returned today demanding peremptorily to see me. Hy offer to arrange for
them to see the D.C.e at the Colonial Secretariat was refused in rude
terms. After a period of chanting and singing, during which posters were
fixed on the sentry box and outer gate of Government House, the
delegation and its accompanying crowd eventually withdrew still singing.
There have been several other delegations with petitions all equally
arrogant, noisy and demanding, though at this stage still disciplined
and avoiding violence. The pressure is now being switched on to me
personally and we can expect this to continue with the additional
problem that it is spreading disorder on to the island which has
hitherto been mainly peaceful.
3. Left-wing sources have seized on a report that Lord Shackleton has
announced that H.H.O. 18 prepared to suspend the state of emergency in
Aden and release detainees in return for co-operation from Opposition
political parties. Two sources have asked why we are standing firm on
the question of upholding the law here when we are prepared to suspend
it to suit political ends elsewhere. The facts of the case have been
explained to them but we should be grateful to be kept informed of
developments.
4. There have been fairly heavy withdrawals of bank deposita which
appear to have affected the communist banks in aa great or greater
measure as others. Bank note issue has been increased by £8 million
(S(MK)136 million) since 15th May: the total circulation was 8(HK)1,751
million at 30 April 1967. Remaining reserves of notes in Colony stand
/at
SECRET
SECRET
at about 8(HK)400 million. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank 18 arranging for
further (HK)400 million to be flown to Colo U.S. dollars T.T. price on
the local free market has risen to $5.81 as compared with $5.73 on 1st
May; the price of gold has risen to $275 (8263 on 1 May).
copies
(Passed as requested and advance copies to
Foreign Office, F.E. Dept.)
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11
+
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Kr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Denson
Mr. Foggon
SECRET
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES NË V
1
FD 1/1
5)
Cypher
Sent 17 May, 1967.
1967. 19502
ра
Leav
INKEDIATE SECRET No. 944.
Following from Commonwealth Secretary.
Kowloon disturbances.
I shall shortly be asking my colleagues to consider the issues raised in
paragraph 4 of your telegram No. 600. But I should like to give you my
own thoughts at this stage, and there are certain points on which I need
your assessment.
2. I am sure our intention must be to remain in Hong Kong as long as it
is physically possible for us to retain control of the situation. I
wholeheartedly endorse your own conclusion that we should not accept a
Macao-type compromise.
3. While we must obviously avoid an all-out confrontation with the
C.P.G. if this can possibly be avoided, I recognise that this is
unfortunately a risk in herent in the situation. I think therefore that
our policy must be to continue to deal firmly with any disorders which
the Communists may try to instigate, but at the same time to avoid so
far as possible action which could be regarded as unnecessarily
provocative. While I realise that in their present mood they will
castigate any measures you take as provocative, I think it would
probably be wise to avoid prosecutions against the pro- Communist press
for e.g. sedition, which is usually difficult to prove and generally
provides considerable opportunities for propaganda. The actual measures
to be taken to deal with the situation at any given time must continue
to be a matter of most careful judgment. I know that you will remain in
the closest touch with us, and continue to consult with us about the
actual choice of measures.
While continuing to show firmness in maintaining law and order, we must
obviously continue with our efforts to maintain contact with the Left
Wing, with a view to making clear to them that we are not prepared to
face a Macao-type compromise. I agree with you (paragraph 5 of your
telegram No. 609) that there is just a chance that by taking a very fire
line, avoiding any unnecessary provocation but explaining our policy
clearly to the C.P.G., there may be some prospect of inducing a change
of Chinese attitude which would enable both sides to disengage without
loss of authority on our part. I feel that, however difficult the
outlook may be right now, we must keep to this course for so long as
there is any chance of success. We do not altogether rule out that we
may have to start a dialogue on these lines with the Chinese in
/Peking
SECRET
SECRET
+
Peking (because of the calibre of Chinese representation here there
would be no point in our attempting this in London). But, as you know,
such a dialogue would introduce several large complications, and for the
time being at any rate we still think that the best hope of getting the
message through to the Chinese lies in your using your local channels.
5. It would be very helpful to me to have your assessment of the ability
of Hong Kong to cope with an all-out confrontation by the C.P.G. short
of armed intervention, i.e. widespread disorders in the Colony coupled
with the cutting off of Hong Kong's water and food supplies from the
mainland, and your assessment of the effect on the morale of the Hong
Kong Chinese if this situation lasted for some time, Could you organise
alternative supplies of food, and what assistance would you need in this
respect?
