ypher/Cat A
CONFIDENTIAL
176
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 295
CONFIDENTIAL
2 December 1967
Addressed to F.0. telegram No. 295 of 2 December Repeated for information to:
Hong Kong.
Hong Kong telegrams Nos. 1775 and 1776 to Commonwealth Office.
I agree cancellation of Reuters interview is almost certainly related to judgement against Wen Hui- Pao and Ta Kung-Pao and I am afraid we must expect a strong adverse reaction here to a further legal action e.g. distraint against these newspapers for the following
reasons:
(a) The Chinese will inevitably see libel suit as merely a device for official prosecution. Although aware of the institution and progress of this and similar suits they may well have expected in present improved atmosphere they would not have been pressed to a conclusion. They may therefore see this as further evidence
that we employ "counter revolutionary double-tactics" and may doubt sincerity of our wish to achieve a measure of demobilisation.
(b) They are likely to be much more sensitive to action against their official mouth-piece than to punishment of [gp undec]s, whom they may in any event privately wish to disown. This would be particularly true if present object is to transform campaign of violence into one for propagation of Mao Tse Tung's thoughts which will depend on their newspapers. Action against newspapers in these circumstances may weaken the hand of those advocating more moderate policies in respect of Hong Kong.
2. I realise impossibility of seeking to interfere in the course of justice, but it would be unfortunate if this suit named was allowed now to upset good effect of border agreement, the lifting of restric- tions on diplomatic staff etc. It has already set back Grey's chances and for reasons given above may have further repercussions.
If there is no hope of withdrawing action is there at least a chance of im- posing maximum delay on the next steps, e.g. assessments of damages?
F.O. pass Priority Hong Kong 140
Mr. Hopson
[Repeated
F.0.
F.E.D.
requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.0.
D.S.A.0.
77777
Consular Dept.
D.D. and P.U.S.D.
J.I.R.D.
News Dept.
H.K.D.
I and G.D.
F.E. and P.D.
Personnel
DIS M.O.D.
179
CONFIDENTIAL
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