SE CRE T.
VIX. CIVIL LIBERTIES.
ikely Communist Actions
and Policies.
(a) Communist propaganda and penetration methods will continually be aimed at either sabotaging peace and order by weakening the position of the Government, or forcing the Government to take restrictive mea- sures in its own defence, in particular against the press, against the right of assembly freedom of speech and of public meeting. Any restirc- tive measures will be exploited as tampering with democratic freedoms.
Action by Hong Kong.
This problem is very delicate and is fundamental to the whole problem of Hong Kong's relations with the New China. It will be necessary to take restrictive action in the matter of civil liberties only if driven to it by overriding considerations of security. Each measure taken to restrict civil liberties will have to be very carefully deliberated and if taken, the maximum publicity should be given to the reasons. In general the administration should as always be guided by the rule of law and in accord- ance with British traditions. A time limit should be put on any restrictive measures taken, after which they would be subject to review. The difference between British practice and totali- tarian practice should be emphasized.
(b) The Communists will sail
It would be as well to adopt with as close to the wind as they Communists in the Colony the system of can without directly pro- warnings. Strong and final warning voking the Hong Kong Govern- should be given, and if the limits are ment. While seeking maximum overstepped after that action should freedom and liberty of
be taken immediately. It will be action for themselves they necessary to deport freely Communists will continue to make the who abuse freedoms of the Colony. If position of British and other British subjects in China are actually foreigners in China itself as maltreated it may be necessary to difficult as possible by adopt retaliatory action against exorbitant taxation and inter-individual Communists in the Colony, ference with personal freedom but this should be done as part of an and liberty of movement.
overall policy by H.MG.
(c) Communist officials from
China, especially from Kwangtung when it is "liberated", may come to Hong Kong to hold re cep- tions and make public speeches. This may apply in particular to persons with previous connections with the Colony, as refugees from the K.M.T. e.§. Marshal Li Chai-sum, and the many left-wing intellectuals who found refuge in Hong Kong.
In general, where Hong Kong's vital interests are concerned, Hong- Kong should not be deterred too much by fear of repercussions on British persons and properties in China, though the British Embassy in Nanking should always be consulted if possible.
Meetings and speeches by
Communist officials or their stooges will have to be absolutely prohibited.