CCP
R
LAC
REL
(125)
BGISTRATION
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
24
MAY 1967
12
FROM MONG KONG (Information Services)
En Clair
D. 23 May 1967 R. 23
16432
PRESS
Cons a
a
HWA 5/12
Hong Kong enjoyed a day free from serious incidents today. There were no demonstrations and the main focal point of the "propaganda" war, was the battle of loudspeakers in Central district where Government equipment drowned public address broadcasts from the Bank of China. It is estimated that Communist broadcasts are being made from seventeen or more places in the Colony.
It was announced, towards the end of the day, that people who allowed their property to be used by broadcasts by public address systems for incitement to violence may (repeat may) be prosecuted.
Public transport has operated normally in Kowloon, but on Hong Kong Island vehicles of the China Motor Bus Company did not (repeat not) appear on the streets. Taxis and trams are running normally.
Rumours about a water cut-off have been circulating, but there is no (repeat no) basis for them. And Government have warned people against paying heed to malicious rumours.
Government has also acted against those who are trying to persuade young workers to join demonstrations by intimidation. Details will soon be announced of how threatened workers can register for new jobs.
This morning Government House announced that the British Government stood four square behind the authorities in its determination to preserve peace in Hong Kong. The statement said Sir Arthur Galsworthy brought with him fullest confirmation of Britain's support.
On the labour front, a management and workers of the Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works met this morning at the Labour Department and agreed in principle to reopen the injection moulding department of the factory as soon as possible. It was also agreed that re-employed workers would receive compensation and terms and conditions in force at the time of the close down would stay the same.
Of the two hundre and three people arrested yesterday on Hong Kong Island one hundred and ten have so far been charged. Total arrests since disturbances began until eight o'clock this morning stood at seven hundred and eighty one and six hundred and seventy one have been charged.
For Boxall above cable sent.
(Passed to Resident Clerk)
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No. 63
24rk 1967
"HWAITIT
/Distribution
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.