En Clair
PRESS
"MAY POE>
121
COPY FOR REISTRATION
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Information Office)
D. 17 May 1967 R. 17
19
1#
0615Z
16
Huntin
People of Hong Kong are rallying behind Government in task of maintaining the peace which has been re-established in Hong Kong. Many appeals to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support the authorities have been issued by public organisations. Businessmen, trade crganisations and leading educationalists called for realistic approach to situation and there was unanimous agreement that lawlessness should be checked immediately lest they lead to Hong Kong losing its image as business and tourist centre.
Federation of Hong Kong Industries said it had always supported right of labour to negotiate with management but added all labour disputes must be settled round conference table by peaceful means. Federation also recognised Government's role to maintain law and order and that Government does not interfere in legitimate rights of management or labour. Federation deplores disturbances which could only bring about loss of confidence in Hong Kong's stability. There was grave danger that work done by Federation in interesting overseas manufacturers to bring new industries to Colony would be undermined. Federation added: "Success of Hong Kong industry has been built on co-operation of management and labour. This co-operation must continue and every effort must be made to restore confidence in Hong Kong so that people can continue to find employment and rising standard of living. Only through stability in industry can these be achieved.
Chinese Manufacturers Association said Hong Kong industry was in stage of difficulties. "It will lose foreign markets if peace cannot be restored. We hope a close co-operation between management and workers will be made and workers will be given reasonable wages. This is key to solve disputes between management and workers. If both parties calm down and try their best without any prejudice to seek early settlement, we are sure that problem will easily be solved."
Tung Wah Group of hospitals, Hong Kong's leading charitable organisation, appealed to all residents to remain calm and called for early settlement of labour dispute. It urged people to co-operate with Government in maintenance of peace.
Hong Kong Teachers Association, with membership of nearly 6,000 appealed to all school teachers and pupils to "take calm look at situation and refrain from taking part in any activities that may likely lead to a disturbance".
Unofficial members of Urban Council last night appealed to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support Government in efforts to find fair and just solution to present difficulties. Livelihood of residents, they said, depended on maintenance of law and order without which there could not be continued prosperity and happiness. Hong Kong had achieved much for better
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