in the Ordinance /
1. (2), (3), (5) and (9) show the development of this case.
2. There are three points in (9) requiring reply:-
(a) the Governor's stated intention of acting against the Communist-controlled Press, should it print openly subversive articles,
(b)
(၁)
his intention to consider closing down
under the new Societies Ordinance the New China News Agency as being the publicity organ of a foreign political party, and
his statement that it would be helpful
if similar action could be taken against the New China News Agency branch in London.
3. As regards (a) above, see Mr. Sidebotham's minute of 25/4 on green slip attached to (2),. which shows that Mr. Rees-Williams' first reaction to (2) was that the Governor should be given the authority asked for. Since then the Governor has considered the matter further and agrees with the Ambassador Nanking that there is danger in precipitated action. But he still has the intention of taking action against the press (by which, from what he said in (2), he clearly envisages action which might include suppression of newspapers) if the press prints openly subversive articles, by which I take it is meant articles directed towards, or which may result in, the subversion of law and order in the Colony,
Even though H.M. G. 's policy may be
friendliness if possible with the Chinese Communists, there goes with this, as the recent reinforcing of Hong Kong shows, a general intention to resist Communist aggression against the Colony. If this aggression took the form of internal trouble-making egged on by the press the Governor should certainly have the authority to act against the Press as might be necessary. He has said in paragraph 4 of (2) that the warnings conveyed in (1) are in his mind. We should, therefore, I suggest, approve his intention to take action against the press should it print openly
subversive articles.
4. As regards (b) above, for what the New China News Agency in Hong Kong is, see paragraphs 38, 39(a) and 41) and Appendix D to (10).
The Societies Ordinance, which became law on the 27th May, requires the registration of all "local Societies". Those with a foreign political connection will be refused registration and thereby become illegal. The term "society" has a
wide definition/ar
ition/ and whether or not it includes the
New