fco-40-50-kowloon-disturbances — Page 18

HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Tolno Unnumbered

SIFTED

PRESS

(D.T.D.)

22 September, 1967

TOP CL.'Y

221830 Attention Glover. Sitrep.

Police continuing their swoops on Communist Union Premises in Hong Kong
arrested three people today. There is no repeat no question that police
are in control of situation.

Apart from small demonstration in Kowloon City this evening nivlving one
hundred people Colony remained quiet. There were no (repeat no) reports
of bombs being found today.

Government today announced its intention to ivestigate possible
development of more reservoirs of Plover Cove tupe.

Investigations will be carried out in Long Harbour (repeat Lond
Harbour Three Fathoms Cove (repeat Three Fathoms Cove) and channel
between High Island repeat High Island) and mainland in Sai Kung
Peninsula (repeat Sai Kung Peninsula)

Investigations which will begin in November and last for period of about
six months will involve small scale engineering works necessary to make
trial bore holes at various locations.

It was also announced that one of results of Governments
decision to investigate feasibility of constructing reservoirs in areas
mentioned above is that a proposed scheme at Hebe Haven (repeat Hebe
Haven) which had been under consideration by Government has been
abandoned.

0.A.G.

Ends.

Informs.

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION

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נטנרנר

J.I.P.G.D.

J.I.R.D.

Overseas Labour Adviser Overseas Police Adviser

Sent 1935Z 22 September

Reed 13072 22 September

RECEIVED IN

ARCHIVES No. 63 25 SEPIYO/

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TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.B.

Communications Department

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H2 selegram. Y/N (231430) of 23725

H. R

TO:

Hongkong Sitner klid

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES Nɔ. 63

25 SEPIY6/

21.

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(Date)

Action taken in Communications Department:

An

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AFTER ACTION THIS FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO

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Teino. U/N

23 September 1967.

497.

TOP Cl APY

HW

PRESS

230730 Attention Glover SITREP.

Law and order in two spots in Kowloon were immediately restored after
police dispersed two crowds of people gathered in streets to hold
demonstrations earlier last Friday evening. In one spot a man was shot
in the shoulder when he attacked

Both were
sent to a police officer with corrosive acid. hospital for treatment.
There were about one hundred (repeat one hundred) people in the crowd
there. In other spot there were about three hundred (repeat three
hundred) people in the crowd.

On Hong Kong Island there were neither demonstrations nor

In Kowloon Army reports of real bombs throughout the day. ammunition
experts detonated three real bombs which caused no (repeat no) damage to
property or injury to person.

O.A.G.

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Sent 0358/23 September.

Recd 02592/23 September.

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498

EN CLAIR

KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

Unnumbered

23 September 1967

Н

Hw

UNCLASSIFIED

Press

231430.

Attention Glover Sitrep.

Communist disturbances in Hong Kong have not tarnished Colony's image
among American business leaders and others who really know Hong Kong
according to Mr. R.S. Priebe Division Vice President Afro Asian and
Canadian operations of Minnesota Ming and Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Priebe who is visiting Hong Kong during course of annual regional
tour said disturbances had not caused American business community to
lose confidence in Hong Kong.

"My company certainly has not and plans provide for further expansion of
our operations here".

Meanwhile situation continues to be calm. There were no reports of
bombs today and only one raid carried out this morning but no arrests.

Ends.

O.A.G.

Sent 1430Z 22 September Recd.07002 23 September

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RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

25 SEP 1967

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TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.S.

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TO:

Unnumbered from thing long - 25th Sept., 1967.

H.K. Daily Weekly

&

Silveps. Distribution.

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES NL: 63

2 6 SEP 1967

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I

499

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IMMEDIATE

Telno 1434

SECRET

HONG KONG TO

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26 SEP967

25 September 1967

Ha Biln

17

Addressed to Commonwealth Office telegram No. 1434 of 25 September.
Repeated for information to POLAD Singapore, Washington and Canberra.

LIC.

For Commonwealth Office and Cabinet Office for JIC.

From

Weekly Assessment of the Situation as at 250600 hours in two parts
follows:

Part I.

