RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63
3 UNAY 170/
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162
Cypher
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 26 May 1967 R. 26
CONFIDENTIAL
No.708
1 045Z
Your telegram No.1043.
159
PATIO
ATTC (163
Thank you very much for your kind message. Everyone here has of course
supported me marvellously and whatever we have been able to do, has been
accomp- lished by the whole Public Service team, with the steadfast
support of the great majority of the people of Hong Kong.
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for F.E. Department
and Private Office (Commonwealth Secretary))
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En clair
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 26 May, 1967, R. 26
1005Z
No. 713
164
MAY ISE>
Addressed to Commonwealth office (D.T.D.) Repeated
I
Peking No.274,
POLAD Singapore No.133 and Washington No.146
(Commonwealth Office please pass Washington)
Wen Wei Pao editorial of 26 May emphasises the #invincible spirit"
of the Hong Kong working class.
On 22 May workers of two bus companies "went on mass strike immediately"
and "the one-hour strike was victoriously completed". The next day bus
workers on Hong Kong Island struck for the whole day and all bus workers
in Kowloon stopped work for four hours. This was the victorious
achievement of united action. The Star Ferry Company stoppage for one
hour shows "that our workers have control over the sea".
All these strikes "serve as a warning to the Hong Kong British
Authorities"
2.
Q
"After the big slaughter on 22 May many a traitor and running dog are
celebrating. But let them not smile too soon...... our anti-persecution
struggle will carry on. Just let them wait and see".
(Passed to D.S.A.0. for Washington and advance
copies to Private Office (for Commonwealth
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SECRET
INYARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D.
R. 26 May, 1967.
1030Z
FLASH
SECRET
No.714
MAY
165,
Addressed to Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) Repeated
11
Peking No.274
(Commonwealth Office please pass IMMEDIATE)
Reference paragraph 3 of Galsworthy's telegram
from tối) Hong Kong No 698, The meeting between Ho Yin and Cater did
not, (repeat not), take place.
2.
Ho Yin did, however, spend some time with members of local Communist
hierarchy discussing the Hong Kong situation.
3.
Later he held joint and separate meetings with R.C. Lee and Q.W. Lee (a
senior member of the Hang Seng Bank in whose office these meetings were
held, and to whom reference was made as "another Chinese friendly to us"
in (5)-telegram No. 698). After these meetings Cater saw the two
Mr. Lee's separately, and the following covers the main points of
substance.
4.
Ho reportedly said that the local Communists were firm
that their "four just demands" should be met: that the Communists were
aware that "face" had to be given on both sides and accepted that Hong
Kong was quite different from Macao and allegedly had no intention of
forcing a Macao situation in Hong Kong.
5.
R.C. Lee gained the impression from his discussion with Ho that the
local hierarchy "anted first to obtain instructions from Canton: that
meanwhile the Communists would not wish to escalate the local situation
seriously, but to continue with token strikes.
6.
+
.W. Lee was a little more forthcoming over his
discussions with Ho. In addition to the comments at
paragraph 4 above, he reported comments of Ho to the effect that "time
is on our (i.e. the Communist) eide" and that Q.W. Lee should contact Ho
if it were thought that Ho's presence might be of value and particularly
"if the Hong Kong Government wishes to modify the demands". Q.W. Lee's
assessment of his discussions with Ho are of some interest:
(1)
On the refusal to let Ho see Cater, he thinks that one, or a combination
of the following would fit the case:
LAST
LEA
REF.
151
208214
SECRET
Pipp
RECENT
ARCHIV
-/(a)
H/WA/17
SECRET
7.
8.
(11)
as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
The Communist hierarchy, after the events of the past few days,
genuinely do not know what to do:
They have doubts as to the "suitability" of using Ho Yin in the present
situation as he is a Macao man and not really well- known in Hong Kong:
They are still awaiting instructions from China and, therefore, do not
wish to take precipitate action:
A form of blackmail, in that by keeping us waiting they may force us to
flap and offer terms which otherwise in the present conditions we should
not be prepared to consider.
On "time is on our side", Mr. Q.W. Lee thought
(a) This could be a straight comment on the fact
that, given more time, the Communists would be able to increase their
intimidation of the local population and allow the hierarchy time to
reorganise their forces for a more efficient and successful operation or
series of operations: but
(b)
Knowing Mr. Ho as a wily, intelligent person who is expert at communist
type negotiations, he thought this could well be a "planted" remark for
onward transmission mainly to harry us and force us into precipitate
action in regard to the four demands etc: that given time with no
communist successes locally, the communist forces themselves would be
downhearted and the local population increasingly confident provided
they were what Q.W. Lee termed "nursed along intelligently".
