D. 16 May 1967 R. 16
0930Z
RID
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31.
1 MAY 1967 FD
+
PRIORITY No.617
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
#
Peking No.227
" POLAD Singapore No.96
هم
120.7/0
The Left-wing papers this morning (16 May) devote
their front pages to the text of the H.F.A. statement and to reports of
demonstrations of support in Peking and Canton.
2. The Wen Wei Pao editorial takes the line that the expression of
support by the Chinese Government should reinforce the confidence of
local patriots, who are today "definitely not alone". It goes on to
repeat the allegation that the police action was part of a planned move
against the Left-wing and says that
after the event Trench engaged in sophistry in defending 'the law' and
the maintenance of 'law and order'. Who will believe these "fine
words"?" It concludes: "The Chinese people are not to be trifled with.
The Chinese people mean what they say. If the British authorities insist
on going ahead they will fall into the great sea of the people's anti-
persecution struggle - a tragic end". The Wen Wei Pao also has a
commentary about an incident in which it is alleged two reporters of the
Ta Kung Pao were beaten up by "plain clothes special agents" yesterday.
The commentary says that this incident took place just after the Foreign
Ministry had issued its statement and was therefore particularly
serious.
"This was obviously the British authorities in Hong Kong using their
running dogs and was a planned and premeditated prelude to an escalation
of their atrocities"
3. The Ta Kung Pao editorial repeats the standard allegations and says
in part that the masses on the streets in the Sanpokong and other areas
were not afraid of tear gas or police batons; delegations going to
Government House to protest are more and more frequent; anti-persecution
struggle organisa- tions are being set up in companies, factories, and
units..... therefore the patriotic compatriots throughout Hong Kong are
responding to the call of their brother workers, are making all
preparations to enter into a new struggle.
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It
Mr. Foggon Mr. Bolland
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Cypher
PRIORITY SECRET No.615
38
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
K.117.
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OPPICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 16th May 1967 R. 16th
忖
08302
RECEIVED IN
ול
ARCHIVES No.31
17 MAY 1967
PDI/I
Action Taken
Addressed to Commonwealth Office
Repeated
1
"Peking No.226
"POLAD Singapore No.94
P.C
こん
(Please pass Routine to both)
My telegram No.612.
Peking Statement.
There is good evidence that statement referred to in paragraph of my
telegram had a beneficial effect on confidence and was widely welcomed.
2. Further to remark in parenthesis in my paragraph 2, we have been
trying over the past few days to stimulate local neutral and
non-left-wing organisations and personalities in all walks of life into
coming out with public expressions of a desire for peace and stability
in Hong Kong, and similar indications of lack of support for present
left-wing agitation. I feel sure that if we can stimulate enough of this
kind of public comment it could become one of the more effective real
deterrents available to left-wing demands being pressed to the limit.
30 As you know, it is not at all easy to get people here to do this sort
of thing, but we are so far having an encouraging amount of success, If
there are any Hong Kong Chinese groups in England who could be
stimulated into the same sort of thing, it would be possibly helpful.
Sedgwick might have some ideas.
(Passed as requested)
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= =
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D.I.O. J.1.R.
Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson Mr. Foggon
SECRET
Cypher
INMEDIATE SECRET No.919
FDIN
SECRET
OUTWARD TELFORAM
Ki12
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Sent 15th May 1967. 191 52
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated
30
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
pot.
Р
" Peking (IMMEDIATE
POLAD Singapore (PRIORITY)
Ħ
Your telegram No.609.
Peking Statement.
1B MAY 1967
FDILI
We think that Peking will probably be prepared to engage in a prolonged
war of nerves. It is on this assumption we have been considering how to
handle the Peking statement preparatory to submitting to Ministers.
2.
There appear to be four alternatives:
(a) for Hopson to return the statement because
it la offensive;
(b) to ignore it;
(c) to refute it in detail;
(d) to issue a statement of our own explaining what has happened and the
policy we intend
to pursue.
3. We cannot see that there is anything to be gained by returning it: to
slam the door in this way would only aggravate the situation.
40 We cannot altogether ignore it because we imagine public opinion in
Hong Kong will expect some response and be concerned to know what
attitude we intend to adopt and that any uncertainty about this could
very seriously affect local confidence and morale.
5.
To refute it in detail would be to play Peking's game and lay us open to
a further round of polemical exchanges which might cause Peking to adopt
a more rigid position and to raise their demands,
6. We therefore think that for the reasons given in paragraph 4 above
you should make a short statement along the following lines (which might
include an indication that it was approved by H.M.G.); outlining the
recent events, noting their origin in an industrial dispute, explaining
the means available for settling such disputes and confirming our
intention of firmly but fairly maintaining law and order. By this means
we would /hope
SECRET
1
SECRET
hope to avoid polemics and any reference to the unacceptable demands in
Peking's statement, which would be bound to arise were we to try to
explain the position directly to the Chinese Government either here or
in Peking (paragraph 6 of your telegram under reference).
