XN000022-1972-05-10 — Page 45

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Wednesday, May 10, 1972

and vehicular traffic, and in consequence be of great inconvenience to the

public, but in such a crowded place you could not guarantee that what you

commendably intend to be a peaceful demonstration would not become a brawl.

Moreover, you should realise that if permission were granted in this case, it

would be difficult to refuse others.

"The Military parades, Festivals and Garden Parties to which you

refer are entertainment offered by Government. It is surprising that you should think them comparable to a demonstration by a private group whose stated object is to express anger.

Demonstration

"If, therefore, you do not want to call off the demonstration you

should consider the Commissioner's reasonable suggestion that you should

instead apply to hold it in Victoria Park or one of the other places in

Hong Kong designated for demonstrations and public meetings. In doing so

you would be showing good sense and responsible citizenship.

"With regard to your proposal to hold a large procession through

the streets to the two Consulates General, His Excellency points out that

the same arguments apply. The streets are already far too crowded, especially

in the middle of a Saturday. The Commissioner has told you that he cannot

allow such a procession, but has told you that instead he would have no

objection to small groups visiting the Consulates General to hand in petitions, travelling there either on foot or by bus. This would be perfectly compatible with your object."

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