TNAG-0032-FCO40-68-Relations-with-China-1968 — Page 133

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We asked why was it not possible to co-existin the manner prior to May 1967, particularly when China stood to gain substantially from her imports. Mr. Ho said that economic considerations were only secondary to political considerations, and that the benefits gained by China were relatively small in, comparison with her aids to the under-developed countries. He went on to say that it was a matter of face-saving and that the communists would like to demonstrate to all peoples in the world that their cultural revolution was successful in any part which had a large Chinese community.

8.

When asked whether or not the situation in China had now settled down, he replied that it had, He suggested that the bodies found recently in Hong Kong and Macao came from Kwang si and that these bodies were buried many months ago, but the recent floods had washed them out from the ground.

9.

Mr. Ho made one rather interesting statement concerning himself. He said that he could have left Macao with his fortune in 1966 or even now, but this would not be in the best interests of the Chinese community in Macao, Furthermore, some 10,000 people, who had "followed" him for many years, would be without "a bowl of rice" had he left them behind.

10.

Mr. Tsui asked who were the communist leaders in Hong Kong and Mr. Ho replied he did not know but it would be quite safe to assume that those who appeared to be spokesmen were certainly not the leaders.

11.

We made it clear to Mr. Ho that we were speaking as individuals and "friends" (I have only met him once some three years ago!) and not as Government representatives.

Mr.

Ho said that this was also the case insofar as he was concerned; he mentioned that he would continue to visit Hong Kong regularly and frequently.

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12.

I am of the opinion that the conversation did not serve any useful purpose at all because we did not find out anything new. At one time, I felt we were in for a mild brainwash session although Mr. Ho was very careful in using phrases like "the communists felt" or "the communists believed" in respect of matters which had that effect. I think Mr. Ho is an opportunist wanting to cash in and claim credit in the event that some of the matters raised in paragraph 6 above were met even in a very small way; it is quite apparent to the people in Hong Kong that Peking is now adopting a soft line and that there are great prospects of communist pressures subsiding. It is also significant that Mr. Ho, I understand, was approached by Mr. Cater through

for a discussion last year but this was declined (probably after seeking instruction). He has now taken the initiative in this matter and I wonder whether or not his statement that "he would continue to visit Hong Kong regularly and frequently" was an invitation for a further 'conversation!

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER

SECTION 5(1) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS

*

ACT 1968 UNTIL

8th July, 1968.

009

46

(F. K. Li)

PRO DOCUMENT PUT IN PLACE

22 JAN 2009

CONFIDENTIAL