[1967 riots paper clippings] 1-10 Aug 1967 (English)

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

CRACKDOWN ON COMMUNISTS
Police Raid Three Unions In Tsun Wan

MORE BOMB REPORTS

Continuing their pressure on local Communists, Police, assisted by the Army, last night raided three workers’ unions in Tsun Wan, New Territories, and arrested 16 men and two women.

They also seized a large quantity of offensive weapons and documents and removed two large safes from one of the union premises.

Meanwhile, Police and Army experts were kept busy throughout yesterday with reports of more discoveries of home-made bombs. However, only two reports proved to be genuine bombs. Both were removed and exploded.

In the Tsun Wan raids, the first was conducted at the Enamel Workers’ Union, 81 Hoi Pa Street at 7 pm. A large quantity of offensive weapons and documents was seized. It was here that police removed two safes. Eleven men were arrested.

Simultaneously, police raided the Silk Workers’ Union in the same street and arrested a further five men and two women. More weapons and documents were seized.

Eight bottles of liquid, believed to be acid, two loud speakers and some electrical equipment were also seized.

- Charged -

Police conducted their third search at the Tannery Workers’ Union in Sai Lau Kok Street about two hours later and seized a quantity of documents but no arrests were made.

A police spokesman said last night that the arrested persons had been charged with being in a premises where offensive weapons were found. They will appear in Tsun Wan Court this morning.

On bomb reports, the first discovery of the day was on Hongkong Island where a home-made bomb was found lying outside 68-70 High Street at 8 am. It was later removed to the King George V Memorial Garden in Hospital Road where it was exploded by Mr Norman Hill, Police Ballistics Officer. No damage was caused and no casualties were reported.

Police cordoned off the vicinity of the Head Office of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in Des Voeux Road Central shortly before 5 pm when a box was found placed near the tail of one of its two lions in the main entrance.

The box was later opened and found to contain some paper and rubbish.

Four suspected home-made bombs were found shortly before 10 pm opposite the Communist store, Wah Fung Emporium in North Point, where a number of disturbances occurred during the past few weeks. They were removed for examination.

Police arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area and traffic was disrupted for about half an hour.

One of the “bombs,” a white paper parcel bearing the words “Compatriots stay away” hung on a rope between two lamp posts across the tram tracks.

Another was a tin placed at the foot of a lamp post on the side of the emporium. Two other tins were found about 15 feet away on the tram tracks.

Earlier in the morning, about 9.15 am an object was discovered on top of a tank on the Hongkong Electric Company's sub-station in Electric Road. On investigation, it was found to be a roll of newspapers.

About 15 minutes later, the police received another report that a suspected bomb was in Causeway Road near the Roxy Theatre roundabout. It turned out to be a tin containing some sand.

In Kowloon, shortly after 7 pm two suspected bombs were found near the bar at Kai Tak airport when restaurant staff reported to the Police that two paper parcels had been left for over an hour on an ash tray.

Army ballistics experts examined the parcels after cordoning off the area.

They were found to be only souvenirs, including an ash tray.

The second genuine bomb containing a handful of nails and gunpowder was found at 6 am hanging on a pylon at the Kowloon City roundabout. The bomb was taken away by ammunition experts of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and exploded.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Public Asked To Report ‘Street Theatricals’

Members of the public were yesterday urged to telephone the police immediately if they came across any “street theatricals” staged by leftists.

A police spokesman said the theatricals were only attempts to create the illusion that they had popular support for their campaign of hate and violence.

He said a street theatrical would begin when a group of Communist students, or other participants from Communist organisations were herded together in some resettlement estate or other public area where careful precautions had established that no uniformed policemen were present at the time.

The spokesman said speed was essential to the operation in order to keep the performers one jump ahead of the law.

The performers would race through their prepared lines while one or more photographers from leftist newspapers hurriedly recorded the only publicity the episode was capable of providing.

He said that this kind of street theatrical was a positive public menace which could not be tolerated.

“A few more prompt telephone calls, which will summon police to the scene while the show is still in progress, can rid us of this particular menace once and for all,” he added.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Stringent Check On Commercial Use Of Explosives

Government has taken steps to prevent the commercial use of explosives from being channelled to unlawful hands, it was learned yesterday.

At the same time, the issue of explosives to construction firms has been curtailed.

Previously, explosives to cover two to three weeks were usually supplied to firms which had the storage capacity. Now, permits are being issued to cover the requirements of one or two days.

This security measure has been adopted following the numerous bomb incidents of the past two weeks.

A Government spokesman said yesterday that staff members of the Mines Department were making routine visits to all explosives stores and sites where explosives were being used, to ensure that the requirements under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance were complied with.

He said the particular needs of individual users were borne in mind and the general situation was kept constantly under review.

The spokesman also gave warning that members of the public were not allowed to possess explosives unless they had permission to do so from the Mines Department.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

CATAPULT AND MARBLES

Mr P.M. Corfe at Central Court yesterday ordered an accountant to sign a $500 bond to be of good behaviour for two years when he pleaded guilty to having control of instruments capable of being used as an offensive weapon.

The defendant, Cheung Suit (29), admitted that he had a catapult, 47 marbles and an inflammatory poster in a drawer when the police raided the New China Products Emporium Limited, 141-147 Johnston Road, Wanchai, last Thursday.

Cheung said, in mitigation, that the catapult and marbles were used for shooting birds.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

DEMAND FOR RELEASE

Tokyo, July 31.

The New China News Agency said yesterday it had demanded the “immediate release” of its correspondent and other leftist newspapermen arrested by the police in Hongkong on Saturday night.

NCNA said that they had been “kidnapped” in “another serious political provocation… against the Hsinhua News Agency’s Hongkong branch and the patriotic papers.”---AP.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Headmaster Sent To Prison

The 44-year-old headmaster of the Sun Wah School in Tungtau Village, Kowloon City, was sentenced to 14 months in jail by Mr T. L. von Pokorny at North Kowloon Court yesterday after he was convicted of assaulting a police officer and obstructing a public officer.

Mr Pokorny also recommended deportation for Wong Chung-ping, since he was not born here and had shown “violent objections to the orderly and peaceful way of life in Hongkong.”

Wong, who was granted bail of $500 at an earlier hearing, was re-arrested after he jumped bail and failed to appear in court on June 6.

He was charged with assaulting Senior Police Inspector R. B. Bayless on May 4 and obstructing Mr Henry Chu, of the Resettlement Department, on the same day.

***

SCMPM 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

LEFTIST REPORTERS SHOUT AT MAGISTRATE
Incitement Alleged

Five leftist reporters, including a woman were ordered to be removed from a court yesterday when they shouted at a magistrate in protest against what they called an “illegal trial.”

Mr F. de F. Stratton, magistrate at North Kowloon Court, then instructed that those charged be brought forward individually to plead.

This was done and there were no further incidents.

The defendants are Law Yuk-woo, 31, reporter of the New China News Agency, Wong Yat-lau, of the Wen Wei Po, Chan Tse-fung, of the Hongkong Commercial Daily, Ng Choi-shing, of the Ching Po, and a woman, Wong Ling, of the Ta Kung Pao.

They pleaded not guilty to charges of uttering inflammatory speeches and taking part in an intimidating assembly on July 29. Ng Choi-shing was additionally charged with possession of an inflammatory poster on July 29.

Senior Police Inspector J. H. Goodman said the defendants were seen inciting a crowd of about 100 pupils near the Wongtauhom resettlement estate, Wongtaisin, on July 29.

When the police arrived, the assembly dispersed. The five reporters were seen entering a car, and the police believed that they were attempting to escape from the scene, Mr Goodman said.

The car in which the five were travelling was followed by detectives. It eventually stopped. All its passengers were then taken to the Wongtaisin Police Station where the driver of the vehicle was later released.

Mr Stratton remanded the defendants in police custody until August 21.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Textile Workers Jailed For Attacking Constable

A textile worker was jailed for three years by Mr J. J. Rhind at South Kowloon Court yesterday when he was found guilty of assaulting a police constable and possession of a knife.

Lam Kei-ming (18), of 1096 Camelia House, ninth floor, So Uk Estate, was sentenced to a further three months for being found in enclosed premises with intent. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Police Constable Tsang Man-tsai said he was on duty in the guard room of the Canton Road Police Married Quarters on the morning of July 26 when he saw Lam emerge from the dark.

- Slashed -

Lam tried to stab him and at the same time made an attempt to snatch his revolver.

Constable Tsang said he pushed Lam away and in the ensuing struggle he was slashed on the chest and received cuts to his left hand.

The constable said two other police officers on duty came to his aid and Lam was eventually overpowered and taken to the Tsimshatsui Police Station.

Lam denied the charges in a statement from the dock.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Took Part In An Unlawful Assembly

Two men were sent to prison by Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday for being part of an unlawful assembly in Johnston Road on July 16.

In passing sentence on Yiu Wo-sau (21), and Hui Hung-fat (28), Mr Light said he accepted the prosecution’s evidence that they were part of an unlawful assembly which was shouting slogans and throwing bottles at the police.

He said in Hui’s case, he was just a member of the crowd. There was no evidence that he was actively engaged in throwing missiles or shouting. Nevertheless, being with the crowd despite repeated warnings to disperse he was giving it moral support.

Yiu was sentenced to six months and Hui to three months.

