CO537-3713 — Page 16

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Vanent's

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7.

In both cases there was some resentment because of the refusal to permit the extra lorries to take part. Fortunately a sufficiently large force of Traffic Police was on hand but an ugly situation might easily nave been created by those who had hoped to take part in the procession and by their sympathisers, aswell as by elements unsympathetic to the celebrations The K.M.T. lost a good deal of "face" over the affair, as is evident from the fact that on the 21st May they saw fit to publish an explanation, not quite correct in its facts, of the muddle which had occurred.

I may add that even the restricted processions of 25 vehicles caused great dislocation of traffic in the crowded streets of the business district of Hong Kong and diverted the energies of a large body of Police,

8.

In reviewing this incident I am satisfied that what occurred was due not so much to the incompetence of the K.M.T. organisers of the processions as to their deliberate disregard of authority. I propose in future, when an occasion occurs on which it might be expected that the local Chinese Community would wish to hold celebrations, to take steps to ensure that the formal application to this Government is submitted by the Chinese Members of Councils or by a body such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce which is both responsible and truly representative of the Chinese community.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Машокии

GONOR

c.c. H.B.K. Embassy, Nanking.

No. Hi.

Commissioner General, Singapore.

H.B.M. Consul General, Canton. No. 6o. Governor, Singapore.

High Commissioner, Kuala Lumpur.