TNAG-0014-FCO40-50-Kowloon-disturbances-1967 — Page 146

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Carter Returned

467

with thanks.

Minister

g

State has

NOTES FOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR CABINET MEETING, Joan Waton

THURSDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER

8/9

To pre fiv

The Minister of State may wish to inform his colleagues that the

situation within Hong Kong remains under firm control. Having failed to

get the support of the general public, the local Communists are now in

their frustration resorting to terrorism; this could seriously damage public confidence if it became more widespread and continued over a long

period.

2. More detailed notes on various aspects of the situation are set

out below.

Terrorism

7219

3. The most notable recent feature of the Communist confrontation has

been their use of bombs and other explosive devices. In the fortnight to

4th September, nearly 700 bomb reports were made but only 100 proved to be genuine. So far seven people have been killed and a large humber

injured. The campaign is placing a strain on bomb disposal teams and a lot of their time is wasted on investigations of fake devices, the

possession of which has now been made an offence. There is no evidence

of a central authority directing this bomb campaign and it appears to be

in the hands of local groups; as a result the police task is more difficult.

4. There has been public pressure for the introduction of the death

penalty for possession of bombs, explosives etc. The Governor has asked

for our views and the matter is still under consideration at official level.

5. Six prominent Hong Kong Chinese have been listed for assassination in Communist mosquito sheets now circulating. The need to afford protection will further stretch the police; the threats cannot be ignored as the

Communists have already burned to death a radio personality whom they had

threatened to kill.

The Press

6. Of all the measures taken by the Hong Kong authorities so far, action

against the pro-Communist Press has produced the strongest reaction from

Peking, as evinced by the Chinese ultimatum of 20th August and the burning

of our Embassy in Peking.

/7. No action

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CONFIDENTIAL