TNAG-0012-FCO40-48-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 56

CONFIDENTIAL

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

286

1967

FROM HONG KONG (O.A.G.)

5

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JUL

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10

Cypher

D. 5 July 1967 R. 5

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19

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1032Z

IMMEDIATE

CONFIDENTIAL

DOW FOR REGISTRATION

No.971

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated to:

Peking No. 386

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63.

POLAD Singapore No.217 Washington No.211

Canberra No.57

(S. of S. please pass to all)

-ŚJULIJ

HUA1/17

The general situation remains quiet, the main problem

in the immediate future being the possibility of a major clash over the funerals of the seven men, three of whom the communists have widely exploited as "martyrs" An attempt is being made to restrict the movement and sale of mainland products to known communists' supporters. There has been a small demonstration by students.

2. Pressure seems to be building up for a major communist effort to mark the funerals, particularly of the three "martyrs" who died as a result of incidents at the Government workshops and the gasworks in Kowloon on 8 June. (Our telegrams Nos.831 and 875 refer.) The local leadership is probably reluctant to risk another major confrontation but could again be forced to give way to pressures from below as has been the case in the past.

30 Agents for mainland goods are trying to prevent anyone but pro-communists from handling C.P.G. goods and produce. Some success has been achieved in the transport field and pressure is being brought to bear on retailers particularly those handling poultry and eggs, over 90% of our supplies of which come from China.

4. The public transport situation continues to improve slowly though the services in Kowloon are still well below normal. The port is operating satisfactorily but there are fewer ships than usual because of the blocking of the Suez Canal.

J

5. A minor demonstration took place outside the Education Department near the Cathedral this afternoon. 20 30 students emerged from the area of the Bank of China, festooned the main entrance to the Department with posters, chanted and then dispersed before the police arrived. We may well have other pinpricks now that the end of term is near, each of which, however, could start a serious incident.

(Passed as requested with advance copies to F.0. F. E. Dept.

and Commonwealth Secretary's Private Office)

LAST

CONFIDENTIAL

/Distribution