CO537-4847 — Page 32

(c) They will prohibit entry of Hong Kong Chinese and English language newspapers into Canton and else- where in China.

(d) They will do their utmost to continue publication of their own newspapers and periodicals, and they will denounce reci- procal or retaliatory action by the Hong Kong Government as grave interference with freedom of the

press.

SECRET

I. Press (contd.)

page 2.

only accredited Communist journalists but any known unaccredited ones should be expelled if necessary.

iv. Censorship Censorship of inward and outward foreign news in China might have to be dealt with by similar censorship in Hong Kong on Communist news, and control or withdrawal of any facilities given to Communist press men in Hong Kong.

It may be essential to impose a reciprocal ban on Canton and other newspapers from China, especially if they carry material of an inflammatory and subversive nature. This will not prevent them going under- ground, but it would be folly to allow them to circulate freely if their tone is out- rageous. Such bans should not be of indef- inite duration but should be raised when and if the situation warrants in order to show that in general we are wedded to the idea of freedom of the press and wish people to judge things for themselves.

The Hong Kong Public Relations Officer and any future publicity and counter propaganda organisation set-up in Hong Kong will have to expose the falsity of Communist accusa- tions, and stress how the Communists them- selves suppress all opposition. Propaganda and publicity will be our best weapon, and we should be prepared beforehand with our answers and explain in advance the reasonS for any action taken.

Note:

Many of the courses of action suggested above would require new legisla- tion. Such legislation is in fact in readiness and could be speedily introduced to cover most of the contingencies dealt with above.