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Tsun Wan Raid Sequel: Seven Jailed

Six textile workers arrested by the police in a raid on the fourth floor of No. 52 Ho Pui Street, Tsun Wan, last Saturday, were sent to jail for 15 1onths by Mr H. S. Daniell at Fanling Court yesterday for being found in premises where offensive weapons and corrosive substance were discovered.

A seventh person, Tsui Hong-nam (29), who was additionally charged with having taken part in a riot on July 15, was given a prison term of 18 months. He was recognised by the police who dispersed the rioters that day.

The six defendants were Au Lai-ching (22), a woman, Ng Po (29), Chou Lam (29), Tsui Kau (28), Au Shing-wah (51) and Cheung Ying-wah (23).

***

SCMP, 1 Aug 1967 (Page 10)

EXTRACTS FROM THE CHINESE PRESS:
SUPPORT FOR FIRM ACTION AGAINST LAWLESSNESS

Chinese press comments last week included strong criticisms of “fence-sitters,” a call for the rounding up and expulsion of people responsible for continuing to incite and direct civil disturbances, and an appeal to deal leniently with those misguided or deceived into taking part in the lawlessness.

The independent New Life Evening Post accused “fence-sitters” in the present situation of unwittingly giving aid and comfort to lawless elements. It said that the wealthy and privileged “neutrals” could be said to be co-operating with the leftists by not doing anything to support Government’s action against them. The newspaper called on these people to show publicly where they stood.

While the Communist newspapers kept up their attacks on the Emergency Regulations, the non-Communist publications demanded full and immediate enforcement of the laws.

Referring to the instances of terrorism, the Ming Pao said that the community could now distinguish clearly who served the interests of the broad masses and who was the public enemy.

The Kung Sheung Yat Po demanded firm action against publications that were promoting terrorism and other lawless activities. It added that the leftists were doomed, having no escape.

The Hongkong Times said that the quantity of lethal weapons and inflammatory posters seized during raids by the police not only exposed the ruthlessness of the people involved but also demonstrated the necessity to arrest them and have them deported.

- EXPULSION URGED -

The Tin Tin Yat Po said that if the leftists reflected deeply on the results of their acts, they must surely repent --- if they had a conscience. And the Sing Tao Jih Pao urged the authorities to give people who were genuinely misled or deceived a chance to repent and start life afresh. But the newspaper insisted that the leaders must be expelled.

Most of the non-Communist newspapers condemned the recent rash of bombing incidents, particularly the case in which nine people including school children were hurt. This was not reported in the two leading Communist newspapers.

The Wah Kiu Man Po urged the community in general to support Government by supplying whatever information they might have or come across that could assist the authorities in dealing with the leftists. The paper also called on the general public not to lose confidence in themselves and in Government.

The Kung Sheung Yat Po criticised the Kowloon Bus Company management for not making more efforts to restore normal services. Comparing the progress the other public transport companies were making, the newspaper deplored the attitude of the company in not making greater efforts to recruit the required drivers and conductors from the 15,000 applicants registered.

The Wah Kiu Yat Po called for a thorough investigation into “no water supply” complaints, pointing out that these nuisance reports could possibly be made by trouble-makers and not by bona fide householders.

***

1 Aug 1967 [FBIS]

Yang Cheng-wu Reception Speech

Peking NCNA International Service in English 0200 GMT 1 August 1967—B

(Text) Peking, 31 July—Yang Cheng-wu, acting chief of the general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army … 

Our great leader Chairman Mao has said: "The imperialists are bullying us in such a way that we will nave to deal with them seriously." All the commanders and fighters of our army, together with all Chinese people, must never forget this great teaching of Chairman Mao's and must heighten our vigilance a hundredfold in guarding our great motherland. We are determined to liberate our sacred territory of Taiwan, We give resolute support and aid to our patriotic countrymen in Hong Kong end Kowloon in their heroic struggle against the fascist atrocities perpetrated by the British authorities. We vow to be the powerful backing of the Vietnamese people, and we unswervingly stand together with the Vietnamese people in the struggle to defeat the U.S. aggressors. We resolutely support all the oppressed nations and peoples in the whole world in their revolutionary struggle. The Chinese people are not to be trifled with, and they mean every word that they say. Should the US imperialists, Soviet modern revisionists, and reactionaries in various countries dare to impose war on us, we will certainly break their backs and bury them in the ocean of people's war so that they will never be allowed to rise again!

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Building Industry Faces Threat
POSTERS ACCOMPANY BRICKS FROM CHINA

Hongkong contractors are being forced to put up anti-Government slogans on building sites or go without bricks.

A reliable source in the building industry yesterday said that suppliers were handing out one poster for every thousand bricks delivered.

“If you order 10,000 bricks you get 10 posters and if you don’t paste up the posters you don’t get any more bricks,” he said.

Ninety-nine per cent of bricks used on Hongkong construction sites were imported from China while the remaining one per cent were locally produced.

Many contractors were now using the more expensive local product rather than have their sites plastered with posters, the source said.

However, another contractor last night said that he had 30,000 Chinese bricks delivered to his building site on Monday.

- Removed -

The bricks were not accompanied by any anti-Government posters.

He said six weeks ago anti-Government posters were placed round one of his construction sites and he had police remove them.

He said supplies of bricks and lime were now arriving normally from China, but cement supplies were limited.

He said the greatest problem facing the building industry now was water.

On one of his construction sites workers were using 10,000 gallons of water a day before the restrictions.

Building costs in Hongkong have risen as left-wing lorry drivers refuse to deliver cement to Government or right-wing projects.

In one instance, a lorry of cement was delivered to Pokfulam for use on a Dairy Farm project.

When the lorry driver learned that the construction work was being done for a British-owned company, he turned his lorry round and took the cement away.

Before May, China had a monopoly on the local cement market as she was able to sell at $2 a ton cheaper than local manufacturers.

- Price-Cutting -

China forced out all imports of cement from Taiwan and Japan by under-cutting their prices.

Hongkong importers refused to handle Taiwan or Japanese cement, regarding them as financial suicide.

However, the position is now reversed and large quantities of Japanese and Taiwanese cement are being used in Hongkong.

Before May the price of cement in Hongkong was $86 a ton. Today the price is $96.20 a ton.

Contractors are paying $86.66 for Green Island cement plus $10 delivery costs, and they are queueing(sic) up for supplies.

An average of 10,000 tons of cement is used on Hongkong buildings, with each floor taking 600 tons.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

IMPOSITION OF HEAVIER SENTENCES

Government yesterday brought into force a further emergency regulation, the effect of which is to enable a District Court in appropriate cases to impose heavier sentences for certain offences against the Emergency (Principal) Regulations than its normal jurisdiction allows.

The offences concerned are those dealing with possession of offensive weapons, consorting with persons possessing offensive weapons, arms, ammunition or explosives and sabotage.

A Government spokesman explained that normally the District Court may not impose a term of imprisonment in excess of five years. “At the present time,” he said, “it is considered that the deterrent effect of early trial for these offences is such as to require that they be dealt with in the District Court instead of by way of committal proceedings and eventually trial in the Supreme Court.”

Al the same time, it is considered that the limit of five years’ imprisonment ought to be removed in the case of these offences.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

More Than 100 Vehicles Damaged

A total of 104 vehicles of various types had been damaged during disturbances between May 11 and yesterday, a Government spokesman said.

The damaged vehicles included 24 buses, six trams, 21 taxis, six public vehicles and 42 other vehicles such as private cars and motor-cycles. Fourteen Government vehicles, including Police vehicles, were also damaged.

The spokesman said there were no plans to compensate owners of damaged vehicles at present.

It will be recalled that the Government paid out $39,540 to 25 of the 57 applicants who claimed compensation for damage to property or personal injury in the April 1966 riots.

At that time, the Claims Assessment Board criticised the Kowloon Motor Bus Company for not insuring itself against riot damage.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

POLICE KEEP UP PRESSURE
Communist Unions Raided In outlying Islands
FEWER BOMB REPORTS

(Photo on right)

Police yesterday maintained their pressure on instigators of the campaign of terror and violence by raiding Communist centres scattered over Hongkong Island, Kowloon and the outlying islands.

The police operations launched in the outlying islands were the first of its kind. Two Communist premises were raided at Tai O, a fishing centre on Lantao Island, and one on the island of Peng Chau, northeast of Lantao.

Target of the Tai O raids was the headquarters of the Saltworker’s Union and its dormitory. In both places police seized inflammatory posters.

On Peng Chau Island, police aided the premises of the Match Industry Workers General Union. The purpose of this raid, it was learned, was to search for explosives.

Earlier, police raided seven premises of the Government, Armed Forces and Hospitals Chinese Workers Union, which included branches on both sides of the harbour.

Significant finds were uncovered, painting to some of these premises being possible bases for the origin of the recent spate of bomb incidents. The Chairman of the Union was among a total of 117 people arrested.

Meanwhile, the number of bomb reports decreased appreciably yesterday. Eleven were reported --- nine in Kowloon and two In Hongkong --- as compared to 22 on Monday.

Leung Nam, §0, a labourer of the Urban Services Department, was slightly injured on both hands when his broom struck an object which exploded outside the Royal Hongkong Jockey Club, Happy Valley, shortly after 8 am.

In Kowloon, two bombs were found outside the Salvation Army Headquarters, Nathan Road --- one at about 8.25 am and the other about 3.16 pm.

- Exploded -

At 9.37 am, a bomb was discovered at the Wongtaisin Resettlement Estate.