Our assessment of the above is as follows:
(a)
Re paragraph 4: there is reliable evidence that, in fact, the Communists
are seeking to achieve a Macao type settlement:
(b) Re paragraph 5: While local Communists
appear to be awaiting instructions as to next major moves, token strikes
apart, there is every possibility of a further confrontation with
security forces on the ground:
(c) Re paragraph 6: bearing in mind that this
information has been obtained third hand one can but comment upon Q.W.
Lee's impressions on the face of it, they appear to be reasonable
appreciation of the present circumstances.
Our own assessment of the present situation is
SECRET
/(a)
(i)
(11)
(iii)
(iv)
SECRET
(a) Intelligence derived from reliable and
delicate sources indicates that certain members of the Communist
hierarchy consider that they have met with a set-back in their
confrontation with Government, not only in respect of their
demonstrations but also in the propaganda field, and, most important of
all, in their failure to obtain the public support they seem to have
expected (either by wooing or intimidation):
(b)
It is clear that the Communists anticipate and are planning for a "long
struggle":
(c) Their present tactics are:-
To continue consolidating their position, within their own
organisations, in an effort to maintain morale of their supporters:
To demonstrate to the general public their power by organising token
stoppages in the public utilities:
To intimidate individuals and organisations that are actively supporting
Government:
To press on with their anti-Government propaganda through the media of
newspapers, posters and Kwangtung Radio.
(a) At the time of writing there are no firm
indications as to the next positive action planned by the Communists. It
does appear that, having met with greater opposition than expected from
Government and the public as a whole, they are having a complete
re-think. They may well be waiting for further instructions or what they
consider to be a major escalation by Government before they take any
fresh steps.
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SECRET
Cypher
IMMEDIATE
CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 26 May 1967
R. 26
CONFIDENTIAL
No.715
11 13152
•TION
166
1967
Addressed to S. of S. Repeated
IT
++
Peking No.275
"POLAD Singapore No.134 "Washington No.147
(S. of S. please pass PRIORITY to all)
My telegram No. 705.
157
Sitrep as at 26/1800.
M
Two Government Departments had limited stoppages. 700 postmen are on
strike from 260800 to 270600, thus preventing any
Counter
delivery or collection service except airmail. service remains normal
but sorting has been partially affected. Staff of the Marine Department
slip-way staged a 3-hour strike from 0800 this morning. This affected
some fifty launches and slightly disrupted transport for sanitation and
port works. Port services to visiting ships were not affected.
2.
I have had a general warning issued to the public service pointing out
that those who participate in stoppages leave themselves open to
disciplinary action including dismissal.
3
The only other strike action was the sit-down of some 3,000 workers of
the Taikoo Dockyard and Engineering Co.
This was peaceful and the in Hong Kong from 1300 to 1600. workers are
carrying out an equivalent amount of overtime this evening. Private
companies are being advised to take a firmer line on strikers.
440
Transport services have been fully normal today.
5. There have been 3 rumours of strike action at the Electric Co. which
serves Kowloon, the Telephone Co. and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering
Co., but there have been no stoppages.
6.
In the early afternoon leaflets were thrown from roof-tops and high
windows in several parts of both Hong Kong and Kowloon. These carry
invective in Chinese against British
Police are
imperialism and alleged Police brutality. investigating. Two
loudspeakers have been intermittently broadcasting but subject matter
has not warranted Police action.
7. 18 court cases unlawful assembly were heard today without incident.
The casevolving a China motor bus employee who was the pretext for an
earlier strike was concluded
but sentence deferred until tomorrow.
(Passed as requested, also to Resident Clerk, D.S.A‚O.
Far East Dept. Foreign Office and Private Orga
Commonwealth Office)
157 170
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Mr. Wilson
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Mr. D. Hawking
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Henn
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Australia House
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Major Koe
1.0.2
Mr. J.A.B. Darlington
(Senior External Affairs Representative) Mr. T.K. Critchley Canada House
(Counsellor)
Mr. K.W. MacLellan
CONFIDENTIAL
4
|
En clair
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 26 May, 1967.