7. Grateful for your views on this assessment and, unless you see
objection to the course suggested, please telegraph urgently a draft
atatement for consideration by Ministers.
8. As we were about to despatch this telegram we received your Press
telegram giving text of your statement today. Grateful to know reasons
why you made this statement now. It does not invalidate the views
expressed above though it ma y complicate the drafting of the statement.
We would still like to have your comments and a draft statement,
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Peking and POLAD Singapore)
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11
Mr. Foggon
SECRET
1
FD1/1.
RESTRICTED COVERING SECRET
29
FOREIGN OFFICE,S.W.1.
15/May, 1967.
In your atter HWB 13/7 of 8 Kay you asked for our comments on a despatch
from the Governor of Hong Kong No. 2879 of 15 December 1966, which was
enclosed with a letter from Carter to Bolland FED 150/402/01 of 24
January.
2. I think you will find that we gave our comments on this despatch in a
reply from Bolland FD 1/1 of 21 February. In case this letter is missing
from your files I enclose a photo copy.
(D. C. Wilson) Far Eastern Department
A. W. Gaminara Esq.,
Commonwealth office
(Dependent Territories Division)
Church Mouse,
Great Smith Street,
8.W.1.
RESTRICTED COURRING SECRET
En Clair
HANOI
Telno 314
TO
FOREIGN OFFICE
15 May 1967
UNCLASSIFIED
TOP COM
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
15 MAY 1967
FDI ||
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 314 of 15 May, Repeated for
information to Hong Kong, Washington, Saigon.
Peoples' Daily of 14 May protested against "repression of Chinese in
Hong Kong by British Authorities" (strikes) adding that this is
"associated with United States warships calling at Hong Kong turning
Hong Kong into base in service of United States aggressive war".
Mr. Colbin
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NNNNN
Sent 1030 15 May
Recd 11372 15 May
No action p.a.
27
En Clair
IMEDIATE PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 484 15 May 1967 Heleri culve
UNCLASSIFIED
already laken. p.a.
TOP COPY
erlu
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
1 5 MAY 1967 Foll
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 484 of 15 May Repeated for
information to Hong Kong, POLAD Singapore, Washington.
Front page of People's Daily of 15 kay carries full text Fol/L. of
Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement (my telegrams Nos. @0-478 and
479).
2. Accompanying commentator article alleges that the Kowloon incidents
were planned by the Hong Kong authorities. It also points out that the
British Government have ignored repeated warnings about the use of Hong
Kong as an American base and have conducted 'all sorts of anti-Chinese
activities' in the Colony. If the British Government dares to make an
enemy of the 700 million Chinese people they will be lifting up a rock
to drop on their own feet.
3.
The Chinese people absolutely will not tolerate the oppression of their
compatriots in Hong Kong. The oppressive actions of the British
authorities only shows their weakness.
4. At present the Hong Kong authorities are not only refusing to
recognise their guilt but are attempting to extend the scope of the
situation. Article seriously warns the authorities that the Chinese
people cannot be insulted and that the debts of blood must be repaid.
5.
Article then repeats the demands made in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
statement and concludes with a warning that if the Hong Kong authorities
do not 'rein in their horses on the brink of the precipice
there can certainly be no good
outcome'.
6. Page 2 carries two NCNA articles datelined Hong kong 14 May. First is
a long account of the Kowloon incidents starting from 6 May and second
reports protest lodged by the Hong Kong office of NČNA about alleged
attacks by Hong kong police on NCNA reporters on 11 May. When NCNA
representatives called at Government House' with the protest on 12 ly,
the Govenor" (quotation marks in Chinese) refused to see them and sent
his Aide de Camp. NUNA protest Note demands (a) severe punishment for
those responsible, (b) apologies to the MONA reporters (c) a guarantee
of freedom of the Press.
7.
Photograph shows arrested demonstrators in Hong kong police ven in
handcuffs and waving copies of "quotations from Chairman Mao", Mr.
Hopson Sent 09202/15 kay
Received 1050/15 May
FO/CO/WH/DISTRIBUTION
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
F.E.D.
PPPPP
Cypher/Cat A
SECRET
PRIORITY PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFI CE
Telno 483
15 May, 1967
SECRET
TOP COPY
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.31
1 5 MAY 1967
FDI/1
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No.483 of 15 May, Repeated for
information to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Hong Kong telegram No.595 to C.0. ? Action against Left Wing Press.
