२
Cypher
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
Draft an HHD 1/17
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Sent 25 May, 1967. 1230Z
FLASH SECRET No. 1038.
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong. Repeated PRIORITY for information
11
#1
#1
!!
to Peking.
" POLAD Singapore. "Washington.
Your telegrams 677 and 691.
From Commonwealth Secretary.
Disturbances.
LAST
HA
I
(2B
I have now consulted my colleagues and we agree with you that the key to the situation is the maintenance of public confidence and police morale. I would like to congratulate you and your staff and particularly the police force on your success in holding and keeping on top of the situation. On this I am sending you a separate message which you can make public.
2.
We agree our policy must be to continue to deal firmly and fairly with any disorders which the Communists may try to instigate.
30 We also agree that action should be taken about selected Communist leaders so as to disrupt their campaign but have some doubts about your being able physically to deport them. We are advised that they might well not be accepted at the border, and that therefore we might lose face. But we must rely upon your judgment to weigh up the various factors here.
As you say this weapon should not be used lightly and I assume that you would begin with only two or three key leaders at a time. You have authority to go ahead if the situation deteriorates but please keep me informed of any action you take.
4. We also agree that if the Communist press continues to carry out or step up the campaign of sedition and intimidation you should use your emergency regulations to close down the printing presses. I would, however, wish to be consulted before any action is actually taken.
5. With reference to paragraph 1 of your telegram 691, it is appreciated that any decisions on action against the N.C.N.A. must fully take into account the position in Hong Kong.
16.
SECRET
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