TNAG-0035-FCO40-71-Relations-with-Macao-1968 — Page 81

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(b)

@

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at some time in the future they may well be exposed to physical violence;

(c) the Consul and his Consulate are being

subjected to insults by the Communist mob

(a)

it is becoming increasingly difficult to carry on the Consulate's work (most of which could be dealt with in Hong Kong) in the normal way, particularly in view of the pressures being put on the local staff

who are being subjected to repeated brainwashing).

The arguments against are:-

(a)

such a step would be taken as a sign of weakness not only in Macao but also in Hong Kong and might suggest that H.M.G. was losing interest in the area;

(b) it would cause inconvenience to the public

(c)

in that:

COR

(1) visas (at the rate of 3,800 per annum) would have to be obtained by post from Hong Kong;

(ii) candidates for G.C.E. examinations

(there are 176 this summer) would have to make alternative arrangements;

(iii) certain Canadian pensioners would have to

be paid from Hong Kong;

it would be difficult in present circumstances to arrange withdrawal without risk of pro- Communists preventing all or some of the staff from leaving. Personal baggage would probably have to be left behind and thus exposed to possible destruction by mob.

8. I have discussed with the Political Adviser and we suggest that:-

(a)

we should accept offer of Ions and Kemble to stick it out for a little longer to see how the situation develops in Macao;

(b)

(c)

Ions should be given discretion to move with Kemble to Hong Kong immediately if he considers that their personal safety is at risk and to continue to operate from here for the time being;

we should delay decision on whether to close post until after Duncan's visit to Hong Kong from 31 May to 2 June.

9. A related question is the future of the Hong Kong Government Permit Office which does a great deal of work in facilitating travel by local residents between Macao and Hong Kong. If the Consulate were to be closed the Permit Officer would be in a very isolated position. On the other hand closure of the Permit Office would almost certainly be

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