Copy
The Chinese Government would naturally regard any action against their
mouthpieces in Hong Kong as a further provocative act. I would therefore
recommend that if possible no decision on this should be taken for the
present until it is seen how the Chinese intend to proceed in Hong Kong,
and as long as there is any hope of a compromise. On the other hand I
well understand that this may become inevitable if the security
situation in Hong Kong deteriorates further.
26
equestrat how co
Mr. Hopson
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
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88888
Sent 08102/15 May Recd 11092/15 May
Helion by C.o. who
the problem in müd
have
༩༠.
SECRET
Cypher/Cat A
IMMEDIATE PEKING
TO
Teino 482
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
FOREIGN OFF ICE
OFFICETOP
15 May 1967
RECEIVED IN
¡ARCHIVES No.31
15 MAY 1967
FD1/1
25
23
aclon
progren
pot.
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 482 of 15 May, Repeated for
information to Fong Kong, Singapore and Washington.
My telegrams Nos. 478, 479 and 480: M.F.A. Statement. .١٩٥
After Lo Kuei-po (who was calm and composed) had finished reading text,
in answer to my enquiry he confirmed that he was handing me a copy of a
statement rather than delivering a Note. had pointed out that there were
a number of passages in the text which I would have regarded as
unacceptable in a Note.
I
2. I emphasized that the Hong Kong Government consistently adopted a
just and impartial attitude towards labour disputes but had an
inescapable duty to maintain law and order. Failure of demonstrators and
those committing acts of violence to disperse when warned to do so by
the Hong Kong Police had led to further disorders, arrests and injuries
wich have clearly made the solution of the labour dispute more
difficult.
3. I stressed that the accusation that the incidents had been pre-
I meditated by the Hong Kong Government was entirely groundless. also
rejected the charge that the United States Authorities were in any way
involved and that Hong Kong was being used as an American base.
4. Pointing out that I was speaking on a personal basis, I suggested
that for the disorders to continue would be bad for the people of Hon,
Kong and its economy, and harmful to both Chinese and British interests.
It was therefore hoped that the CPG would exercise a restraining and
moderating influence on their friends in Hong Kong, which would bring
about a restoration of an atmosphere of calm.
5. It was quite wrong to suggest, as in the Chinese statement, that the
British Government regarded the Chinese as "opponents". The British
Government and the Hong Kong Authorities wished to co- operate amiably
with the CPG in settling matters of mutual interest but had of course no
interest in Chinese internal affairs.
6.
Lo's reply covered the same ground as the M.F.A. statement and
emphasized that the Chinese people of today could not be bullied as they
could "ten or more" years ago, that the incidents had been planned and
organised by the Hong Kon, Government and that the situation was
deteriorating.
7. I again stressed that there was no question of premeditation by the
Hong Kong Government. It was not for me to comment directly on the
"so-called demands" in the Chinese statement, but speaking personally
they seemed to me to be unreasonable and unrealistic.
CONFIDENTIAL
I therefore
CONFIDENTIAL
Peking telegram No. 482 to Foreign Office
- 2 -
I therefore hoped that the Chinese Government would reflect very
carefully before committing itself to a course which could only have the
ill effects which I had already described. Those arrested in Hong Kong
would be dealt with in accordance with the due processes of law. The
Hong Kong Government could not intervene. Those who were found to be
innocent would be released. We did not use Fascist methods. Britain had
spent seven years fighting Fascism.
8. A representative of the West European Department of the Chinese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened at this point to say that Lo
Kuei-po had given "an all round and correct answer" to the statement I
had made but wished in particular to emphasize that my remarks regarding
the mutual interests of China and Britain in Hong Kong not only
distorted the facts but were the language of imperialism. The China of
the cultural revolution could not be subjected to threats. I replied
that there was no question of threatening China.
Foreign Office pass Immediate to Hong Kong 338 and Priority Washington
254.
Mr. Hopson
Sent 0700 15 May
Recd 0940Z 15 May
[Repeated as requested]
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CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 12th May, 1967.
R. 12th
1752Z
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
1 5 MAY 1967
FDY/I
FLASH
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 581
Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated
H
H
H
Peking No. 204
P.A. Singapore No. 71
(Please pass Immediate to both)
In order to provide personnel from Auxiliary
Air Force for helicopter observer duties I have given approval to
Service Commander H.K. Defence Force making an order for limited
call-out of his unit or any part thereof for active service. By midnight
area affected by disturbances had returned to normal. Curfor effective
and most police units withdrawn although mobile patrols still operating.
127 persons arrested and 14 injured. In all 53 gas shells fired in
incidents during afternoon and evening. It is known that discussions now
taking place between Left-Wing Federation of Trade Unions and main
Left-Wing Uniona. Kowloon Motor Bus Company employees considering token
strike action between 0700 and 0900. Although situation now quiet some
form of Left-Wing Union activity must be anticipated during the day.
