TNAG-0052-FCO40-88-Communist-activities-in-schools-1968 — Page 81

The Governor is confident that any reaction, again de- registration whin he Ging Kong Commmiest may take, can be retained.

is likely that they will use our action as a

pretext for abusive propaganda and as justifica-

tion for further delays and lack of co-operation

in dealing with the problems of our Mission and

other British subjects.

19. On balance, since it is a reasonable view

that the communist reaction will not be strong

(although it may affect our other dealings with

China), our conclusion is that we should

authorise the Governor to take the action he

considers necessary in Hong Kong. At this

point of time it is necessary only to close the

existing school. A decision as to whether to

deny to the communists further use of the

premises for educational purposes can be taken

as and when the issue is raised by an applica-

tion to register a new school, in the light of

the situation then prevailing and of the

reaction to the closing of the existing school.

We should therefore take up the Governor's

offer to give this point further consideration

if and when it arises.

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