6. If, in your opinion, it would not be possible for Hong Kong to
survive for long in the kind of situation foreseen in paragraph 5 above,
once it became clear that the C.P.G. intended to go for all-out
confrontation of this kind this might well be the point at which we
should have to consider withdrawal from Hong Kong. This whole concept
presents huge problems which must clearly relate to the point in time at
which withdrawal became inevitable. No doubt you too will have given
some thought to this, and we should in due course welcome your views
generally on this range of problems.
7. Your assessment of the points in paragraphs 5 and 6 will be of
greatest value to me in discussing this whole problem with my
colleagues.
8. Finally, I should like you to know how much we admire the way you
have handled this very difficult situation. Our thoughts are very much
with you and your advisers in these anxious days.
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SECRET
En Clair
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
1
The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Sent 17 May 1967. 17352
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES N. 31
191 1967
FD1/1
ра
156
FLASH No.943
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong
Repeated
EF
H
Peking (IMMEDIATE, POLAD Singapore) Washington
(r)}(PRIORITY)
My immediately preceding telegram.
Following is text of statement:-
Begina.
H.M.G. consider it necessary to state the facts about the disturbances
in Hong Kong.
2.
The recent disturbances in Kowloon arose from an industrial dispute in
April between workers and their employers about wages and conditions of
employment involving 650 workers in two factories producing artificial
flowers. The injection moulding sections of both factories were closed
and the workers were dismissed. A Settlement could not be reached in
negotiations between employers and workers. The Labour Department of the
Hong Kong Government offered its services in an effort to help the
parties to reach agreement, but this offer was refused by both sides.
3. Disturbances broke out on the 6th May outside one of these factories
situated in Kowloon. The police clearly informed those involved of the
laws governing peaceful picketing, warned them repeatedly of the
consequences of disorder and urged them to desist. These warnings went
unheeded, and the police were therefore obliged to act to keep the
peace. As a result, 21 persons were arrested. Subsequent efforts by the
Labour Department to bring the parties together to discuss their
difficulties and try to reach an agreed settlement were frustrated by
the outbreak of further disorders on May 11th in the vicinity of the
same factory. Again after repeated warnings the police were obliged to
take action to keep the peace and 143 persons were arrested. There were
more disorders in the same area between 12th and 14th May and a further
257 persons were arrested. All cases of arrest are being treated in the
normal way in accordance with the due process of the law, By 17th May of
those arrested 128 had been charged with riot, 100 with unlawful
assembly, 91 with breaking the curfew and 88 with such offences as
assault and affray. 14 have been released without charges preferred and
12 have been acquitted.
4. Throughout the disturbances the Hong Kong police, a number of whom
were injured in the three days of rioting. have shown great restraint in
carrying out their responsibilities and have used the minimum force.
15.
5. In labour matters the Hong Kong Government's policy is to make
available the specialist services of its Labour Department to give
impartial help to management and trade unions to settle any dispute that
may arise between them. It has already done so on this occasion and
remain ready to do all it can to facilitate a settlement.
6. The Hong Kong Government has an inescapable duty to maintain law and
order as impartially and fairly as possible for the benefit of all in
Hong Kong. H.M.G. fully support the Hong Kong Government in fulfilling
its duty both in maintaining law and order and in the efforts it is
making to bring about a settlement of the industrial dispute. It is
emphasised that the original cause of these disturbances is a
comparatively small industrial conflict which it should be possible to
settle soon if the management and trade unions would sit down together
to discuss it in reason and goodwill.
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking,
PUKAD Singapore and Washington)
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Mr. Bolland
Mr.
Wilson
Nr. Denson
Mr. Foggon
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
Sent 17 May, 1967.
1705Z
PLASH SECRET
No. 942.
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated IMMEDIATE to Peking
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES Nc 31
11
1967
11/10]
55
PRIORITY
#
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th FRIORITY
Your telegram No. 620,
Peking Statement.
POLAD Singapore Washington
-F01/1 folio 45
Text of statement that was issued here at 17.00 hours B.S.T. today 17
May is in our immediately following telegram. We are not handing a copy
to the Chinese Mission here and we do not (repeat not) wish Hopson to
give the Chinese a copy in Peking.
2.
Ministers have considered very carefully the points made in paragraphs 1
and 2 of your telegram under reference. The view 16, however, that if
any reference is made to the Peking Statement it will undoubtedly lead
to a counter-statement (although we accept that this may be the outcome
in any case). We feel that public opinion in Hong Kong will realise that
this is a rebuttal of Peking charges.
3.
For similar reasons paragraph 7 of your telegram No. 621 has not been
included.
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for repetition to Peking,
POLAD Singapore and Washington)
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SECRET
1
En clair
54,
INWARD TELEGRAM
CORKONFEALTH OFFICE..
