TNAG-0011-FCO40-47-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 191

PARLIAMENTARY STATEMENT

THURSDAY 1 JUNE

DISTURBANCES IN HONG KONG

Mrs. Hart

A

I wish to make a statement on the recent disturbances

in Hong Kong.

;

The course of events was as follows. An industrial

dispute in two factories producing artificial flowers led to minor disturbances during picketing on May 6, But what began

as a genuine labour dispute then changed its character on

May 11. It was taken up and exploited by local communists, with the aid of hooligan elements, some of whom were paid.

Organised demonstrations were mounted as a direct and deliberate,

challenge to the authority of the Hong Kong Government.

some cases these were orderly but in others they led to

disturbances involving police action. : There has been open

incitement to violence and to disaffection.

In

Up to the 17 May the demonstrations were confined to parts

of Kowloon: thereafter they spread to Victoria on Hong Kong

Island. Processions, large gatherings of people, and the

sticking of posters on public buildings, while unlawful, were

tolerated so long as the demonstrators remained fairly orderly

although noisy. On the 20th May, disorder and violence became

part of the pattern of demonstrations, and it was necessary to disperse further unlawful processions and assemblies, but

orderly groups of 20 were able to present petitions at

Government House.

son

Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police were

able to control the situation with the minimum of force.

Firearms were used on obly one occasio, when a constable

over whom petrol had been thrown fired three revolver shots

/and