The principal features of the Communist confrontation during this period
have been:

(492)

(485)

Public

On 25

(a) The beginning of the National Day celebrations. functions held so
far have complied with the law. September the Communist Press published
a list of 27 "slogans" for the 1 October; significantly none of them
referred to the confrontation in Hong Kong.

Five

(b) An increase in bomb incidents over the previous week. 382 reports
were received of which 73 proved genuine. military personnel, eleven
police officers and thirty civilians were injured by explosions. The
latter included four terrorists, one of whom died of wounds caused by
the explosion of a bomb he possessed. There were no known instances of
the use of gelignite. Four persons were arrested for possession of live
"bombs" (paragraph 2 of telegram 1423 refers).

c) Further sporadic, shortlived street demonstrations which followed
closely the pattern and purpose of the previous week (Part 1 paragraph
(c) of telegram 1405 refers). A bomb thrown at a police vehicle near the
scene of one demonstration resulted in a major explosion, causing injury
to five police officers and twenty-four civilians, most of whom were
sub- sequently admitted to hospital. The demonstrators were mostly
workers and students who dispersed on the arrival of police, invariably
leaving behind genuine and fake bombe.

(a) The distribution of the fourth month's strike pay by a number of
Communist Unions, One Union has announced a reduc- tion in the amounts
to be paid, due to shortage of funds, while there is evidence too of
various "contributions" being deducted by others in a thinly disguised
attempt to save money.

(e) The more moderate tone which continues to be maintained by the local
Communist Press. Wide coverage was given to a policy speech allegedly
made by the Chairman of the All Circles Anti-Persecution Struggle
Committee (A.C.A.P.S.C.). It was also reported in the second edition of
the Wen Wei Pao supplement. The text of this speech lists local
Communist "victories" since the advent of confrontation and whilst
encouraging "defensive counter attacks", it emphasises the political
nature of the struggle.

Stress is laid on the

long term nature of the confrontation and the fact that

LAST

RIF.

492

в ко

/"compatriots

SECRET

SECRET

HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 1434 TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

2.

11

2

compatriots will have to rely mainly upon themselves to attain
victories". This is another inference that little further assistance can
be expected from China (see also paragraph 4).

(1) The continued improvement in the quantity of food and other supplies
entering the Colony from China, As a consequence there has been a drop
in prices (paragraph 5 of telegram 1423 refera). On 24 September, for
the first time in two months, an express passenger train arrived in Shum
Chun from Canton,

T

(g) The continued comparative calm of the border area was marred by a
bomb being thrown on 19 September at Sha Tau Kok from C.T at security
forces drawn to the area by a minor stoning incident. One police officer
and four military personnel were slightly injured by the explosion
(telegram 1423 paragraph 4 refers). The PLA have twice taken action to
disperse groups involved in minor stone throwing.

Further seizures of inflammatory matter, documents, bomb making
materials and crude weapons have been made during police action against
Communist organisations and premises. A number of people were arrested,
including some wanted by police in connection with recent disturbances.

3.

Two further inspections of Communist-controlled schools were
carried out without incident. Apart from evidence of the propagation of
Mao's thoughts, no irregularities came to notice.

4.

-

The PLA continues to exercise strict control over their
border area though the slight increase in the number of illegal
immigrants entering the Colony continues 13 by land and 12 by sea have
been arrested in the past week. They are mostly young men who have
relatives in Hong Kong. The reasone given for leaving China have been
inability to secure employment, difficulty in obtaining food and general
hardship. All came from Kwangtung. While saying that

they knew of other people who wished to flee to Hong Kong they
reported seeing nothing to indicate any build up of potential refugees.
Reports from travellers indicate that Canton City is quiet and that
dissident elements have been forced into the country- side. Fighting
between rival factions about thirty miles to the North of Hong Kong has
been reported.

5. Despite widespread Communist Press attacks on H.E. the Governor,
demonstrations which were expected to coincide with his return to the
Colony on 24 September did not materialise. Two bombs bearing his name
were planted outside Government House during the morning; one exploded
without causing damage or injury and the other was disposed of safely. A
number of objects bearing red flags and inflammatory slogans were found
floating in the harbour during the day, but these incidents apart, the
Colony spent an unusually quiet day.

6.

