TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 193

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

INFORMATION SERVICES

5 4 PALL

LONDON

MALL

S W

•

*

Phone: Whitehall

7951

1206

February 24th, 1967

COMMISSION REPORTS ON HONG KONG RIOTS

"Invest in Youth"

The disturbances in Kowloon, Hong Kong, in April

organised

last year were not caused by any one factor, or

with premeditation to achieve any specific social or poli-

tical objectives. This is one of the conclusions reached

by a Commission of Inquiry whose report has just been

published in the Colony.

The riots followed opposition from some sections

of the public to an increase in first class fares on cross-

harbour ferries from 20 cents (3d) to 25 cents (3d). During

the disturbances, one person was killed and at least 26 people,

including 10 policemen, were injured, and property was damaged.

Because of the spontaneity of the outburst, the

Commission of Inquiry concludes that "the riots were simply

an unpremeditated outcome" of earlier demonstrations "which

got out of hand."

In view of the absence of any specific aim, it

was difficult to pinpoint with certainty the reasons that led

to the disturbances, said the Commission. "We do not believe

that political, economic and social frustrations were the

direct cause of the riots, but within the economic and social

fields there are factors that need to be watched, lest they

provide inflammable material which could erupt into distur-

bances should opportunities arise in the future."

These matters are examined in the Commission's report

which discusses in considerable detail the economic background

of Hong Kong and the economic situation in the period preceding

the disturbances, including the employment situation and wages

m.f.