Page 3, paragraph 1.
The cause of the crisis in Hong Kong was the spontaneous move by Communists to create a revolutionary situation. They made use of the Trade Unions for this purpose developing "disputes" into demonstrations and eventual confrontation. There had been a series of disputes since the early spring.
Page 4, paragraph 1.
Encouragement for a time was given from China
to the local Communists in their demonstrations,
but this was after the disturbances had started, by which time the Chinese authorities no doubt were obliged to give some support to the overspill of revolutionary enthusiasm.
Page 4, paragraph 2, fourth sentence.
"astride the border" suggests that the British troops were actually in Chinese territory. "along the border" would be better.
(F. Brewer)
Far Eastern Section, FCO Research Department.
14 August, 1970.
Reference....
with ☺
We have been asked to check with the case study at 1/E/i for any glaring errors, omissions or dis- tortions.
20
Having due regard to the brevity of the paper I think it presents a fairly accurate account of the events in Hong Kong during 1967.
3.
There are one or two points which I should prefer to have seen dealt with slightly differently:-
(1) Page 1, lines 16 to 18.
"The crisis of May-August, 1967 has been seen as a Chinese warning against any further involvement of Hong Kong in the Vietnam war".
I do not think that this is a view which has ever been taken in this office: however, it is no more than an expression of opinion.
(2) Page 3, lines 26 to 28
"It was really the over-crowded living accommodation rather than bad labour relations which created the ready material for demonstration".
This implies that it was living conditions which caused people to demonstrate. In fact, I think it would be more accurate to say that over-crowded living conditions created a physical situation in which large crowds could very quickly gather for purposes of demonstration.
(3)Page 4,lines 3 and 4
"Young people who formed the large part
of the demonstration were giving vent
to social frustrations.
11
This again is a matter of opinion. I do not think that it was social frustration so much as an overspill
of fervour from the cultural revolution which caused
the young people to demonistrate.
(4) Page 5, line 8
I do not know why the attitude of the authorities towards the demands of the demonstrators should be described as "intransigent". The nature of those demands was such that they could not be excepted by the authorities without some degree of abdication of responsibility for maintaining law and order and good government of the Colony.
I do not think that any of the above criticiome can be regarded as relating to "glaring errors, omissions or distortions“
tions" and would not therefore wish
to press themjokongly-
Mr Appley and
ME
(A.W. Gaminara) 10 August, 1970
PTO.
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8.10.
Paragraph 1. The intention of the Communists was her to marce the Hay Kay (wemment Show deference to Pering, thingh their was undoubtedly are dement. The aim was to force the Hay Hays wemment to concede the local Communito
in the Clary. a significant part in decision making to seize for themselves a privileged position, to himintate the Hay havement and also to justify themselves as true revolutionaries in the eyes of Persing (which was then in the thirves of the Cristural Partition)
I agree with her. Gammara's point about the relationship between Hang Kang and the Vietnam trar
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