Others were discovered in Lincoln Road, Matauwal Road, Tokwawan Road, Valley Road, Beacon Hill Road, and Embankment Road.

All were taken away and exploded.

On Hongkong Island, two bombs which turned out to be duds were found at the Supreme Court. One contained sand. The other was a small paper doll dressed in black suit and top hat on which the words “Invite the white-skin pigs to share the pleasure” were written in Chinese characters.

The “bomb” was found to contain scrap paper and cloth and a small quantity of iron nails.

At about 5.15 pm, a package containing a bottle, some sand, and two dry battery cells tied together was found near the First National City Bank Building, Ice House Street, Central. There were no explosives.

A suspected bomb was found at the second class entrance to the Kowloon City Pier. Another was attached to a red flag hoisted between two neon signs in Hunghom. Others were found on the ferry pier at Jordan Road and Taikoktsui. Three other red flags supporting suspected bombs were found in front of the Royal Hongkong Jockey Club office in Kowloon City near the Pearl Theatre.

A 31-year-old man was arrested inside a teahouse In Matauwei Road at about 2 pm yesterday on information from a customer who overheard a conversation about a "bomb." A quantity of dangerous drugs was found in the man’s possession.

- Red Flags -

Yesterday, Communist elements planted red flags and banners with slogans on Lion Rock Hill, Kowloon Peak and on some railway bridges.

The flags and banners, varying in size from four feet square to 30 feet square, were later removed by police and the Army.

Flags that were found on Lion Rack Hill and Kowloon Peak were removed by the Army using helicopters to airlift troops into the area.

The left-wing evening newspapers claimed yesterday that “patriotic compatriots” had raised the flags and banners to celebrate China's Army Day.

Communists yesterday also embarked on another form of propaganda by setting up “floating broadcasting stations” at the Western waterfront.

A Communist riverboat tied up at the China Merchants’ wharf used loudspeakers to broadest Mr Mao Tse-tung’s thoughts, extracts of Communist newspapers and news agency reports and Communist songs.

However, the broadcast did not draw a large crowd.

According to a left-wing newspaper, the broadcasts will be carried out in rotation by riverboats on arriving from China.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

‘Bethune’ Man In Kowloon

A young man wearing a Red Cross armband and carrying a green steel despatch case with characters in Chinese reading “Norman Bethune Combat Group of Hongkong,” attracted the attention of waiting passengers and police at the Kowloon Railway Station yesterday afternoon.

He also carried a large bucket with the name of a doctor in Chinese. On his despatch case there was also written in English, “Army Medical of Norman Bethune.”

He said he was waiting for a train to go to the New Territories to help people there.

Following a careful search by the police, he was allowed to board the train.

Many local doctors have recently received printed circulars from the “Norman Bethune Combat Group” and they have also been approached for donations to support the leftist cause.

(The late Dr Bethune, a Canadian surgeon, was a close friend of Mr Mao Tse-tung and served with the Chinese Communists in the war against the Japanese).

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Livelihood Of Licensed Hawkers Threatened

The sudden appearance of large numbers of unlicensed hawkers in the streets was posing a serious threat to the livelihood of licensed hawkers. Mr Brook Bernacchi told the Urban Council yesterday.

The licensed hawkers had been “absolutely swamped” and hardly anyone was now able to make enough to meet even the necessities of life, Mr Bernacchi, the Chairman of the Council’s Hawkers Select Committee, reported.

- Causes -

The sudden increase in the number of unlicensed hawkers was not just a matter of police being occupied elsewhere, he felt.

It was more a matter of factories dismissing people, of others having transport difficulties in getting to distant jobs and all of them turning to hawking, Mr Bernacchi said.

He appealed to unlicensed hawkers not to make themselves potential killers by selling meat and fish or cooked food which could give rise to food poisoning.

He asked them to get off the streets and into another kind of job if at all possible and not “break the rice bowls” of licensed hawkers.

Alternatively, they should get a pedlar’s licence and advice on where to hawk, he said.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

POLICE DISCOVER SUSPECTED BOMB FACTORY

A tenement flat, suspected of being a place where bombs are made, was discovered by the police during a series of raids carried out simultaneously on the headquarters and branches of a large left-wing workers’ union yesterday.

A large quantity of weapons and inflammatory posters were also found on the premises of the Government, Armed Forces and Hospitals Chinese Workers Union situated in Shamshuipo, Yaumati, Wanchai, Saiyingpun, Stanley and Aberdeen.

The raids, supported by the Army, were carried out between 10.15 am and noon.

One of the largest seizures of weapons and posters to date was at the union's premises at 48 Un Chau Street, Shamshuipo. Eleven men were taken away for questioning.

- Gas Masks -

At this place the police found several inflammatory posters on the walls and large quantities of inflammatory literature stacked in a corner. There was a newspaper rack displaying a wide variety of local Communist newspapers and magazines from China.

On the roof the police found a cardboard carton crammed with home-made gas masks and goggles.

A large oil drum was covered with a sheet of cardboard which carried the warning "Danger, Acid." However, the police discovered that the drum contained firecrackers from which the powder had been extracted.

The powder had possibly been used to make home-made bombs, a police spokesman said.

Also seized was a plastic bag full of aerosol containers with their tops removed. The containers were stuffed with cotton wool from which protruded what appeared to be bomb fuses.

Among other discoveries were sharpened metal pipes, hatchets, dockers’ hooks and heavy iron bars. Some of these weapons were concealed in a water tank.

Broadcasting amplifiers were also seized.

Mr A. E. Shave, Senior Superintendent of Police who directed the Un Chau Street raid, said there was plenty of evidence to show that the occupants of the promises had been engaged in highly suspicious activities.

“Discoveries on the premises pointed to the strong possibility that this was a factory for producing home-made bombs," he said.

- Cheques Found -

The policemen making the raid were supported by a platoon from “B” Company, 2nd Bn, Queen's Regiment.

In the Yaumati raid, the police entered 25-27 Temple Street, third floor, and found 18 men, one woman and three children there.

One of the arrested men appeared to be the treasurer of the union and had in his possession a number of cash cheques made out to a Communist bank, possibly for distribution to workers who had obeyed the Communist strike call, a police spokesman said.

A large quantity of inflammatory posters, empty bottles and stevedore hooks was found.

Simultaneous raids were made on the union's branches at 40 Main Street, Stanley, 7 Tang Fung Street, Aberdeen, 2 Second Street, Saiyingpun, 65 Lockhart Road, third floor, Wanchai, and at the headquarters at 55-57 Percival Street, fourth floor, Wanchai.

Large quantities of weapons and posters were seized.

Fourteen persons were found on the premises and evidence indicated that they had been participating in a meeting before the police raid.

The chairman of the union was arrested at the Lockhart Road branch.

(Photo on right)

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

‘ILLEGAL’ ARREST ALLEGED

Four employees of the China Arts and Crafts Co in Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, alleged that they had been illegally arrested when they appeared at South Kowloon Court yesterday charged with being members of an intimidating assembly and with obstructing the police.

Ng Chi-wai (18), Hui Kit-kwan (19), both salesmen, Hui Kai-yin (21), salesgirl, and Wong Kee-fuk (38), labourer, denied the charges and were remanded in jail custody by Mr J. J. Rhind until tomorrow for trial.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Police Offer No Evidence

The chief accountant and a department head of the Yue Wah Chinese Emporium were acquitted by Mr J. J. Rhind at South Kowloon Court yesterday when police offered no evidence against them on a charge of being in charge of premise where inflammatory posters were displayed.

The defendants were Leung Kin-sum (46), of 518 Sun Tao Shing Building, fifth floor, King’s Road, North Point, and Tang Yue-leung (32), of 50 Pau Cheung Street, second floor, Kowloon City.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Pupil Admits Putting Up Posters

Tang Chi-kong, a 17-year-old pupil, admitted before Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday that he put up inflammatory posters near the Repulse Bay Hotel last Sunday.

He pleaded not guilty to two other charges of consorting with a person who had unlawful possession of a bomb and failing to report the matter to the police.

Chu Kam-tung (26), a lorry driver, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Tang in putting up inflammatory posters and consorting with a person who had a bomb, but he denied having failed to report the matter to the police.

The defendants were remanded until tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Sixteen Arrested During Raid On School Jailed
YOUTH GIVEN THREE YEARS

Sixteen people, charged with various counts of unlawful assembly, obstructing the police, failing to report possession of arms, consorting with persons unlawfully in possession of arms and forming part of an unlawful assembly, were convicted by Mr T. L. von Pokorny at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The defendants, including a woman and two boys, who were arrested during a police raid of the Whampoa Dock Workers' School in Hunghom on July 14, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to three years.

Sentenced passed on the defendants were:

Tsang Que-choy (28) three years; Fung Kai-yuen, (32), Chung Kam, (45), Ma Leung, (63), Cheung Chack-fu (20), Chan Bill, and Leung Tai, two years; Chan Kwok-hing (20), Lee Kwok-yee, (20), Law Tong (43), and Wong Shing, (25), 21 months; Chan Po-on and Wong Hung, a 47-year-old woman, 12 months; Cheung Shiu, (63), three months. He was also bound over in $500 t0 be of good behaviour for three years.

A 17-year-old youth, who was convicted of all the charges well as a charge of possession of offensive weapons, was sentenced to three years. Another youth, aged 16, was given nine months for failing to report possession of arms, consorting with personas unlawfully in the possession of arms and forming part of an unlawful assembly.

