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intimated that it might prejudice United States aid, financial in particular - a point on which the Chinese showed themselves particularly sensitive, An account
of this interview as telephoned to this Embassy by United States Embassy is contained in my immediately following telegram.
5. United States/British solidarity was further strengthened by the anti-American nature of the Shanghai demonstrations (see my telegram No. 63).
6. It would however be unwise not to discount a little of the United States indignation as resulting from the solidarity which from historical precedent tends to unite foreigners in China in face of Chinese aggression, It must also be expected that with the gradual recession of Canton outrage into the back- ground, the Kowloon City incident will be increasingly judged on its own merits, As to these, I have the impression, confirmed by my United States colleague, that United States official opinion here considers that
a) that Hong-Kong Government acted rather precipitately in the mutter and with insufficient previous publicity regarding their intentions and
b) that use of fire--arms by Hong Kong police was a detriment.
6. As regards (a) I have pointed out the patient and orderly procedure carried out by the Government of Hong-Kong and the impossibility of securing adequate previous publicity in Cantonese press for anything that may run counter to nationalistic xeno- phobia ideas of extremists on Hong-Kong. As regards (b) I have drawn attention to the fact that police had to deal with a well organised and dangerous ambuscade outside Kowloon City limits, Foregoing points are appreciated by United States Embassy and even if they are not fully convincing I do not doubt that in the event of further trouble we would have full moral support from United States authorities and citizens here.