SECRET
7
encouraging acts of violence.
While it is permitted to remain in
existence public confidence in Government may erode.
If the press
K
is closed the communists can find other, but less effective, media
to disseminate their propaganda and reaction both from China and
locally can be expected to be extremely sharp, at least initially.
Whilst it may provoke the C.P.G. into giving more active assistance
to the confrontation it is unlikely that the P.L.A. would intervene
directly in Hong Kong. For any action against the press to be
completely effective all communist newspapers would have to be closed.
RECOMMENDATION
11.
If wider political considerations, with particular reference
to the British Mission in Peking, so permit, it is recommended that,
on balance, action be set in motion to prosecute those responsible
for publishing, printing and editing the remaining six communist
The ultimate aim would be the closure of these chronicles.
newspapers.
jc.
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.