- Acquitted -

Another defendant, Chan Fuk (39) who was also arrested during the raid, was acquitted by the magistrate who found him not guilty.

Mr Pokorny recommended deportation for five of the defendants --- Chan Kwok-hing, Fung Kai-yuen, Law Tong, Lee Kwok-yee and Chung Kam.

He said they were not born here and had shown “violent objections to the orderly and peaceful way of life in the Colony.”

***

SCMP, 2 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Two Deny Damaging Phone Booth

Two men appeared before Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday on charges arising out of the burning of a public telephone booth in Queen's Road East, near the Wanchai Market, on Sunday.

Sze Ching-chuen (22), of Block A, 27, Gillies Avenue, eighth floor, Hunghom, and Tse Pak-cheung (22), of 20 Cross Street, second floor, Wanchai, pleaded not guilty to maliciously damaging a public telephone booth and causing damage to a telephone installation.

Sze pleaded not guilty to another charge of resisting arrest, while Tse, admitted a similar charge. Tse pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of uttering an inflammatory speech.

The defendants were remanded in jail custody until August 15.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Bomb Thrown At Naval Quarters

(Photo on left)

For the second time in three weeks a home-made bomb was thrown into the Naval Married Quarters in Happy Valley last night. A watchman was injured by flying glass.

The explosion occurred shortly after 9 pm on the ground floor of Bremer House, Wongneichung Road, just outside the watchman’s dormitory. The bomb was believed to have been thrown from the hillside at the back of the premises.

The blast broke window panes of the watchman’s dormitory and those of the flat immediately above. A window of a car parked in the compound was also damaged.

The watchman, Mr Chik Chi-shing, 53, was believed to be sitting on his bed at the time of the explosion. He receives cuts on his left hand when the blast blew in the window panes of his room. Mr Chik was taken to hospital.

The explosion also caused a hole about four inches in diameter and about two inches deep in the compound outside.

An occupant t=on the first floor said that the explosion was so loud that she thought the bomb had been thrown into her flat. Two window panes in her flat were shattered.

The first bomb attack on the married quarters occurred on July 15 when an explosive was thrown over a wall into the compound of Elliot House. The bomb exploded outside a ground floor flat where a number of teenagers were holding a party. The explosion shattered a French-window at the time but there were no casualties.

- Fewer Reports -

There was a marked drop in the planting of false or genuine home-made bombs by Communist agitators yesterday.

During the day a total of six reports were made of bombs being found. Only one proved to be genuine.

This report came from Tsz Wan Shan Resettlement Estate where two home-made bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found outside the castle office shortly after 5.30 pm.

A 13-year-old boy was seen running from the estate office at Block “30” with a group of 20 people who had broken into the premises. The boy was arrested by a party of detectives.

Police investigations showed that a window pane of the estate office was smashed and some documents were burned.

Police later detonated the bombs on the spot.

False bomb reports included two in Whitty Street, West Point, one outside 76 Des Voeux Road, West and one in the men’s lavatory of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station in Tsimshatsui.

The lavatory “bomb” turned out to be a package containing waste paper.

- Dynamite Cache -

Meanwhile, police, acting on information, found a cache of 100 sticks of gelignite and four electric detonators on an excavation site in Kun Tong shortly after 10 am.

The cache was concealed in a pit, covered with dead undergrowth, on a hill top near Fei Po Hang Village, about 100 yards away from a wireless tower.

The gelignite sticks were of the type commonly used on quarrying and construction sites in Hongkong.

The gelignite and the detonators were not wired together and bore no resemblance to any kind of explosive device.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

New Proposals To Tackle H.K. Problems

The Hon Dhun Ruttonjee yesterday expressed, at a meeting of the Legislative Council, the hope that the urgency and vision of Government's response to recent troubles would soon “be translated to other fields of Government and community activity.”

He was assured by the the Hon D. R. Holmes, the Acting Colonial Secretary, that “new proposals” in this direction could be expected from Government Departments as a result of a recent directive from the Governor.

Mr Ruttonjee, renewing his support for Government's handling of the disturbances, said: “Eventually it will be realised that the events of recent weeks have paradoxically been the best guarantee of Hongkong’s continued prosperity that one could have wished for.”

These events, he said, had “brought about a feeling of cohesion, of belonging, of being ‘a Hongkongite’ amongst the vast majority of all facets of our population such as has perhaps never been equalled.”

Mr Ruttonjee commended Government's decision to compensate the families of those killed and injured recently in the pursuance of their lawful duties.

“It may be that in years to come we shall look back on this as a small beginning towards the institution of a system of social welfare in Hongkong,” he said, adding: “Such is the aim of good government in this day and age.”

- Re-Assessment -

Mr Holmes, in answering Mr Ruttonjee’s call, to look anew at the Colony's everyday problems, said that shortly before he went on leave, the Governor instructed all heads of departments to re-assess their priorities, to ensure that the work of departments took proper account of the present situation and further, in re-examining their duties, to place prime importance on their contact with the public at large.

Mr Holmes said: “This action is now in hand and I trust that from it will come forth new proposals to deal with the sort of problems my honourable friend no doubt has in mind.”

Also at yesterday's meeting, the Hon T. D. Sorby, Director of Commerce and Industry, discounted any early movement by Government to give “special treatment” to Hongkong’s steel industry to protect It against low-price competitors outside.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Public Relations -- By The Public

The Hongkong Tourist Association will today launch a month-long campaign by which the public can help restore overseas confidence in the Colony.

The Association asks citizens and visitors to spare a few minutes and call at one of his four information centres, where they will find large stocks of Hongkong postcards. All they then have to do is jot down a few lines to a friend, relative or business contact overseas saying that the Colony is still a fine place to visit---and the Tourist Association will pay the airmail postage.

The Information centres are on the "Star" Ferry concourse on both sides of the harbour and on the ground floor of Princes Building and Realty Building, both in Central.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Families Of Seamen Assured Of Protection

The Seamen's Recruiting Office has taken steps to prevent leftists from intimidating the families of seamen.

More than 13,000 copies of letters of assurance have already been sent to the families through the shipping companies.

The letters, signed by Mr W. D. Leighton, Superintendent of the SRO, assured the families that they, too, were under the protection of the law and that they should not hesitate to report to the authorities any threats made against them.

- Intimidation -

Mr Leighton pointed out that they could report either to the nearest police station, to the Recruiting Office, or to the office through which their allotments were paid.

He said: “If a person endeavours to intimidate you, or frighten you by word or deed, you should immediately report the incident.”

Mr Leighton said Government appreciated that when a seamen was serving on a ship, he might be apprehensive and concerned that no ill should befall his family through any subversive tactics which the trouble-makers might employ.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Leftists Deliberately Wasted Water

The supply of water to the left-wing Motor Transport Workers’ Union in Portland Street, Mongkok, has been cut off since last Saturday because the occupants were found to have deliberately wasted water.

The union occupies the second and third floors of a four-storey building.

A Government spokesman said that water supply to the remaining floors of the building was not affected.

When the police raided the union premises on July 25 they found five taps fully turned on.

The spokesman said rubber hoses were attached to at least two of the taps. One directed water to a gutter in the kitchen on the second floor while the other carried water out of a window into another gutter. Water from the other taps was flowing into sinks which had no plugs.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Leftists Reported Fleeing To Macao

The Chinese newspaper Truth Daily reported yesterday that 3,000 leftists, including the leader of the “Anti-Circle Struggle Committee,” had fled to Macao by fishing boats recently.

At the same time, another paper, the Kung Sheung Man Po, said that more that 100 trouble-makers had been deported to China where they had been sent to labour camps.

A Government spokesman said he had no knowledge of the reports.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

Bank Clerk Made Speech Against The Police

A 21-year-old clerk of the Sun Wah Bank, was yesterday convicted and sentenced to 24 months in jail by Mr T. Van Rees at Central Court for uttering an inflammatory speech and obstructing the police.

Chong Chak-yun of Wan Sha Street, Tunglowan, Tal Hang, who was represented by Mr T. K. Chan, had pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution stated that Chong was arrested on July 26 in Queen's Road, Central. He was heard calling the police “running dogs” in front of a crowd. He was arrested when he refused to heed repeated warnings by the police to leave. He resisted as he was being led to a police van.

In another case before Mr Van Rees yesterday, two bank employees, Yuen Kai-fuk (20) and Chan Shuen-kwen (18) were also found guilty of uttering an inflammatory speech.

Inspector B. L. Coaks, said the defendants were arrested in Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, on July 19 when they were heard making a speech againts the police.

Yuen and Chan were each sentenced to 15 months in jail.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

Cook Shouted Outside A Theatre

A cook, who was found guilty of possession of 23 inflammatory posters, was put on bond to be of good behaviour for 18 months by Mr T. L. von Pokorny at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

Passing sentence, Mr Pokorny said he was satisfied that Shum Bo (40), the defendant, was affected by alcohol at the time but that he was aware of the offence.

He said he was also satisfied that some people had made use of defendant’s condition and had given him some posters to distribute.

Shum, of 21 Yin Chong Street, third floor, Shamshuipo, pleaded not guilty to the charge two weeks ago and was remanded until yesterday for a psychiatric report.

The report stated that Shum had not suffered from any mental disturbance.

At a previous hearing Shum said he was drunk at the time of the offence.

