TNAG-0035-FCO40-71-Relations-with-Macao-1968 — Page 96

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The long weekend and the care which the Consul has exercised in avoiding unnecessary forays from the hotel and the admirable restraint which he and his staff have shown under extremely trying conditions have helped to keep the temperature within bounds. However, normal working hours are due to be resumed tomorrow (16th May) and not to reopen the offices might itself create difficulties. The Consul therefore called on the Governor of Macao this morning to convey his dissatisfaction at the lack

of even an attempt by the Portuguese Administration to maintain law and order or to ensure that a foreign Consul was able to perform his official functions. The Governor was apparently very embarrassed but, promised to do whatever was possible to provide protection tomorrow.

5.

It is in fact improbable that the Portuguese Administration will be able to provide adequate protection if the crowds reassemble tomorrow - which they probably will do if only to express support for the harsh Chinese Government statement of today. They will certainly not wish to become embroiled if the crowds are so hostile that they look like giving effect to the rumour which the Consul has heard that he and his staff may be paraded in dunce's caps in cultural revolutionary style, You will therefore wish to consider the possibility that it may become necessary to withdraw our staff from Macao, in order to ensure their personal safety. The Consul's view at present is that the wives of the Vice Consul and the Permit Office officer should remain in Hong Kong for the time being (his own wife is already in the U.K.), that he should sit tight and attempt to run the offices as near as possible to normally, and to visit Hong Kong on Thursday when he was in any case due to make the normal bag run.

6.

We have withdrawn his cypher material in view of the exposed position of the Consulate. We have however maintained the direct (clandestine) radio link.

(Passed as requested)

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D.I.O., J.I.R. Mr. de la Mare Mr. Denson Mr. Wilson Mr. Foggon

CONFIDENTIAL