The fact that bomb incidents and minor demonstrations continued on a
slightly increased scale during the week may indicate a split between
the leadership in the C.P.G. spheres of influence who are anxious that
tension should be lowered and emphasis placed, once more, on united [?
grps omitted] from activities and a restoration of trade, and the
militant rank and file in Trade Unions and schools. The speech in the
name of the Chairman of the A.C.A.P.S.C., stressing the long term nature
of the struggle and its political aspects, could well be an attempt

/to mend

SECRET

SECRET

HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO. 1434 TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (D.T.D.)

-3 -

to mend this split and it may be significant that, since its
publication, there has been a considerable drop in the number of bombe
planted in the Urban areas. The absence of demonstrations on the return
to the Colony of His Excellency The Governor may be a pointer that the
moderates are regaining control of the situation. Nevertheless there is
every indication that the Communists intend to persist in their policy
of confrontation with the Hong Kong Government and it is probable that
isolated acts of violence and small demonstrations will continue to be
staged by groups of militants.

Foreign Office please pass Priority Washington as my

telegram No. 302 and Canberra as my 101.

Sir D. Trench

Sent 0858Z/25 September 1967

Recd 09342/25 September 1967

[Repeated as requested] [Transmitted to Cabinet Office]

FILE S

C.O.

F.O.

H.K. Dept.

I. & G.D.

F.E. & P.D.

J.I.P.G.D.

J.I.R.D.

Sir A. Galsworthy

Mr. Hall

F.E.D.

O.L.A.

O.P.A.

Mr. Hohler

EEEEE

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ADVANCE COPIES SENT

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TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.S.

Communications Department

CO. HK. D

"Please send copies of the following telegram

* Copy/ies of the following telegram has/have been sent

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TO:

UN FEL 25/4/67 from Hong Kony

Hong Kong Sitrep Destacbaction

RECEIVED IN ARCHI, ES No. 63)

26 SEP1967

(Signed)

(Department).

(Date)

Action taken in Communications Department :

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....Min

(Date)

5/9/07 -

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26 SEP1967

HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Unnumbered

UNCLASSIFIED

Press.

500

(D.T.D.)

25 September 1967

HW

241845. Attention Glover.

Sitrep.

Hong Kong remained quiet today Monday but police are continuing their
raids, In a swoop on hut in Yuen Long Village in new territories police
seized a bomb and box containing firecrackers. One man was arrested.

Only two bombs found on Hong Kong Island this morning but they were
disposed of by Army ammunition experts.

Stock Exchange correspondent of English afternoon Daily China Mail
reports widespread gains in stock market. He says market opened strong
this morning when shares leapt over a wide front.

Gains were seen in leading favourites as well as in quieter

shares.

"Marmet was brisk and active throughout" he said.

A British Army Commander said to-night that presence of British troops
along Hong Kong border was not (repeat not) result of fear of invasion
by Chinese Army but to protect border from attacks irresponsible
elements from other side.

Brigadier Martin Commander 48th Gurkha Infantry Brigade said "we do
not (repeat not) believe from what we have seen during last two months
on border that Chinese Army want trouble anymore than we do"

He was speaking at dinner given by new territories civic leaders for
300 Army police personnel serving along frontier. Informs.

0.A.G.

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Sent Untimed 25 September 1967 Read 1308Z 25 September 1967

M

More

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En Clair

HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Unnumbered

UNCLASSIFIED

PRESS.

(D.T.D.)

25 September 1967

HW 501.

COPY

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

25 SEP1967

250745 Attention Glover.

Sitrep One.

Hu 31/11

There were no (repeat no) incidents last night following Governors
return. Earlier in the morning, two bombs, one genuine and one fake,
were found outside Government House. The real one was detonated by Army
Ammunition Expert.

Sir David [? word omitted] on his return that Britain has shown a great
awareness of Hong Kong's problems and is anxious to help.

Problems now facing Hong Kong, Sir David said, will be discussed
further when Lord Shepherd visits Colony later this year.

When asked whether he had brought back any new plans. about
labour reforms for Hong Kong, Sir David said London is looking for
qualified people to look into situation here and to assist the drafting
of new labour legislation.

Governor was welcomed back by Government officials and local
dignitories.

