NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
Dd.033009 Gp.863
10.
Flag D
above, steps are not now taken to deregister
the school then he will, in future, inevitably
be inhibited from every deregistering any
school. Whilst remaining fully prepared to
grant concessions to the communists (provided
they do not unduly damage our position in Hong
Kong) he does not consider that forbearance on
this occasion would have the slightest effect
upon the communists as a gesture of
reconciliation.
The communist schools,
together with the communist press and trade
unions, are a dangerous problem and he questions
the wisdom of any concession that might make it
easier for, or encourage, the communists to
maintain or expand their educational
activities.
Views of Sir Donald Hopson
He
Sir Donald Hopson considers (Peking tele-
gram No.577) that no action should be taken
to deregister the school (course A).
argues that, since the communist campaign of
violence is over and the persons concerned in
the incidents at the school have been punished,
the cause of a return to peaceful co-existence
between Hong Kong and China would best be
served by allowing the school to continue.
He believes that deregistration at this stage,
would be seen by the Chinese as provocative;
part of a campaign to reducê ku uunbeig as very deliocr-tely timed at plans for
schodo
communist question in Hong Kong; and as
inconsistent with our professed intention of
working for a restoration of normal Sino-
British relations; and that the effect of
deregistration would be to prolong indefinitely
the present impasse as regards our Mission in Peking and other British subjects in China.
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