TNAG-0104-FCO40-140-Discussions-with-Governor-during-his-visits-to-UK-1969 — Page 97

9. There are two areas of particular

sensitivity for the communists in Hong Kong:

the press and education.

Action against

either could lead to a sharp communist

reaction, in Peking as well as Hong Kong.

Both have been handled by the Governor with

great care and restraint.

Communist news-

papers and schools have been allowed to continue

although in breach of the law. The question,

as always, is to balance the need to take

firm action to maintain the Government's

authority and public confidence in Hong Kong

against the risk to Sino-British relations

in general, and to Hong Kong in particular,

of a strong C.P.G. reaction to any measures

we may take.

10.

It is in this context that we would like

to discuss with the Governor :-

(a) the threat posed to the educational

system as a whole and to the

authority of the Hong Kong Govern-

ment by the potential expansion of

communist schools;

/ (b)..

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN