TNAG-0053-FCO40-89-Communist-activities-in-schools-1968 — Page 33

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CONFIDENTIAL

(COVERING SECRET)

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schools constitute so real a danger in Hong Kong as to merit

tough Government action against them; and whether such action

would not do greatly disproportionate damage in Hong Kong and

elsewhere. In a further personal telegram to me, Mr. Cradock

has urged the need for a high-level decision that our present

policy should prevail, i.e. that we should avoid provocative

Action in Hong Kong (Peking telegram No. 817) particularly

in the sensitive field of education.

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4. There is force in Mr. Cradock's arguments - though he puts

them in over-dramatic terms. A decision to adopt a forward

policy against Communist education in Hong Kong could have

grave implications for our relations with China. It would be

a radical change of policy. But the Governor has not yet

proposed any specific actions against Communist schools;

has merely canvassed the possibility that he might have to

resort to them. Mr. Cradock's telegram may, therefore, be

deemed to be a premature resort to the use of heavy artillery.

Nevertheless it is a matter that cannot be permitted to rest.

The Commonwealth Office share our concern that the Governor

should not embark on any new course regarding Communist

education in Hong Kong without the fullest consultations.

have, therefore, despatched an appropriate telegram to Hong

Kong (copy attached).

James Ways

CONFIDENTIAL

COVERING

(James Murray)

6 September, 1968.

SECRET)

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