CO537-5132 — Page 128

[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on].

Cypher/OTP.

DIPLOMATIC DISTRIBUTION

FROM NANKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Sir R. Stevenson, No. 967

D. 2.18 p.m. 7th July, 1949.

5th July, 1949.

R. 2.46 p.m. 7th July, 1949.

SECRET

Addressed to Singapore telegram No. 362 July 5th repeated for information to Foreign Office, Hong Kong, Canton and Shanghai (for Macfarlane).

Your telegram No. 455 to Foreign Office,

Statement that Hong Kong will be "focal-point

(16)

for anti Communist propaganda in the Far East" needs

to take into account the danger of such activity provoking a vigorous reaction from Chinese Communists who would do their best to stir up trouble within the Colony.

2. I suggest that what is required in Hong Kong is positive "Counter-propaganda" i.e. pro-British and pro-Hong Kong, rather than any definitely anti communist campaign.

3. I am asking my First Secretary (Information) to discuss this matter with the Government of Hong Kong when he passes through on his way home as soon as communications are commenced.

4. His departure unfortunately leaves only two information officers in China neither of them could be spared so long as they can continue to function [grps. undec.] normally.

Singapore pass to Hong Kong as my telegram No. 249.

RRRRR

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