TNAG-0009-FCO40-45-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 89

COPY FOR RESISTRATION:99,

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Do

17 May, 1967.

Ro 17

11

#1

0130Z

PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 624.

Addressed to Commonwealth Office.

.CE

Repeated

"

Peking No. 235.

11

"

" POLAD Singapore No. "Washington No. 118.

102.

(S. of S. please

pass to all).

49

6.62

My previous telegram No. 618 refers.

This morning two separate cases arising out of disturbances were due to be heard in two different courts.

2. At the South Kowloon Magistracy the 20 defendants whose cases could not be heard yesterday because of court room disturbances did not reappear at 9 a.m. The Magistrate delayed the hearing until 10 a.m. in case there had been a misunderstanding but the defendants who are on bail still did not reappear. The Magistrate then issued bench warrants for their arrest, but this is not being effected immediately.

3. At the North Kowloon Magistracy this morning a film studio photographer appeared for trial but a well-disciplined chanting of Mao made the trial impossible. The case was deferred until 2.30 p.m. and because the demonstrators refused to leave the court room it was decided to transfer the case to the South Kowloon Magistracy.

40

While court hearings proceeded during the afternoon at the South Kowloon Magistracy crowds formed in neighbouring streets. There was chanting and throwing of bottles. When the police intervened they were stoned. Nine police companies were deployed in clearing the streets during the afternoon leading to the arrest of eight persons and the injuring of one police constable. Three baton shells were fired and gas was used.

5. In view of the situation, I authorised the imposition of a curfew over West-Central Kowloon from 7.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

6. During the day slogan bearing posters and copies of Left Wing newspapers have been appearing on a number of walls and shop windows. In some cases these have resulted in incidents which did not however escalate. In addition seven groups have presented petitions at the gates of Government House showing varying degrees of belligerence which has tested patience but has not caused any major incidents.

(Passed as requested:

for F.E. Dept.)

advance copies to D.S.ALO.

CONFIDENTIAL

49

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