TNAG-0078-FCO40-114-Action-against-Communist-press-1967 — Page 56

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CYPHER/CAT A

PRICITY COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO HONG KONG (D.T.D.)

TELNO 2499

7 DECEMBER, 1967 (HWB 14/32)

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YOUR TELEGRAM NO 1757 : COMMUNIST PRESS

IF ACTION AGAINST THE PRESS MUST BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN OUR AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG THEN WE MUST TAKE THE ACTION AND ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCES. THESE, WE JUDGE, WOULD TAKE A FORM DIRECTLY AFFECTING THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG ITSELF AND SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS GENERALLY (INCLUDING THE POSITION OF EMBASSY STAFF IN PEKING AND GREY).

WE AGREE THAT YOU SHOULD DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM WITH GALSWORTHY AND SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO KNOW YOUR JOINT VIEWS ON IT AND ON THE

TIMING AND EXTENT OF ACTION YOU RECOMMEND.

CROSEC

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

C.0.

F.0.

H.K.D.

I. & G.D.

F.E. & P.D.

J.I.R.D.

DEFENCE DEPT.

NEWS DEPT.

F.E.D.

D.D. & P.U.S.D.

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