COPY FOR REGISTRATION
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
ZPP
(The Secretary of State)
JUL
FROM HONG KONG (O.A.G.)
12
Cypher
D. 6 July 1967 R. 6
0905Z
IMMEDIATE
SECRET
1967
279)
No.972
(155)
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
11
Peking No. 387
(C.O. please pass IMMEDIATE)
Your telegram No.1038.
As you are aware from my telegram No.948 one police corporal and two constables are in gaol custody charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a man in police custody. They are expected to appear on remand before a magistrate on 7 July, when it is likely that they will also be charged with murder of another prisoner in the cells.
2. On 30 June, following Communist press comment, the Attorney-General found it necessary to issue a warning to the press that nothing whatsoever should be said in public which could in any way deny the three policemen a fair trial. Between 1st and 3rd July the Communist press has challenged this warning by saying that the charged policemen were deliberately being used as scapegoats by this Government and their arrest was but a trick to terrorise the public under a pretence of demonstrating the "fairness" of British justice.
30 There is a definite possibility that one or more of the Communist newspapers may at any time commit a grave contempt of court of the kind that constitutes interference with the due administration of the law and the prevention of a fair trial. In these circumstances it may become necessary for the Attorney- General to take rapid action and equally the court or the defence may do so.
40 It is difficult to forecast the outcome of such action but there is a risk that it might lead to a major confrontation with the Communist press since even the service of a writ might call for strong police action. On the other hand, this may be as good ground as any for taking the initiative against the excesses of the Communist press.
5. I will keep you informed of developments but it may be necessary to act quickly.
(Passed as requested)
RECEIVED INVince copies passed to Messrs. de la Mare, Wilson, Bolland ARCHIVES No. 63 ~'S WL 9671
HWAY/12
and Denson and Private Office, Commonwealth Secretary)
SECRET
RIT
155
/Distribution
вар
290
101
haf
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