R. 26
1 21 OZ
ATION
167
[
1967
|
I
No.716
Your telegram No. 1044.
(160)
The Acting Commissioner has asked me to convey
to the Minister of State Mrs. Judith Hart and yourself the sincere
thanks of all ranks of the Hong Kong Police Force, including the
Commandant and all ranks of the Auxiliary Police Force, for the kind
message of appreciation received today, which he proposes to publish in
Headquarters Orders.
All police formations are now rested and Acting Commissioner is
confident that they are ready to meet any calls that may be made upon
them with resolution and restraint.
I am glad to report that only one injured constable is still
detained in hospital, and he is progressing favourably.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES NO. 63
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ACAT A
CCTY FOR
CONFIDENTIAL
IMMEDIATE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO CANBERRA
TELNO 1158
26 MAY 1967
(FE)
168
CONFIDENTIAL
ADDRESSED TO CANBERRA TELEGRAM NUMBER 1158 OF 26 MAY REPEATED
FOR INFORMATION TO HONG KONG AND BANGKOK.
154 BANGKOK TELEGRAM NUMBER 280 TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
PLEASE TELL THE AUSTRALIANS THAT WE SEE NO REASON IN PRESENT
CIRCUMSTANCES TO ADVISE BUSINESSMEN AND TOURISTS AGAINST VISITING HONG
KONG AND SUGGEST THEY MAY WISH TO BRING THEIR ADVICE INTO
LINE WITH OUR OWN, WE HAVE SPOKEN IN THIS SENSE TO AUSTRALIA HOUSE.
CROSEC
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FFFFF
BENT TO HONG KONG AS COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.) TELEGRAM
NO. 1064
PARD
En Clair
PEKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Telma 583
26 May, 1967
168A
UNCLASSIFIED
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 583 of 26 May. Repeated for
information to: Hong Kong
Washington.
POLAD Singapore
People's Daily of 26 May reports rally in Peking on day before,
attended by ten thousand people to "support the just struggle of the
Palestine and Arab peoples against United States imperialism and its
tool of aggression, Israel". Chou En-lai, Li Hsien-nien,
Kuo Mo-jo and Liu Ning-i were present. Kuo Mo-jo made main speech. 2.
Also present were the representative of the Palestine Liberation Front
in Peking, Gerbou, the U.A.R. Ambassador, Imam, Yemen Ambassador,
Hameed, the Syrian Chargé, Farah, a First Secretary from the Algerian
Embassy and a Third Secretary from the Iraq Embassy.
3. In his speech Kuo Mo-jo accused United States imperialism of
instigating Israel to prepare large scale aimed provocation against
Syria. The Syrian people and all Arab people had urgently mobilised and
are prepared to smash the aggressors. The Chinese people stand firmly on
the side of the Syrian, Egyptian and all Arab people. He also attacked
the Soviet Revisionists for working on behalf of United States
imperialism in Arab countries. The Revisionists were colluding with
United States and British imperialism to persuade the Arab people to
take a "cautious" and restrained" attitude to United States and Israel
aggression.
4
4. Kuo Mo-jo also condemned United States imperialism for escalation in
Viet Nam. He said the Chinese people are paying close attention to the
development of the Viet Nam situation. "No matter to what degree United
States imperialism escalates the war or expands the war on whatever
scale, the Chinese people are determined to support the Viet Nam people
to the end".
5. Kuo Mo¬jo also accused the "Hong Kong British authorities" of
colluding with United States imperialism and Chiang bandits to carry out
Fascist suppression of Hong Kong compatriots. He said, "I once again
seriously warn the British Government and the Hong Kong British
authorities, you must immediately and unconditionally implement the five
just demands of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immediately stop
suppression of Hong Kong compatriots. If you continue to go your own way
and are determined to make an enemy of the Chinese people then you will
certainly get a bloody head".
6.
Foreign Office please repeat as required.
Mr. Hopson
Sent 0700Z 26 May
Recd 1910Z 26 May
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CONFIDENTIAL
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
D. 27 May, 1967. R. 27
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 718
04152
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated
P.A. Singapore No.135
(please pass)
Following from Political Adviser.
Hong Kong Disturbances.
Anything I.R.D. can do to explain the facts
of the situation to overseas Chinese communities in S.E. Asia would of
course be most helpful at his stage. If messages or statements of
support could be elicited from prominent members of the communities that
would be invaluable.
169
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