TNAG-0010-FCO40-46-Kowloon-disturbances-1986 — Page 155

The left-wing members took the line that the expression of

support by the Chinese Government should reinforce the confidence

of local patriots.

Peking reported that the Chinese Government would naturally

regard any action against their mouth-pieces in Hong Kong as a further

provocation aot; and recommended that if possible no decision on

this (see paragraph

above) should be taken until it was seen how

the Chinese intended to proveed in Hong Kong and so long as there was

any hope of a compromise.

16th May

Feking reported that demonstrations against the British Mission

had begun on the night of 15th May, when the walls of Chancery, his

House, staff quartárs and any other parts of Feking were liberally

plastered with posters applauding the Chinese Ambassador's statement

and con lemning the activities of the British and Hong Kong Governments,

The 20 persons arrested on 6th !lay (see paragraph above)

appeared at the South Kowloon Magistrates' Court. A crowd of about

150 spectators had assembled in Court and started chanting, a further

crowd of roughly the same number also joined in. The Court was

adjourned twice when the Director for Public Prosecutions applied for

a hearing in the absence of the general public (the members excepted).

This was agreed and the Court resumed and adjourned at 17.40 hours

until 17th May after only 2 prosecution witnesses had been heard. The

crowd dispersed peacefully.