(Whned. might
ha
include an midiccation
that it was afy roved
by H.M.G.):
Gralèque to hea
reason why you
made
Our statement-now
MUVAN LOA
4. Ve cannot altogether ignore it, because we
imagine public opinion in Hong Kong will expect
some response and be concerned to know what
and that any
attitude we intend to adopt Any uncertainty
about this could very seriously affect local
confidence and morale.
5. To refute it in detail would be to play Pekmy's
their game and lay us open to a further round
of polemical exchanges which might cause Peking
to adopt a more rigid position and to raise their
demands.
Therefore We,
6. Nevertheless, We think that for the reasons
given in paragraph 4 above you should make
a short statement along the following lines
outlining the recent events, noting their origin
in an industrial dispute, explaining the means
available for settling such disputes and
confining our intention of firmly but fairly
maintaining law and order. By this means we
can hope to avoid polemics and any reference to
the unacceptable demands in Peking's statement,
which would be bound to arise were we to try to
explain the position directly to the Chinese
Government either here or in Peking (Para. 6 of
your telegram under reference).
Would
7. Grateful for your views on this assessment
and, unless you see objection to the course
suggested, please telegraph urgently a draft
statement for consideration by Ministers.
8. As we were about to despatch this
Press telegram
telegram we
received
your
Giving liext of your statement today. It does not invandate the views expressed
though it may complicate the drafting of the statement.
at lake world still like to have your
draft
above
Comments
statement.
Classed is DSAO for Pakij
together and
SECRET
Q
4
Polad
15/5- Sugarpone
Page 135Page 136
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