A detective told the court that on July 9 he saw Shum raise his hand and shout outside a theatre. When Shum was arrested, he was holding 23 inflammatory posters, he said.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

Deny Failure To Report Weapons

Five persons, including a woman and a 17-year-old boy, pleaded not guilty before Mr T. van Rees at Central Court yesterday to charges of failing to report the possession of weapons.

The five were arrested by the police during a raid on the premises of the Taikoo Dockyard Workers’ Union at 169 Shaukiwan Road, on July 16, Insp G. Martin, said. Introduced as exhibits were a variety of weapons which, Insp Martin said, wore seized from the premises.

The weapons included triangular files, choppers, iron bars and chains, pointed waterpipes and bottles of acid and petrol.

The five defendants are Ho Bo-sheung, a 29-year-old woman, Leung Kwan-ying, (17) Lu Hok-hoi (30), Tang Sui-tong (18) and Lo Yin-kin (63).

Ho told the court that on July 16 she went to an address in Shing On Street to make her monthly contribution towards a burial fund, but found that it had moved to 169 Shaukiwan Road.

On arrival there, she was told to wait. Suddenly she heard a commotion. The police came and ordered her and the other four defendants to go up to the roof.

She denied any knowledge of the weapons.

Hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

FORTY ARRESTED ON ROOF

Forty people arrested during a raid on three workers’ unions in Shaukiwan, pleaded not guilty to forming part of an intimidating assembly when they appeared before Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday.

The defendants, including six girls, were arrested on July 16 When the police raided the premises of the Taikoo Sugar Refinery Workers’ Union, the Taikoo Workers’ Union and the Taikoo Metal Workers’ Union, at 169 Shaukiwan Road.

Inspector A. A. Murphy said that objects were thrown from the roof at the police when they reached the second floor of the building.

The defendants, some armed with weapons, were attested on the roof.

Further hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (page 8)

INFLAMMATORY POSTER IN DRAWER

A godown assistant of the Yue Wah Chinese Products Emporium was jailed for six months by Mr J. J Rhind at South Kowloon Court yesterday after he was found guilty of having an inflammatory poster under his control.

Leung Hon-chung (19), living in the workers’ quarters of the Yue Wah Chinese Products Emporium, was arrested in a police raid on July 27.

The court was told that during the raid a police constable found a locked drawer to which Leung held the key. Inside the drawer, a piece of paper printed with inflammatory words was found.

Leung claimed that the paper was given to him by his employers.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

POSTERS AND CARGO HOOKS

A 62-year-old storekeeper was charged before Mr T. C. Chan at South Kowloon Court yesterday with being in charge of the third floor of 25-27 Temple Street where inflammatory posters were displayed.

Tong Kei, of 25 Temple Street, third floor, Yaumati, pleaded not guilty and was remanded in jail custody until August 11.

In another case, Mr Chan remanded Wan Ping-piu (32), charged with having two cargo hooks capable of being used as offensive weapons, until August 11.

Wan denied the charge.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

Teacher Fined For Demonstrating At Govt House

A 19-year-old teacher of the Fukien Middle School who took part in a demonstration outside Government House on July 15 was fined $100 at Central Court yesterday.

The defendant, Sze Wing-wah, pleaded guilty to changes of unlawful assembly and forming part of an intimidating assembly. He was fined $50 on each charge by Mr P. M. Corfe.

Sze was jointly charged with 27 other defendants, including seven leftist reporters, 17 teachers, a headmaster, a babysitter, a clerk and an unemployed man. Nine of them are women.

The 27 pended not guilty, and their case will be heard this morning.

Mr David Tsang who appeared for Sze, said in mitigation that his client bad committed the offence because he had been influenced by leftists.

Earlier, Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, said that Sze war a member of a crowd that went to Government House on the afternoon of July 15, demanding to see the Officer Administering the Government in order to present a letter protesting against visits made by the police to certain schools.

They were informed that the Officer Administering the Government was too busy to see them and that written protests would no longer be accepted at the gate of Government House except by post.

The crowd then began to shout and chant slogans and quotations, waving red books. About 15 minutes later, the police arrived and some of the people in the crowd shook the gate.

An Inspector told the crowd to disperse otherwise they would be arrested. But they remained, shouting and chanting and were arrested when they ignored further warnings to disperse.

Earlier in the proceedings, when they were asked to plead, the 27 defendants raised their hands and shouted “protest against unlawful arrest and unlawful trial.”

Mr Corfe told them that such action would only prolong the proceedings and advised them to forget about politics while in the courtroom.

***

SCMP, 3 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

UNION OFFICIAL CHARGED

The assistant officer-in-charge of the Welfare Section of the Government, Armed Forces and Hospital Chinese Workers’ Union, was charged before Mr T. C. Chan at South Kowloon Court yesterday containing offensive weapons.

Chan Wa (47) denied having been found on the roof of 25-27 Temple Street, Yaumati, where offensive weapons were discovered.

He was remanded to August 10.

***

3 Aug 1967 [FBIS]

FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Peking NCNA International Service in English 0828 GMT 2 August 1967--W

(Text) Peking, 2 August--Following is a fortnightly review of international events:

[…]

British imperialism's "East of Suez" policy falls flat:

The British Labor government recently published a "Supplement Statement on Defense Policy" from which it is clear that, heavily pounded by the revolutionary storms in Asia, British imperialism has showed up itself as a paper tiger. Its "East of Suez" military policy, under which it aids and abets US imperialism in the suppression of the Asian people, is fizzling out.

Since coming to power nearly three years ago, the Wilson government has energetically pursued an "East of Suez" policy, by which it has called for the maintenance and building of military bases and deployment of sizable armed forces from Aden across the Indian Ocean to Malaya and even Hong Kong.

This policy was intended to back the United States in forming an anti-China ring together with the Soviet revisionist ruling clique and the Japanese and Indian reactionaries, and aid US aggression against Vietnam and ether Asian countries, British imperialists expected, in return, to win US support in preserving their colonial possessions in the region.

In doing so, however, British imperialism lifted a reck only to drop it on its own feet. This policy landed it in the heat of the anti-imperialist struggles or the Asian peoples, as is US imperialism, and is driving it faster toward its doom. Meanwhile, it has increased Britain's dependence on the United States and reduced it to an appendage of Washington. France, out to challenge US domination, has thus more justification to refuse Britain to join the West European "Common Market" and seek political and economic relief there.

In addition, the policy has increased the burden of the British people and also their resentment for the ruling class. It is draining away the floundering British economy and finance, and is a strain on the huge military spending overseas. In particular, it has added difficulties to maintain the country's hard-currency reserve and made the position of pound sterling precarious.

In short, the "East of Suez" policy has exacerbated the domestic and external crises of British imperialism. And the Wilson government has been left with no alternative but to amend the policy, as announced in its "supplementary statement." But the statement, as well as Prime Minister Harold Wilson's remarks in reply to some members of the lower house, made it clear that British imperialism has only changed its form and method of suppression of the Asian people. The quintessence of the "East of Suez" policy — to fight the Asian people to the batter end — remains unchanged.

The "supplementary statement" says that Britain will abide by its "commitments” to the Southeast Asian bloc of aggression knocked together by the United States and to the Rahman-Lee Kuan Yew puppets in Malaya. It will continue to "contribute’” to the "strategic reserve™ of the British Commonwealth. In the Middle East, it will continue to provide military support to the puppet regime and puppet troops or the "South Arabian Federation" rigged by it. It stresses its inveterate enemity to the Chinese people by declaring that it will maintain and may even increase its garrison in Hong Kong.

On the other hand, the Wilson government in the "supplementary statement" announced that within a number of years it will dismantle its military bases and evacuate the ground forces of its garrison or aggressor forces in Malaya, including Singapore, and in occupied South Yemen, but will keep the "military potential" or naval and air force units there. It will establish new military bases in Australia and on some islands under its occupation in the Indian Ocean, and will increase its garrison in the Persian Gulf. It decided on these measures, knowing well that certain military bases will be liquidated by the revolutionary peoples in Asia sooner or later. It also did so in the hope of easing its financial strain and building up some "mobile forces" to deal with the Asian people whenever it deems necessary.

In addition, the Wilson government will increase the strength of its "strategic reserve" in Britain ready to fight other peoples of the world in a last-ditch struggle.

This once again confirms the brilliant thesis put forward by the great leader of the revolutionary peoples of the world, Chairman Mao Tse-tung: "Make trouble, fail, make trouble again, fail again . . . till their doom; that is the logic of the imperialists and all reactionaries the world over in dealing with the people's cause, and they will never go against this logic."

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

MOB ATTACKS POLICE
Man Shot In Bid To Take Detective’s Gun
BUS STONING INCIDENT

A man was believed to have been shot when a crowd of about 50 who were stoning two buses near Kai Tak Airport turned on a party of detectives and tried to take a revolver from one of them who had been attacked.

According to eyewitnesses of the incident which occurred shortly after 8 pm, a party of plainclothes policemen saw a crowd stoning the buses opposite the airport terminal. A detective corporal drew his revolver and warned the crowd to disperse.

At that moment, a man came up behind the detective and struck his arm with a pole, knocking the revolver to the ground. The man then grabbed the gun and started to run away.

The other detectives saw this and opened fire. The man was seen to fall to the ground, apparently hit by one of the shots, but was promptly carried away by others in the crowd. The detective's revolver was recovered.

- Annoyed -

A uniformed police party arrived minutes later and arrested four men at the scene. All the arrested men were injured and were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Three policemen were also injured.

