TNAG-0077-FCO40-113-Action-against-Communist-press-1967 — Page 37

GUIDANCE TELFGRAN

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ANG 23.8.67.

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58

The tone of the Communist Pross in Hong Kong

has steadily deteriorated since the beginning of the

disturbances early in May. The Hong Kong authorities

have refrained for as long as possible from taking

ss in an attempt to

sotion against the fam

it

avoid the danger of further exacerbating relations

with China. But the time came when it was considered

that such action could no longer be deferred. The

reasons for this conclusion werei-

A, Galsworten)

(a) the Press was one of the few remaining

weapons left intact for the Communiste

to use since the firm moaaures recently

taken by the Police to deal with the

disturbancos had given the forocs of law

and order the upper hand &

(b) the stream of seditious and libellous

statements, incitement to violence and

disaffection was the main driving force

sustaining the hard core Communistes

there was also the danger that it might

begin to affect public morale. Unless

action was taken against the Pross, it

would not be possible to progress towards

a return to normality;

(e) ne prospect was seen that the Commundat

Press would moderate its activities unless

action was taken against it. It had been

allowed very considerable licence and in

the interests of maintaining the rule of

law and the confidenc of the public,

action conEⱭ"TIO

dolayed.

/2. It