TNAG-0077-FCO40-113-Action-against-Communist-press-1967 — Page 111

Mr. Hall

Sir Arthur Galsworthy

SECRET

Reference.

16

Reference Mr. Gaminara's minute below, I too consider that we should recommend the Secretary of State's acceptance of the Governor's proposals as in the draft telegram below. I have confirmed that this line is acceptable to the Far Eastern Department in the Foreign Office.

I think we must accept that the constant stream of subversion and propaganda from the Communist papers will, over a prolonged period, have some effect on the general

public, particularly on those who are not so robust in their

support for the Hong Kong Government. There is an additional

reason, mentioned in paragraph 2 of Hong Kong telegram No.1112, for proceeding against the Communist Press at the present time, namely, that its activities must tend to bolster the now flagging morale of the local Communists through publication of false and exaggerated claims of success, etc. This is perhaps what the Governor has in mind when he says in paragraph 8 of his telegram that "time is now of the essence".

Sir Arthen Solventhy.

}

agree

5.

ак

(W.S. Carter)

31.7.67.

with the course of action proposed above,

Аны

31/7