One eye-witness said that when the police arrested the four men, several onlookers rushed forward and asked the police to go after those who got away and to let them deal with those in custody.

He said many people were visibly annoyed at the arrested men, calling them names for creating trouble and shouting “leave them to us, we will hang them.”

One of the injured men and a policeman were detained in hospital. The others were treated and discharged. None of the injured suffered from gunshot wounds.

- Kerosene -

The buses were stopped by a crowd who had placed rocks on the road.

After stopping the two buses the crowd ordered the passengers out and splashed kerosene on the vehicles in an attempt to set them on fire.

“While some of the trouble-makers were pouring kerosene, others were stoning the vehicles," an eyewitness said.

Many in the crowd were armed with poles, chains and triangular files.

Two uniformed policemen on patrol in the vicinity were also attacked by the crowd when they went to the assistance of the detectives.

The two policemen suffered head injuries when they were struck by wooden planks.

A police party making inquiries at the scene later discovered two bombs hanging on the gates of the vehicular entrance to the airport. They were removed by RAOC ammunition experts for examination.

An explosion occurred inside the Victoria Park in Causeway Bay shortly before midnight, awakening many residents in the area.

There were no casualties as the park had already been closed.

Army ballistics experts yesterday removed a total of five home-made bombs, including the two found at the airport.

The first bomb was found hanging on a traffic sign at a pedestrian crossing outside the Queen's College, about 10 yards from a tram stop in Causeway Bay shortly before 11 am.

- Exploded -

The bomb, which was made of a short length of water pipe, stuffed with explosives, was exploded on the spot by an Army expert shortly after its discovery. The explosion broke the glass panes of a nearby telephone kiosk.

In Kowloon, a bomb was thrown into the garden of the RAOC Officers’ Mess at Blackdown Barracks, Wongtaisin, at about 4 pm. Two hours later, another bomb was found in Dundas Street at its junction of Nathan Road.

The two bombs were fused when found, a police spokesman said. They were later disposed of by the Army.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Good Response
MOVE TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN H.K.

Hongkong residents yesterday responded with enthusiasm to the Hongkong Tourist Association's call to restore overseas confidence in the Colony through the sending of postcards.

More than 550 postcards were sent abroad yesterday by residents and tourists alike who called on the offices of the Association on both sides of the harbour for supplies.

“This is an overwhelming gesture on the part of the public and we are very pleased with the response on our first day," a spokesman for the Association said yesterday.

He said most of the postcards were sent to the Unified States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.

Residents intending to help can do so by going to any of the four information centres of the Association on both sides of the harbour.

They are situated at the “Star” Ferry concourses in Kowloon and on the Island, In Prince’s Building, Central, and on the ground floor of Really Building, Central.

“Take a postcard, or two or three or more, and just write a note to a relative, a friend, or a business contact overseas and tell them that despite what they have been reading, Hongkong is still a wonderful place to visit or to do business with, and we will pay the airmail postage,” the spokesman said.

- ‘Alarmist’ -

Meanwhile, Mr R. G. I. Oliphant, Executive Director of the Trade Development Council, yesterday urged all Colony businessmen with overseas contacts to use every opportunity to tell them the truth about Hongkong in order to counter the “alarmist reports’ being published about the disturbances.

He disclosed that the TDC was considering a world-wide programme to publicise the true conditions in the manner most likely to restore confidence in Hongkong, and added the TDC was going to establish its own news service to send overseas information to supplement facts put out by the Government Information Services.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Snap Checks By Police In Kowloon

Starting this evening, the police will carry out snap checks at various points in Kowloon to examine the credentials of both car drivers and pedestrians.

Mr Alistair McNutt, the Superintendent in charge of Criminal Investigation, Kowloon, said the object of these checks was to search for drivers of stolen cars and other persons suspected of criminal activities.

Although they had not been carried out for some time, snap checks were nothing new, he pointed out. They were an established practice which the police were now proposing to resume.

The checks would be carried out by uniformed police personnel at well-illuminated road blocks. Law-abiding citizens had nothing to fear.

“We will reduce any inconvenience caused to an absolute minimum," said Mr McNutt. “We ask the public to co-operate in this necessary measure for the preservation of law and order."

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (page 5)

(Photo)

Presentation Of Cheques For Dependants’ Fund

Two cheques totalling $1,500 yesterday boosted the Dependants’ Fund sponsored by the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce to within $140,000 of its $1m target.

Mr C. J. Norman, the Commissioner of Prisons, presented the cheques on behalf of the Stanley Club and the Prisons Department Sports Association, to Mr J. B. Kite, Secretary of the Chamber.

Mr Norman said that $1,000 had been collected from the Stanley Club, the contributions having been made by prison officers and members of the public. The other cheque for $500 came from prison staff members of all ranks, including servants, who belonged to the Sports Association.

Receiving the cheques at the Victoria Reception Centre Staff Club, Mr Kite said that the $1m target was “now looking like a reality.”

He reported that a sub-committee of the Chamber had been set up to organise the Fund and put it on a proper basis.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Pessimistic View Of Future Not Justified
COLONY REMAINS VIRILE

Nothing had yet happened in the disturbances here to justify a pessimistic view of the future, and there was no justification for speculation in this vein, Mr R. G. L. Oliphant, Executive Director of the Trade Development Council, said yesterday.

He was addressing a luncheon meeting of the Hongkong Office Equipment Association.

He said there should not be any attempt to hide the facts: that people had been hurt and even killed, that primitive bombs had been used, that it was possible minor outbreaks of violence might continue for some time --- for “even though the nest is destroyed, a few wasps remain.”

Reports published overseas had given a completely wrong impression of what was happening here.

Mr Oliphant said: “The truth is that, in spite of intimidation and coercion, the vast majority of the population has made a firm and forthright declaration of support for Government, law and order.

“This I find immensely encouraging. We may have suspected before that people who had come to Hongkong as refugees from Communism would support freedom. But now, for the first time, we have a clear indication of just how strong that support really is.”

- Donations -

This had been shown in the donations to funds for the dependants of men who had given loyal service---even their lives. There was even more direct support, through public declarations of loyally by associations and individuals on a large scale. And there was the performance of the Colony itself during the disturbances.

No country whose industry was disrupted by strikes and absenteeism, Mr Oliphant said, could produce the trade figures Hongkong had during the past three months. Entrepot trade was up 40 per cent in the first half-year over the same period of 1966, local manufactures in May were higher by 16.5 per cent compared with May last year, and domestic experts in June were 22.7 per cent ahead of June 1966.

These figures meant that factory and office workers had been going about their business very mules as usual. In no other way could Hongkong have "delivered the goods,” he said.

“And then again,” he said, “industries which advertise vacancies for workers are not in the last stages of exhaustion, but virile, progressive and ready to expand.

"Vacancies in our main industries, according to a survey carried out by the Labour Department in mid-June, were garments and shirts, 1,309; cotton spinning and weaving, 1,144; transistor radios, 652; metal products, 547; and plastics, 647.

“Considering that 433,843 people are employed in our 11,002 registered undertakings, the number of vacancies is not large.

- Keeping Faith -

“In the second quarter moreover, the woollen knitwear industry took on 2,508 additional workers, wigs 1,937 and plastics 996.”

The whole of Hongkong’s trade, however, depended upon the maintenance of confidence in the Colony by those who bought its products, Mr Oliphant said.

The TDC was considering a worldwide programme designed to publicise the truth in the manner most likely to restore confidence In Hongkong. It was going to build up its own news service to supply TDC overseas offices with information to supplement that put out by the Government Information Services. It sought the co-operation of all manufacturers, exporters and importers.

Mr Oliphant said he wanted to all on all businessmen in the Colony to do what they could to restore confidence abroad --- for their livelihood depended on this just as much as everyone else’s.

“All you have to do," he said, “is tell the truth. “We must use every opportunity to speak and write the truth abort Hongkong.

“We must tell people again and again that business is better than ever, that tourists may come here without fear of interference, that the forces of law and order are in control.

“These things can all be substantiated, and it is important they should be made widely known.

- True Story -

“It is up to each one of us to do our share. I ask you to put the true story before your overseas agents and correspondent’s whenever you write to them or speak with them.”

Thanking Mr Oliphant for his address, Mr Bill Kaffer, Chairman of the Office Equipment Association, told him every member present appreciated the importance each could play in Hongkong’s future.

The Hon Sir Sik-nin Chau, Chairman of the Hongkong Management Association, speaking at the HKMA'S annual general meeting yesterday, also made reference to the disturbances.

He said Hongkong recently had experienced perhaps the most difficult period in its history. The events of the past three months had changed the outlook of the people and their environment, but he firmly believed Hongkong would emerge, as always, stronger as a result.

“We already see,” he said, “a prouder sense of community and of purpose among our people, and a spirit of determination.”

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (page 7)

Court To Rule On Point Of Law

Mr E. Light will give a ruling at Central Court this morning on whether evidence presented in a case against 40 people would amount in law to the offence of forming part of an intimidating assembly.

Inspector A. A. Murphy yesterday asked the court for this ruling after a prosecution witness had testified that he saw no assembly on the roof of 169 Shaukiwan Road.

The defendants, including six women, who were arrested on July 16 when the police raided the premises of the Taikoo Sugar Refinery Workers’ Union and the Taikoo Metal Workers’ Union, have pleaded not guilty to forming part of an intimidating assembly.

