TNAG-0004-FCO40-40-Departmental-briefs-about-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 57

CONFIDENTIAL

ANGLO-JAPANESE CONSULTATIONS

OBJECTIVE

TOKYO, JANUARY, 1968

ITEM I (B) : HONG KONG

Brief No. 3

29

To convince the Japanese that we intend to

maintain our position in Hong Kong and that the basic stability and economic prosperity of the Colony are not being seriously affected by communist-

inspired disturbances.

TALKING POINTS

There have recently been indications that the

communists in Hong Kong have been directed from

Peking to cease violence and to engage in a

"political struggle". The significant drop in the

number of bomb incidents in the last few weeks

suggests that this may be correct.

But as some

communist elements in Hong Kong disapprove of the

cessation of violence and as the situation in

Kwangtung Province from which immediate orders.

reach Hong Kong is uncertain, it is possible that

isolated acts of violence may continue.

2. The decision to cease violence (if it has been

taken) is probably the result of the relative

failure of the bomb campaign in the face of the

effective and patient policy of the Hong Kong

Government.

It is also a reflection of the waning

/of the RECEIVED !

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