and
evening (17th) in the curfew area of West Central Kowloon in which
crowds stoned various buildings including hotels, banks and several
Government offices in the Nathan Road area and were successfully
dispersed by police using gas shells and wooden projectiles. Several
small fires started by rioters were successfully extinguished. Some
damage done to traffic lights and road signs etc. The situation appeared
to have been exploited by known criminal elements who were encouraging
crowds of hooligans in a manner which makes clashes with the police
inevitable.
2.
Because of regrouping of crowds outside curfew zone, the zone was
extended at midnight to include Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tong, Shek Kip Mei
and Lai Chi Kok- that is, North West Kowlcon. By 10:30 p.m. the
situation in West Central Kowloon was mainly quiet and in the extended
curfew zone activity was confined to scattered and comparatively minor
incidents. By 01.00 hs. (18th) peace had returned to the curfew areas
and all but vo police companies had returned to base. The curfew was
lifted at 04.00 hra. Total number of persons arrested betwee.. 09-00 on
17 May and 06.00 18 May is 131. Four policemen slightly injured no
prisoner casualties, two civilians injured, both hospitalised. 203 gas
shells and 125 wooden projectiles fired.
3.
Twelve Kowloon schools in vicinity of the Magistracy where the
disturbances recommended will remain closed today. All other schools in
Kowloon will be opened.
Distribution
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11
"
כן
II
-
-
D-I.O, J.I.R.
Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson - Mr. Foggon
CONFIDENTIAL
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
Sent 17 May, 1967.
1645Z
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 938.
67
(61)
Following telegram of 17 May from Tokyo to Foreign Office No. 262
addressed to Governor Hong Kong No.? 48.
Begins.
"Situation in Hong Kong".
We are beginning to get enquiries from British businessmen here, and
from tourists, about the present disturbances in Hong Kong. We have
taken a reassuring line with them, and have said that the disturbances
are very localised and have been taking place away from the main
business and tourist areas. If, however, we should say anything more
than this, we should be grateful for guidance.
2.
In particular one Civil Aviation and Shipping representative here has
asked to be informed in the unlikely event of any interruption of
commercial telegraphic communication between Japan and Hong Kong, for
example by strike action, as soon as we hear of it. We have assured him
that such an interruption is most improbable, but have agreed to pass on
to him any appropriate information.
We hesitate to add to your burdens at this time, but should be grateful
for telegraphic warning if an interruption becomes likely.
Distribution
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Ende.
61
PA
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES 10, 63
Registry No.
DEPARTMENT
F
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION PRIORITY MARKINGS
(Date)...
Top Secret
Speret
Confidential
KETENZER
Unclassified
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
EEXCHIK
Cypher
Draft Telegram to:- "HONGKONG
HKO 350-
No.
(Date)
939
Flash immediate
Routine
• Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should
reach addressee(s)
K.
aff.
wition
:68
Despulched 17/8/67/ Patong, Lippes at on
[Security classification"
-if any
[ Privacy marking
-if any
[Codeword-if any].
Addressed to
16.05.
-יו-י י-נינו
11.15 167
16.202
..
A mi je kaldteeTETITTIEITTI-ni pankk
CONFIDENTIAL
]
telegram No. 939.
And to...
repeated for information to......
...A+NAL blue-
HONG KONG
(date)
andersondernemeritud majJATATIRTAmend -
PEKING, POLAD SINGAPORE AND
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
And to:-
WASHINGTON.
Saving to........
N
THE
Repeat to:-
PEKING
POLAD SINGAPORE WASHINGTON
Saving to:-
Apels
Akwise 17/1
Distribution;-
FO/CO/WH F.O. FE Dell.
Copies to:-
25
Your Telegram 612, paragraph 3.
In the interview with the Chinese Chargé
d'Affaires ad interim reported in Foreign Office
telegram no.322 to Peking, de la Mare deliberately
did not refer to events in Hong Kong but limited
himself to the events of 16 May in Peking and
Shanghai.
This was partly because the seriousness
of the Shanghai case made it necessary to call
Shen Ping in immediately and the statement under preparation about Hong
Kong (paragraph 4 of your telegram under reference) was not yet
approved.
2. But even if this had not been the case the
Foreign Office would have had the gravest doubts
about the usefulness of attempting to discuss t
Hong Kong situation with the Chinese here.
The
/interview
interview with Shen Ping gave us further
evidence that, as we already suspected, he is oypher, controlled by his
so-called interpreter
HSIEH CHI-MEI. This Fani man is a