CONFIDENTIAL
gru masa malul
میں
Offics of the British Chargå d'Affaires,
PEKING.
RECEIVED ARCHIVES
17 August, 1965.
-3 SEP 168
Fa/3
I have seen reports in the Hong Kong press which engwest that the ban on fireworks will probably be maintained over tas 1st October period. Though thie io of course an intern1 Hong Kong matter, it will probably have broader repercussio for a while at least. It is because of this that I act de the following comments for your consideration.
2.
The arguzante for maintaining the ban are presumably of a security nature. But we may have reached the stage where the risks of maintaining the ban over 1st Octobea are pore sericus than thoes involved in lifting it. The possibility of a revival of the bomb campaign has receded. By de- registering the Chung Wah school, we have already rezinded the communists that we take a scricus view of borba and violence, The risk that some lons communist wolf might tuke to bombing again if fireworks were available is of courao ever present. But, as has been shown by the fav bomb incidents which have occurred eince last December, a determined long welf can always manufactura bombe somehow. If, on the other hand, we maintada tas ben, we may find ourselves bitting on a small powder keg on 1 October! The communists have in the past regarded such regulations as a challenge, and as an opportunity to flout the law with impunity. Their behaviour on ↑ Oetcher last year underlined this danger, This year, if they were again to ntage a firework display in the harbour, or if insesponcinle lertiat elements were to defy the law in some other way, thie could lead either to further arrests, and consequent protesta from China. Alternatively, it could lead to a minor corumunist victory, if they were able openly to defy the bar without action being taken against them,
3
As seen from here there would seem to be zone politicsl benefits in lifting the ban at this moment. It would once again demonstrate the confidenes of the Hong Kong Government in ito ability to control the situation. It could also be
On presented as a further step in the turn to normality. praeent showing, it is probabls 'that the communists would appreciate the gesture, though of course any returns would be intangible. In their propaganda, they would claim it as another "victory". But the gromå could be cut from under thair fost by a statement to the effect that the ban had been
populace to celebrate tæditional festivalu
lifted to enable the ***quáe Ligued for a 11f*ing of the ban
in the customary vỹ. soon so that it can be associated with Jonė suitabla Testival in September.
4.
All the abova la ut commma grijzette Fong Jong' 28308ement or the ss3zetsy #ibantie in via Colony. be grateful for your vices.
should
I am copying to Jones Hortray in Far Pantera Department.
CRADOCK)
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