(The Secretary of State)
RI
FROM HONG KONG (Information Officer)
D. 18 May, 1967.
R. 18
0603Z
RECEIVED 'N ARCHIVES No 31
1 9 MAY 1967
FD 1/1
Hong Kong Situation for Information,
Throughout whole of this morning peace and quiet prevailed in Kowloon.
111 people arrested during night and charged variously with unlawful
assembly, common assault, intimidation, disorderly conduct appeared in
Kowloon courts this morning but there were no demonstrations. Kost fires
set by rampaging mobs of hooligans during night were of minor nature,
predominantly rubbish fires in middle of roadways. Fire Services
spokesman said the fires caused only negligible damage to property and
there was no concerted effort on part of rioters to set fire to
properties. An orderly group of about 300 Leftists demonstrated, singing
Communist songs and chanting slogans outside Government House at eleven
o'clock, About 30 posters posted on Government House gateway entrance.
For Boxall above copied.
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輯
Ħt
Mr. Denaon
Mr. Foggon
Hong Kong Government
office
Mr. Boxall
53
WWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Information Office)
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31
19 MAY 1967
En Clair
D. 17 May 1967 R. 17
06152
PRESS
FD/1/1
ро
calv
People of Hong Kong are rallying behind Government in task of
maintaining the peace which has been re-established in Hong Kong. Many
appeals to residents to remain calm, respect the law and support the
authorities have been issued by public organisations. Businessman, trade
organisations and leading educationalists called for realistic approach
to situation and there was unanimoue agreement that lawlessness should
be checked immediately lest they lead to Hong Kong losing its image as
business and tourist centre.
Federation of Hong Kong Industries said it had always supported right of
labour to negotiate with management but added all labour disputes must
be settled round conference table by peaceful means. Federation also
recognised Government's role to maintain law and order and that
Government does not interfere in legitimate rights of management or
labour. Federation deplores disturbancea which could only bring about
loss of confidence in Hong Kong's stability. There was grave danger that
work done by Federation in interesting overseas manufacturers to bring
new industries to Colony would be undermined. Federation added: "Success
of Hong Kong industry has been built on co-operation of management and
labour. This co-operation must continue and every effort must be made to
restore confidence in Hong Kong so that people can continue to find
employment and rising standard of living. Only through stability in
industry can these be achieved.
Chinese Manufacturers Association said Hong Kong industry was in stage
of difficulties. "It will lose foreign markets if peace cannot be
restored. We hope a close co-operation between management and workers
will be made and workers will be given reasonable wages. This is key to
solve disputes between management and workers. If both parties calm down
and try their best without any prejudice to seek early, settlement, we
are sure that problem will easily be solved."
Tung Wah Group of hospitals, Hong Kong's leading charitable
organisation, appealed to all residents to remain calm and called for
early settlement of labour dispute. It urged people to co-operate with
Government in maintenance of peace.
Hong Kong Teachers Association, with membership of nearly 6,000 appealed
to all school teachers and pupils to "take calm look at situation and
refrain from taking part in any activities that may likely lead to a
disturbanc
Unofficial members of Urban Council last night appealed to residents to
remain calm, respect the law and support Government in efforts to find
fair and just solution to present difficulties. Livelihood of residents,
they said, depended on maintenance of law and order without which there
could not be continued prosperity and happiness. Hong Kong had achieved
much for better
/life
life of its citizens. There had been quickening tempo of achieve- mentɛ
notably in fields of housing, education and provision of recreational
facilities. Urban Council members believed even more progress would be
made to improve living conditions of communit ̈ if all sections would
co-operate closely to achieve this aim.
Hong Kong Tourist Association said disturbances might not affect tourist
trade but it was too early to make assessment. Association recalled that
Kowloon disturbances last year did not have any such effect. Up to
present moment Association had not heard of any cancellations of tours
or of tourists leaving because or situation. Colony had gone through
many troubles at other times and had always managed to pull through.
Association expressed confidence that Colony could do so again,
Many readers letters appearing in correspondence colume supported
Government's actions in re-establishing peace and normal conditions.
One hundred workers of the Hong Kong artificial flowers factory at San
Po Kong have appealed to Hong Kong's Commissioner of Labour to help them
get back to work. signed their names to petition which was taken to
Labour Department yesterday.
They
It may be recalled that on 8th May, 6 workers claiming to represent 200
or more workers in San Po Kong plastic flower factory approached Labour
Department to convey to management their request to return to work. A
joint meeting between these representatives and management took place in
Labour Department on 10th May when both parties agreed in principle to
resumption of work in Hong Kong and that all acceptable workers would be
re-employed. This resumption has not taken place because of disturbances
in Kowloon on 11th May. On 11 th May also, management agreed to
discussions with Left-wing representatives provided these were held in
Labour Department and not in the factory. With the restoration of peace
and order, every effort is being made by Labour Department to reopen the
negotiations between workers and management.
