R-F.
LAST
Cypher
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 25 May 1967
R.
25
n
10152
COPY FOR REGISTRATION
68
IMMEDIATE
CONFIDENTIAL
No.704
کا کام
65
Addressed to Commonwealth Office
Repeated IMMEDIATE to Lisbon No.M.349 (Please pass)
Following from Political Adviser.
My telegram No.696.
Macao.
RECEN ARCHMER No.63!
HUA 3/3
We are finding it hard to get reliable information about today's events in Macao, Portuguese Consul-General was told this morning by the Governor that more demonstrations against the Consulate were likely to take place, but it appears that apart from visits by small groups little has happened. (Today is a holiday in Macao.) The Governor is also reported to have said that he considers it "unlikely" that any violence will be offered against the Consul and his staff and the Consular property.
2.
Now that the Consul and Vice-Consul are out it would seem stupid to put them in pawn once again by sending them back to remove the confidential papers. We could send over two language students as couriers to do so, but we are reluctant
to risk the chance of their being detained in Macao, particularly as they would enjoy no consular status there. The confidential documents relate largely to visa and consular matters, including visa warning lists for U.K. and confidential visa regulations. There are also Guidance telegrams and Intels sent to Macao during last three months, three official seals and fee stamps to value of about £2,000. Although the situation is unfortunate, we doubt if it is worth taking any great risk with personnel to go over to remove the papers as long as demonstrations continue. If things quieten down the papers can be retrieved.
30 If asked by the Press why Consul and Vice-Consul are here, we are saying that they have come over for consultations. We are also saying that the Consulate and Permit Office will be closed on 26 May as well as on Saturday and Sunday (in accordance with normal practice).
4. Grateful for urgent instructions on point in paragraph 2 above.
(Passed as requested)
(Advance copies passed to Messrs. de la Mare and Wilson
F.E. Dept. Foreign Office and Commonwealth Secretary)
/Distribution
CONFIDENTIAL
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