Inspector Chan Pak-chung testified he led a platoon of police on a raid on 169 Shaukiwan Road shortly after midday on July 16. Some objects were hurled at them from the roof when they reached the staircase landing of the second floor.

The policemen then divided, one group going to the roof and another entering the premises on the second floor. On reaching the roof, Insp Chan said, he saw many people, holding home-made spears and iron bars, trying to run sway in various directions.

“I told them to stop and to throw down their weapons. Then I ordered my men to make the arrest," he added.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Group Voiced Protest Outside Government House

Twenty-seven people went to Government House on July 15 and asked the Officer Administering the Government to come out and see them, a magistrate was told yesterday.

Inspector Yeung Nam-keung told Mr P. M. Corfe, at Central Court, that the people shouted "Gass come out to see us," and waved Chairman Mao's red books.

Insp Young was testifying against 27 defendants, including seven leftist reporters and 17 teachers, who had pleaded not guilty to unlawful assembly and forming part of an intimidating assembly. Nine of the defendants are women.

He said a group of people gathered outside the main gate of Government House about 5 pm on July 15. They raised their hands and shouted:  "We protest against the search of the Fukien Middle School and the unlawful attest of reporters.” A man representing the group said they wanted to see Mr Gass to present a protest letter. Insp Yeung said he told them Mr Gass was too busy.

Then the people demanded to see an aide-de-camp. He gave then a similar reply.

Gross-examined, Insp Yeung agreed with one of the defendants that the group had behaved in an orderly manner outside Government House.

Hearing will continue this morning.

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 197 (Page 7)

Hostile Demonstrators Shouted ‘Kill’

An incident at the China Arts and Crafts Co, during which a police carbine was almost snatched away by leftwing worker, was described before Mr J. J. Rhind at South Kowloon Court yesterday.

This testimony was given by Inspector B. W. Shannon in the case against four defendants charged with being members of an intimidating assembly and obstruction.

Defendants are Ng Chi-wai (30), Wong Kee-fuk (38), Hui Kit-kwan (19), and Hui Kai-ying (21), a girl, all employees of the company.

Insp Shannon said he and a police party went to the China Arts and Crafts Co with the intention of painting over some posters on July 27.

- Side Door -

He said Hui Kit-kwan and Hui Kai-yin came out from the side door of the company and shouted, “Protest, running dogs." They were later joined by Ng and Wong.

At this stage, a crowd of about 20 men emerged from the side door. A corporal and a constable went up immediately to prevent them from joining the four defendants.

Insp Shannon said he heard the crowd shouting, “kill.”

He saw a man grabbing a police corporal’s carbine. He then ordered his men to open fire. Three gas shells were fired and the crowd ran into the company.

He ordered the arrest of the four defendants who were at that time trying to run nto the premises. They struggled but were eventually handcuffed in pairs.

Further hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Judgement Reserved On Assembly Case

Judgment was reserved at the Victoria District Court yesterday in the case against four men charged with riotous assembly, forming part of an intimidating assembly and directing intimidation in front of the State Theatre, North Point, on July 11.

Judge J. A. Davies will deliver judgment tomorrow. Defendants are Wong Cheong-sum (36), proprietor of an electric shop, Tsang Yee-kui (43), unemployed, Mak Kin-hing (21), and Fong Kam-pang (19) both air conditioning mechanics.

Mr Peter C. K. Chan appeared for Fong on the instructions of M. K. Lam and Co.

Mr David Walsh, Crown Counsel, prosecuted, assisted by Inspector Deedee Chow.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

MEN ARRESTED IN POLICE RAID REMANDED

Eleven people, who were arrested on August 1 during a police raid on the premises of the Government, Armed Forces and Hospital Chinese Workers’ Union, in Un Chau Street, Shamshuipo, appeared before Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

They denied charges of being in promises where there were offensive weapons and explosives, and possession of inflammatory posters.

- Defendants -

They are Law Man-hung (39), Chan Cheung-on (54), Chan Fung (30), Lee Choi (47), Tao Wai-chui (40), Ng Lee-shui (47), Lee Tat-man (42), Lai Hung-kuen (31) and Wong -Chi-keung (33), all former workers of the Urban Services Department, Cheung Chi (42) watchman; and Chan Kam-wing (17), shop foki.

The defendant were remanded in jail custody until August 21.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Police Detective Attacked In Rice Shop
TAKING PICTURES OF POSTERS INCIDENT

A police detective told a magistrate at North Kowloon Court yesterday he had to open fire when he was beaten up by a Crowd in a rice shop in Mongkok.

The police detective, Mr Wong Yau-tak, attached to the Mongkok Police Station, was testifying before Mr T. L. Von Pokorny against 40 people, including two women and a girl, charged with rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing the police, and being in the company of persons who had arms in their possession.

Mr Wong was with four other detectives and two photographers taking pictures of inflammatory posters at 1093 Canton Road, Mongkok, the Headquarters of the Kowloon Plastic Workers’ General Union.

- Unruly Mob -

“While I was in the rice shop on the ground floor of 1093 Canton Road, I was seized by an unruly mob and was attacked and beaten up by them,” he said.

Mr Wong said he managed to free himself when someone tried to hit him with an object. Seeing the danger, he reached for his revolver and fired one round at the crowd.

The crowd then dispersed. Later, he said he saw a police platoon enter the rice shop.

As a result of the attack, he suffered injuries to his face, Mr Wong said.

Mr Tse Sui-mun, another detective also attached to the Mongkok Police station, said that the people he and the other four detectives encountered were armed with iron bars, broken-glass bottles and rice hooks.

- Opened Fire -

Mr Tse said he heard people shout “Running dogs, catch the dogs, and beat them."

The crowd watch gathered at the entrance of the rice shop also tried to snatch the camera from a police photographer.

Mr Tse said he also had to open fire when someone tried to hit him on the head with an iron bar.

As the crowd began to retreat three police vans arrived and Mr Tse ran towards them. He suffered a bruised arm, he added.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Further hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 4 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

UNION MEN SENT TO PRISON

Fifteen people were sent to prison after they were convicted of riotous assembly and other charges by Mr C. C. Byrne at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The prosecution said the defendants were arrested at the Kowloon Dockyard Workers’ Union and the Hunghom Workers’ Children’s School on July 14.

They were charged with riotous assembly, unlawful assembly, forming part of an intimidating assembly, obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, failing to report possession of arms, and consorting with persons in possession of arms.

The sentences were:

Lo Wa-on (35) blacksmith, Leong Kam-pui (48), electrician, Ho Kuen (49) brass worker, and Ma Hang-hong (48) electrician, three years.

Lai Chung-yu (17) dockyard apprentice, So Chun (59) blacksmith, Lo Fat-chi (37) mechanic, Li Hon (46) blacksmith, Chu Pak-kan (19) cook, Chu Chen-chuen (26) cook, Tang Tat-choi (21) coolie, Leung Kam-mun (39) dockyard worker, Chu Cheuk-ming (17) office boy, Wong Yuk-tong (42) labourer, and Chan Kan (61) ship-builder, 15 months.

Senior Inspector B. Thompson prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

EX-GRATIA GRANTS FOR DEATH OR INJURY IN RIOTS

Government announced yesterday that a Compensation Board is to be set up to consider applications for ex-gratia payments to dependants of persons killed and to persons incapacitated as a result of injuries received during the disturbances while carrying on their customary work.

The Board will comprise both official and unofficial members. The names will be announced later.

In making the announcement, a Government spokesman stressed that the Board may propose ex-gratia payments up to a maximum of $35,000 in each individual case in addition to an applicant’s entitlement to any other payments under his terms of employment or legislation.

- Conditions -

The Board will only consider applications arising from injury or death suffered at a time when the applicant, of the deceased, was going about his lawful occupation, including going to and from work, and had good reason to be in the area.

The Board will reject any application from those who was a party or accessory to rioting or who took any action to incite violence or to cause ill-feeling or who committed any other criminal offence during the disturbances.

It is envisaged that the Board will be asked, at a later date, to consider applications for damages to property as well as personal injury, including fatality, not arising out of or in the course of his employment. For these categories, it is likely that the conditions and principles included in the terms of reference for the 1966 Board will apply.

The Government spokesman concluded: “The procedure for the submission of applications for ex-gratia payments will be announced by the Board as soon as practicable.”

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (page 1)

More Raids Carried Out By Police
ONLY TWO REPORTS OF BOMBS YESTERDAY

(Photo on left)

Continuing their campaign to track down Communist trouble-makers, Police yesterday carried out five raids in the Colony and detained 36 people.

A police party, accompanied by two platoons of the Queen’s Regiment, raided the Stone Workers Union at Ngatsinwai Building, fourth floor, Takwuling Road, Kowloon City, at 7 pm yesterday.

At the same time they also raided premises belonging to the union at No. 42 Ngatsinwai Road, third floor.

Four men were detained by the police for enquiries. One of them was later released.

In the afternoon, a party of police officers searched the Carpenters’ Union at No 160 Laichikok Road, third floor, Shamshuipo.

The police met no resistance when they entered the premises. During the search the police seized a quantity of offensive weapons, home-made gas masks and a number of inflammatory posters.

Two men were arrested. They will be charged with offences connected with the seizures.

Yesterday morning the police carried out their biggest search operation when they raided three buildings in North Point in their campaign to track down Communist trouble-makers.

