TNAG-0004-FCO40-40-Departmental-briefs-about-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 62

BACKGROUND

CONFIDENTIAL

Japanese Attitude towards Hong Kong

Soon after the disturbances began in May, some

doubts were expressed in the Japanese press whether

we could maintain our position in the face of Chinese

hostility. At one stage it appeared that the Japanese

Foreign Ministry had advised Japanese nationals not

to visit Hong Kong. But this advice was later with-

drawn and tourist traffic from Japan to Hong Kong

has now returned to normal. It would be preferable

to take a robust and confident attitude towards our

position in Hong Kong rather than to criticise the

Japanese for any doubts they may have expressed.

Chronology of Disturbances

2.

The disturbances, which began in May, originated

with a minor labour dispute. Forceful picketing led

to police intervention and arrests. The situation

was inflated for political reasons by local commu-

nists, who put forward five demands (the release of

those arrested; the punishment of the police

involved;

the issue of an apology: the payment of

compensation; and a guarantee that there would be

no more police interference in trade disputes),

These demands were supported in a statement by the

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 May.

There followed demonstrations and acts of civil

/disobedience

CONFIDENTIAL