Two English newspapers both carried editorials of welcome for
Sir David. South China Morning Post said "that no violence or demonstra-
tions marred his return [?word omitted] was pleasing though the bomb
found outside Government House yesterday suggests a few hotheads still
want to prolong tension. Hong Kong is in better shape today than three
months ago and local confidence has not sagged but strengthened.
Overseas opinion, however, has suffered, in some cases from malicious
exaggera- tions (particularly by some of our neighbours) and elsewhere
from a failure of the world Press to tell its readers of the speedy
resilience of the Hong Kong-man-in-the-street to these adversities. We
could well do with a concentrated advertising campaign in overseas
newspapers and television to reassure businessmen, importers and
tourists that Hong Kong, like Johnny Walker, is still going strong.

Hong Kong Tiger Standard said Sir David will find that relations between
Government and the people have improved in his absence. This is a good
thing, and he will have to guard against regression in this area of
Government.

In the past officials have been to remote and often rude to the
public. This is changing, and it is important that Sir David maintains
the trend.

Anyone who thinks that Sir David has easy days ahead would be
thinking badly. He will need to understand new and difficult problems as
well as to be understood.

вер

/Failure

TELEGRAM SECTION Room 124 K.C.S.

Communications Department thing. Wong. Department.

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TO: No- Hannumbered fromm. thing. King -

- 25 Coll:1967.

Hong Kong. Daily & Weekly Sittards Distictition

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES Nɔ. 63

26 SEP1967

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(Date)

Action taken in Communications Department :

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(D.T.D.)

25 September 1967

En Clair

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Telno

Unnumbered

SSIFIED

PRESS

251530 attention Glover.

Situation Report.

HW

Many non-Communist Chinese newspapers gave front page treatment to the
Governor's arrival at the airport, the statement he made at a Press
conference at Kait Tak and his meeting with the community leaders and
the public at Queen's Pier.

They gave different

their reports.

emphasis to Sir David's statement in

Britain fully supports Hong Kong, said the bold-typed headlines
of Kung Sheung and Tin Tin Yat Pos;Lord Shepherd, British Minister of
State of the Commonwealth Office, to visit Hong Kong next month, Sing
Tao Jih Pao particularly pointed out; the strength of the British
garrison in Hong Kong adequate, Wah Kiu Yat Po stressed; plan for
suppression of disturbances still confidential, Sing Pao Daily News
emphasized; Governor guarantees continue to pursue prosperity and
progress, Ming Pao pronounced and Express mentioned specifically
Governor is to do his utmost to maintain law and order.

The Governor's disclosure that death penalty for crimes
involving bombs was not discussed in London; that a labour expert is
coming; and that he does not intend to contact members of the illegal
Struggle Committee and does not know whether London is negotiating with
Peking on the situation in Hong Kong received good publicity.

Ends.

Inform.

Sir D. Trench Sent 1605 25 September 1967 Recd 09012 25 September 1967

CO/FO/WH DISTRIBUTION

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Telno. U/N

25 September. 1967

tv!

UNCLASSIFIED

PRESS

CHAPELRIES

LONDON SW1.

251900 SITREP Two.

Brigadier Martin said there were

no (repeat no) signs whatsoever that Chinese Army had any aggressive
intensions against Hong Kong.

In fact he said Chinese soldiers had been seen on number of occasions
trying to restrain their unruly civilians.

He believed that these civilians on other side of border had tried and
might try again to provoke British troops into opening fire in order to
increase tension on border and bring fear to people of Hong Kong.

Brigadier Martin said border is now remarkably quiet part from
occasional incidents of a very minor nature.

He also disclosed that army strength on border had been
considerably reduced and that police have already taken over some of
their normal duties on frontier ends informs.

Sir D. Trench.

Sent 1423/25 September.

Recd 13252/25 September.

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旧

P

KWB. 1/177.

Gentleman,

London, 9.W.1.

25th September, 1967,

490

I am directed by Xy. Secretary Thomson to refer to my letter of the 20th
September, 1967 emoerning

Mr. Brio Blackburn.

He reason is seen why the child of Kr. Blackburn, for reasons of safety
in Hong Kong, should not be

returned to his father at this stage.

I am,

Gentlemag

504

יין

400

511

Mesara, Bower, Cotten and Bower,

4, Bream's Buildings,