(Passed as requested)
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CONFIDENTIAL
23
CONFIDENTIAL
Cypher/Cat.A
TOP
RECEIVED IN |
ARCHIVES No.31
FLASH PEKING ΤΟ FOREIGN OFFICE
MAY 1967
Telno. 480
15 May 1967
ра
西小
21Y22
CONFIDENTIAL
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No 480 of 15 May,
Repeated for information to Hong Kong, Singapore and Washington
My immediately preceding telegrams.
We must conclude from the Chinese Government statement that they have
decided to risk a direct confrontation with us on Hong Kong. The fact
that they took a relatively long time to reach this decision and then
published it in the form of a statement instead of a diplomatic Note may
indicate that this decision was reached with some reluctance.
2.
On the other hand the Foreign Ministry official who was assisting the
Vice-Minister at our interview, when I suggested that a deterioration of
the situation in Hong Kong would be bad both for British and Chinese
interests there, took me up passionately and declared that we were no
longer dealing with the China of even five years ago,
Now that the cultural revolution was in full swing the new China would
no longer bow to threats. therefore as if the Chinese Government are
"putting politics in command" and may have decided to accept any
necessary economic damage
It looks
3. The test will be in Hong Kong itself and in the way the Left Wing
play it there. I should be surprised if a door is not left open for some
kind of compromise, though it is difficult to see any sign of this at
present.
4.
I presume it will be your intention to issue an official statement in
London and Hong Kong commenting on the Chinese statement. If so, though
it will clearly be important to refute the Chinese cbarges, I hope it
will be possible to phrase this in such a way as to avoid provoking the
Chinese Government unnecessarily and thus making a compromise (if one is
indeed still possible) even more difficult. As seen from here the object
should be to bring the temperature down while standing firm on basic
principles.
5.
It is probable that we shall get some unpleasant demonstrations against
this office. I have taken necessary precautions. We may be in for a very
long haul.
6.
Record of my interview which contained no other points of real interest
will be in a following telegram.
Foreign Office pass Flash to Hong Kong 336 and Priority to Washington
253.
Kr. Hopson
Sent
Recd
04202/15 May 1967
05512/15 May 1967
[Repeated as requested]
ADVANCE COPIES SENT
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F.E D.
SSSSS
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IMMEDIATE PEKING
TO
FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno 479
15 May, 1967
RECEIVED IN
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1 MAY 1967
ZZ
FD||
INCLASSIFIED
TOP COPY
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 479 of 15 May, Repeated for
information Immediate Hong Kong, Priority POLAD Singapore and
Washington.
Z!
For My telegram No. 478.
pa. Id
First part of Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement as follows:
2. "On the afternoon of 6 Lay 1967, Chinese workers of the Hong Kong
Sanpokong Artificial Plastic Flower Works launched a struggle against
intensified capitalist exploitation. To shield capital and suppres
labour, the British Authorities in Hong Kong brazenly turned out on the
same day more than two hundred armed policemen and "riot police",
sanguinarily suppressing the workers of the factory and other Chinese
residents, beating and wounding many of them and arresting twentyone
persons, afterwards, they also arrested the President of the Federation
of the Rubber and Plastic Trade Unions and Workers' Representatives, who
went to a Hong Kong police station to protest. On the afternoon of the
11th, the British Authorities in Hong Kong carried out another
sanguinary suppression on an even bigger scale by turning loose on the
bare handed workers, representatives of various circles and young
students large numbers of arred troops, policemen and "riot Police"
totalling more than 1,000, who repeatedly attacked them with clubs, riot
guns and tear bombs and even turning out military vehicles and
helicopters.
On the
Many persons (including newsmen, cameramen and journalists) were
arrested. After the 12th the British Authorities in Hong Kong had
continued large scale arrests of the demonstrating masses. By the
morning of the 14th, more than 400 have been arrested. At present, the
situation is still being aggravated. It must be pointed out that these
large scale sanguinary atrocities perpetrated by the British Authorities
in Hong Kong are the result of long premeditation and are a component
part of the British Government's scheme of collusion with United States
imperialism against China. one hand, in coordination with the United
States imperialist war escalation in Viet Nam, the British Government is
continuing to [corrupt word[ the United States with Hon Kong as a base
for aggression against Viet Nam in disregard of the repeated solemn
warnings of the Chinese Government and on the other, it is steadily
stepping up various hostile measures against China in Hong Kong.
Particularly since the unfolding of the great proletarian cultural
revolution in China. The British Authorities in Hong Kong have carried
out repeated military and police manoeuvres hostile to China and aimed
at the sanguinary suppression of Chinese residents in Hong Kong, vainly
attempting to exclude the great influence of China's great proletarian
cultural revolution by high hended tactics. The persecution of Chinese
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.