Heung Yee Kuk, advisory bodies in New Territories, appealed to Hong Kong
residents to "approach our present difficulties with calmness" The Heung
Yee Kuk said the present situation was not unlike events following bank
crisis în 1964 and Kowloon riots last year. These disturbances had
radically affected livelihood and wellbeing of Hong Kong residents, the
Heung Yee Kuk said, Heung Yee Kuk said it believed majority of Hong Kong
people were glad to see that scope of disturbances had not been
extended. It said that all residents of New Territories shared its
views.
(Correction being obtained)
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52
En clair
PRIORITY No. 626
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 18 May, 1967. R. 18
00452
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
10
Peking No. 237 and
X117
POLAD Singapore No.104.
My telegram No. 624 refers.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES NG 31
19 MAY 1967
FD 1/1
&
cşlu
There were a number of incidents during the late afternoon and evening
(17th) in the curfew area of West Central Kowloon in which crowds stoned
various buildings including hotels, banks and several Government offices
in the Nathan Road area and were successfully dispersed by police using
gas shells and wooden projectiles. Several small fires started by
rioters were successfully extinguished. Some damage done to traffic
lights and road signs etc. The situation appeared to have been exploited
by known criminal elements who were encouraging crowds of hooligans in a
manner which makes clashes with the police inevitable,
2.
Because of regrouping of crowds outside curfew zone, the zone was
extended at midnight to include Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tong, Shek Kip Mei
and Lai Chi Kok - that is, North West Kowloon. By 10.30 p.m. the
situation in West Central Kowloon was mainly quiet and in the extended
curfew zone activity was confined to scattered and comparatively minor
incidents. By 01.00 hrs. (18th) peace had returned to the curfew areas
and all but two police companies had returned to base. The curfew was
lifted at 04.00 hra. Total number of persons arrested between 08.00 on
17 May and 06.00 18 Kay is 131. Four policemen slightly injured, no
prisoner casualties, two civilians injured, both hospitalised. 203 gas
shells and 125 wooden projectiles fired.
3.
Twelve Kowloon schools in vicinity of the Magistracy where the
disturbances recommended will remain closed today. All other schools in
Kowloon will be opened.
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= = = =
D.I.O., J.I.R. Mr. de la Mare Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson
Ur. Denson Foggon
Mr.
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
សំដី
D. 17 May, 1967. R. 17
01302
PRIORITY
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No. 31
1
1967
FR1/11
51
tot too bad
ཡིག་
CONFIDENT LAL
No. 624.
Addressed to Commonwealth office.
Repeated
サ
H
"Peking No. 235.
"POLAD Singapore No.
1
102.
"Washington No. 118. (S. of S. please
pass to all).
FD1/1/33
My previous telegram No. 618 refers.
This morning two separate cases arising out of disturbances were due to
be heard in two different courts.
&
2. At the South Kowloon Magistracy the 20 defendants whose cases could
not be heard yesterday because of court room disturbances did not
reappear at 9 a.m. The Magistrate delayed the hearing until 10 a.m. in
case there had been a misunderstanding but the defendants who are on
bail still did not reappear. Magistrate then issued bench warrants for
their arrest, but this is not being effected immediately.
The
3. At the North Kowloon Magistracy this morning a film studio
photographer appeared for trial but a well-disciplined chanting of Mao
made the trial impossible. The case was deferred until 2.30 p.m. and
because the demonstrators refused to leave the court room it was decided
to transfer the case to the South Kowloon Magistracy.
4. While court hearings proceeded during the afternoon at the South
Kowloon Magistracy crowds formed in neighbouring streets. There was
chanting and throwing of bottles. When the police intervened they were
stoned. Nine police companies were deployed in clearing the streets
during the afternoon leading to the arrest of eight persons and the
injuring of one police constable. Three baton shells were fired and gas
was used.
5. In view of the situation, I authorised the imposition of a curfew
over West-Central Kowloon from 7.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
6. During the day slogan bearing posters and copies of Left Wing
newspapers have been appearing on a number of walls and shop windows. In
some cases these have resulted in incidents which did not however
escalate. In addition seven groups have presented petitions at the gates
of Government House showing varying degrees of belligerence which has
tested patience but has not caused any major incidents.
(Passed as requested:
for F.E. Dept.)
advance copies to D.S.A.0.
CONFIDENTIAL
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EE E
CONFIDENTIAL
D.I.O. J.I.R.
Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
Mr. Wilson Mr. Denson Mr. Foggon
Cypher
FLASH SECRET No. 625.
RECEIVED 'N ARCHIVES NG 31
Rally
1
1967
FO/I
SECRET
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 17 May, 1967. R. 17
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.