TOP SECRET
gradually if our operational successes continue stamp out violence as an effective weapon and force the opposition to reconsider their tactics.
Recent police initiative has resulted in a good intelligence dividend (see my telegram No. 1061)
and the charging of some 90 extremists in the courts.
4. of further stoppages of food supplies from China, this is a two-edged weapon. It causes hardship to the ordinary people of Hong Kong and losses of earnings to those, including communist supporters, engaged in trade. However, we are preparing for such stoppages and also for a failure by China to resume water supplies on 1st October, though in public we are, of course, assuming that she will honour her agreement.
5.
In any debate, the following points might usefully be made:-
Although there has been some talk
(a)
(b)
we are proceeding against organisers of violence and whilst some of them happen to be trade unionists, we are not proceeding against legitimate trade union activities.
We are interfering as little as possible with freedom of speech; but it is the duty of reporters to stick to news gathering and those who engage in demonstrations should not expect their press cards to confer on them immunity from arrest.
(c) Our actions are directed against law breakers in our own territory, not against China.
(Passed as requested and to D.S.A.0. as advance
copies to Private Office for Commonwealth Office
and F.E. Dept. Foreign Office)
Distribution:
P.S. to Minister of State
Sir A. Galsworthy
Mr. Carter
Mr. Russell
Mr. Jerrom
Mr. Gaminara
J.I.C. EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
Copies also sent to:
P.S. to Prime Minister
Cabinet Office
Foreign Office
#1
tt
t?
11
#
11
11
#1
FO/CO (IPGD)
It
IRD)
"
Ministry of Defence
D.I.O., J.I.R.
- P.S. to Mr. Rodgers
→
G
Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr.
Denson
Mr. Foggon
- Mr. Littlejohn-Cook
Mr. J.H. Peck
(Rm.7365)- Mr. Henn
11
Rm.7163) Rm.5131)
Commonwealth Office
(News Dept.,
Foreign Office (News Dept.)
TOP SECRET
Major Koe
M.0.2
Mr. M. Glover Duty Officer
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.