Security and Political factors affecting release
13.
Before studying the question of release in Hong Kong it is
pertinent to re-consider the grounds which support continued
detention. The detainees are dedicated communist agitators who have
openly declared that they do not recognise the right of the Hong Kong
Government to exercise its authority within the Colony, and they have
shown no relaxation in their attitude, in this respect, during their
detention. Thus they present a continuing threat to the security of
the Colony. While these are valid grounds for the issue of a
detention order under the Emergency (Principal) Regulations it must
now be taken into account that other and more senior militant
communists are still at liberty within the Colony and, on occasion,
openly voicing their opposition to the Hong Kong Government.
absence of any resurgence of violent communist activity in the Colony
it will become increasingly difficult to justify the continued
detention of those at present in the Victoria Road Centre.
14.
In the
The release of prisoners has been a major communist demand
since the onset of confrontation last year and little distinction has
been made between those held under Emergency Regulations and those
serving prison terms, although in recent weeks there has been
increasing attention drawn to those held under the former provisions.
It is doubtful, however, if the general public draws any real
distinction between prisoners convicted in Court and those held under
emergency legislation. It could be said that the release of any
detainee will be hailed by the communists as a victory and encourage
increased communist agitation and at the same time be viewed by the.
general public as a major concession to the communists. While
such as
this stand point might apply in the event of any large scale release
or if the detainees concerned were the more prominent ones,
members of the All Circles Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee, it
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.