TNAG-0013-FCO40-49-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 77

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Hong Kong telegram No. 1285 to Commonwealth Office

3

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Director of Education issued letters on 18 August to nine of the major Communist schools warning the managements that they were liable to closure if they failed to comply with specified conditions.

e only reaction, so far, has been attacks on Government in the Bucal Left Wing Press for attempting to interfere with patriotic education,

6. There has been further evidence of low morale in local Communist circles and delicate sources have reported that members of Communist organisations feel that they have no hope of obtaining support of the masses in H.K. The continued chaotic conditions in China and particularly in Canton, have also adversely affected local Communist morale and some Communist parents who have children in Canton, have been advised to evacuate them.

7.

The Communists intend to stage 1 October celebrations as usual in the hope of presenting a "United Front" against the Hong Kong authorities. Delicate sources have stated that in order to prepare for the celebrations, they are considering suspending the "struggle" during the latter half of September but if this occurs it will be renewed immediately after the festival. At a gathering of senior Communist "United Front" workers, a very senior official of the Bank of China declared the struggle would certainly continue, though there would be no new moves for the next 6 months. They would use this period to expose the weaknesses of the Hong Kong Government and to evaluate their own shortcomings.

8. The CPG protest Note concerning the Government action against local Communist Press has undoubtedly encouraged the remaining Communist newspapers to be more defiant of Government. Since confrontation began this is the first occasion that a CPG protest has contained a specific time limit for its demands to be met. When this limit expires, it is possible that the CPG may feel compelled to take more active measures to support the local Communists. action by Government against the remaining Communist newspapers will

Further almost certainly be taken by the CPG as a direct challenge by the Hong Kong authorities and may well occasion sharper reaction. theless, in spite of this, it may be necessary to pursue the present policy of bringing the Communist Press within the law.

Never-

9. While the border has been quiet since 14 August, this area remains a potential flash point. The reaction of the CCA to incidents on British territory during the period has been defensive. followed the pattern of:-

It has

(a) Firstly, the CCA post in the immediate area of the incident being stood-to as soon as an incursion into British territory takes place.

(b) Secondly, the area of the incident being reinforced by the occupation of prepared defensive posts covering the incursion.

(c) Thirdly, based on the experience of Takuling, the firing of warning shots when it appears to the CCA that the incident has gone far enough.

/The dilemma

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