TNAG-0009-FCO40-45-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 74

に

GRIAL

OFF

FICE

по

Disturbances

STATEMENT ON KOWLOON DISTURBANCES-

consider it necessary to state the facts

H.M.G. regret that the statement issued in Peking on May 15th the about disturbances in Hong Kong, should apparently have been based on inaccurate reports about the actual course of events.

true facts are as follows.

The

2. The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from an industrial

dispute in April between workers and their employers about wages and conditions of employment involving 650 workers in two

factories producing artificial flowers. The injection moulding

sections of both factories were closed and the workers were

dismissed. A Settlement could not be reached in negotiations

between employers and workers. The Labour Department of the

Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help

the parties to reach agreement, but this offer was refused by

both sides.

3. ^

broke out on the 6th May outside one of these

factories which was situated in Kowloon. The police clearly

informed those involved of the laws governing peaceful picketing,

warned them repeatedly of the consequences of disorder and urged

them to desist. These warnings went unheeded, and the police were therefore obliged to act to keep the peace. As a result, 21 persons were arrested. Subsequent efforts by the Labour

Department to bring the parties together to discuss their

difficulties and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated

by the outbreak of further disorders on May 11th in the vicinity

of the same factory. Again after repeated warnings the police were obliged to take action to keep the peace and 143 persons

were arrested. There were more disorders in the same area

between 12th and 14th May and a further 257 persons were arrested.

All cases of arrest are being treated in the normal way in

accordance with the due process of the law. By 17th May of those arrested 128 had been charged with riot, 100 with unlawful

assembly, 91 with breaking the curfew and 88 with such offences as assault and affray. 14 have been released without charges preferred and 12 have been acquitted.

4. Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police, a number of whom were injured in the three days of rioting, have shown great restraint in carrying out their responsibilities and have

used the minimum force.

5. In labour matters the Hong Kong Government's policy is to

make available the specialist services of its Labour Department

jive impartial help to management and trade unions to settle

to

give

aby