The buildings were the Kiu Koon and New Metropole, both twenty-seven storeys high, and the four-storey Ming Yuen Building, located on opposite sides of King’s Road near its junction with Tong Shui Road.

The operation was supported by seven platoons of the Welch Regiment.

Altogether thirty people were taken into custody.

Twenty-one of them, including a woman, have been charged with obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties.

Only two bomb reports were made yesterday. Both were found in the Causeway Bay area.

One was in the form of a package planted at the entrance of the Causeway Bay branch of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Hennessy Road. It was found at 7 am.

The other one, also in the form of a package, was placed in front of Moreton Terrace near King’s Road about 5 pm.

Both “bombs” were examined and removed by Army ammunition experts.

Meanwhile, a policeman spokesman last night repeated his warning to the public to be on the alert for objects which might be bombs.

“There is no need,” he said, “for us to panic about this sort of thing but we ought to use our common-sense. Local Communist trouble-makers are making and using bombs. There is no question about that.

“Therefore we ought to be on our guard for anything which might be a disguised explosive device. This doesn’t mean calling the police in to examine familiar and ordinary objects. But it does mean taking cave over objects which are unfamiliar, and out of the ordinary.

- Example -

“An unexpected parcel is a good example of the sort of thing that deserves to be treated with caution. If in doubt, don’t touch it at all. Call the police and they will deal with it.

“All this,” the spokesman added, “may seem a bit of a nuisance and some people may even feel that to take such precautions is giving these trouble-makers more satisfaction than they deserve. But the fundamental fact is that their descent to these tactics is a sign of their failure. In the meantime, it is better to take sensible precautions."

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Border Crossings Legal

Left-wing newspapers yesterday reported that many people crossed the borders at Lowu into Hongkong without being cleared by the Immigration authorities.

A Government spokesman said last night there was no truth in the reports. He said all those who crossed into Hongkong were cleared by the authorities.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Crowd Hurls Stones At Border

Gurkhas stationed at Lowu had to fire two rounds of tear-gas shells on Thursday to disperse a crowd of Chinese throwing stones from across the bridge at the border, Lieut-Col R. W. L. McAllister, Commanding Officer of the 1st Bn of the 10 Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles stationed in the area, said yesterday.

The decision to use tear-gas was made after members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had made no attempt to restrain the crowd, he added.

Col McAllister, who was giving an account of the situation at Lowu, said it was only after a third attempt by the crowd to hurl stones at the Gurkhas that the PLA members made a concerted effort to hold the people back.

He said his soldiers had done nothing to provoke the crowd.

Col McAllister recalled that the Gurkha unit had moved into Lowu on July 12 and the stone-throwing incidents started on July 15.

He said the attacks went on every day and each time the crowd went further into British territory. 

Col McAllister said that on July 20 the situation got to a point where he felt that sand bag posts and wire netting should be erected for the protection of his soldiers.

When this was done there was a lull of eight days but at the beginning of this week, the stone-throwing began again and grew in intensity until Thursday. He said at one point the crowds came well inside British territory.

Yesterday afternoon a small group of youths catapulted stones at the Immigration Building. PLA soldiers held them back.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

JOINT OPERATION VERY SUCCESSFUL

More than 1,000 men and soldiers and three Westland Whirlwind helicopters from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes took part in yesterday's dawn raids in North Point.

The joint operation was under the overall command of Mr J. J. E. Morrin, Senior Superintendent of Police. He said later that the raids were most successful.

The policemen were assisted by seven platoons from B and D Companies of the 1st Battalion, the Welch Regiment.

The policemen who were airlifted to the roofs of the buildings were volunteers from Bayview Police Station. They were commanded by Superintendent J. A. Harris.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Left: A helicopter landing policemen and soldiers on the roof of Kiu Koon Building //
Right: Police opening the main gate of the Wah Fung China Products Store after they had gained access to the store from the roof. Below, a soldier removing a booby trap found at the foot of the staircase of the store.

RAIDS ON THREE COMMUNIST STRONGHOLDS
Largest Operation Since May

Three Communist strongholds in North Point were raided by police yesterday morning in the largest police-military operation since the disturbances first started in May.

Thirty people were detained and a large quantity of weapons seized in the operation which lasted nine hours.

Twenty-four of those detained were later charged with obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties.

A significant discovery was a well-equipped hospital on the third floor of Metropole Building, one of the three premises raided.

- No Resistance -

The other two places were Kiu Koon Building, which houses the Wah Fung Chinese Products Store, and Ming Yuen Building, in King’s Road near its junction with Tong Shui Road.

The raiding parties met with no resistance but found several fake bombs and booby-traps.

The operation began at 6.40 am when police and military personnel were airlifted to the roofs of the three buildings by three helicopters from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes.

At the same time, other parties on the ground cordoned off the roads leading to the three buildings which were raided simultaneously.

In Kiu Koon building, military personnel remained on the roofs to guard against attempted retaliation while the police forced open a metal door to gain entry to the 26th and 27th floors.

They found bare rooms containing only camp cots from which the roused sleepers had retreated.

On the 26th floor the police found several people, including a number of employees of the Bank of China.

At 7.30 am the police gained access to the premises of the Fukien Clansmen Association on the sixth floor.

Inside they found a large, well-furnished hall with a subsidiary office cubicle. At one end of the hall were red velvet curtains against which was hung a large portrait of Mr Mao Tse-tung, flanked by two red flags.

A Chinese checker board was on a table in the middle of the hall with pieces set upon it as if a game had just been concluded. The premises, however, were deserted.

While policemen worked their way down floor by floor, other police groups secured the second and third floors, housing the offices and dormitories of the Wah Fung store.

On the first floor, they found the stairs littered with bottles of Chinese beer, positioned in such way as to trip any group attempting an assault from the main doors.

The foot of the staircase was barricaded with what appeared to be bobby-trap devices, including crated, cylinders and pineapple-sized globes suspended on strings. These devices were connected to a cord which led to a concealed position at the head of the stairs.

- Electric Device -

Mr Norman Hill, Police Ballistics Officer, who was summoned to the scene, said later that all of these suspected bombs and booby traps were fakes.

A genuine device, however, was an electrical circuit rigged between the main glass doors and the metal grill. The circuit embodied a wire mesh floor mat connected to thin strands of wire stretched between the pillars. The entire circuit was ready to be plugged into the power mains to electrocute unsuspecting arrivals through the front door.

In Metropole Building, the police found a well-concealed and very efficiently equipped hospital.

On the 23rd floor they found a collection of spears and other weapons.

A man was detained on the staircase where he appeared to be attempting to escape. In his possession was a pamphlet on “How to Make a Bomb”.

In the raid on the four-storey Ming Yuen Building, adjacent to the Metropole Building, police seized a quantity of “important documents.”

(2 photos on right)

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Well-equipped Secret Hospital Found

A well-equipped secret hospital abandoned only minutes before the arrival of the police, was discovered at the rear of the third floor of Metropole Building during the North Point raids yesterday.

A police officer who conducted reporters round the hospital said some of the beds found in an extension on the second floor were still warm when the police arrived.

The only access to the main hospital was through a tiny door, disguised as a metal panel, through which one had to stoop in order to enter.

The spacious, white-tiled rooms inside contained an air-conditioned operation theatre with an operating table made in Shanghai, a large sterilising plant for medical instruments, an X-ray machine and radiography clinic, a well-equipped dispensary, a linen storage room and casualty wards.

In somewhat smaller premises on the floor directly below, the extension of the hospital had large consultation rooms, beds, more medical stocks and an extensive kitchen.

The premises were carefully sealed off from the rest of the building, and most of the windows were either screened with Venetian blinds or covered over with wood panel.

Women’s shoes and other articles indicated that there were nurses in the hospital.

Senior members of the Medical and Health Department examined the unregistered hospital in the afternoon.

(Photo on right)

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (page 7)

Bottles Hurled At Police

A police corporal told a magistrate at North Kowloon Court yesterday how a police platoon was bombarded with bottles when it arrived at 1093 Canton Road, Mongkok, on June 23.

Corporal Lo Kwok-tung, attached to Mongkok Police Station, was testifying before Mr T. L. von Pokorny against 40 people, including two women and a girl, charged with rioting, unlawful assembly, and being in the company of persons who had arms in their possession.

“When the police platoon arrived at 1093 Canton Road, headquarters of the Kowloon Plastic Workers’ General Union, they were attacked with bottles thrown from the premises of the union,” he said.

Cpl Lo, who was on patrol duty in the area, said he also saw several wounded detectives in a rice shop on the ground floor of the premises.

The platoon was again attacked with bottles shortly afterwards by people in the union building.

Hearing was adjourned to next Tuesday.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

CHARGE AGAINST UNION MEMBERS AMENDED

A charge of forming part of an intimidating assembly against 40 defendants was amended to one of unlawful assembly by Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday.

Before amending the charge, Mr Light said that after reviewing the evidence given on Thursday he found that none of the defendants had a case to answer on the original charge.

The defendants, including six women, were arrested on July 16 when the police raided the Taikoo Sugar Refinery Workers’ Union and’ the Taikoo Metal Workers’ Union.

They pleaded not guilty to the amended charge yesterday.

Inspector Chan Pak-chung, who testified on Thursday that he had led a police platoon on a raid on 169 Shaukiwan Road was cross-examined by two of the defendants.

In answer to a question, Insp Chan said that most of the people arrested were on the left hand side of the staircase of the roof and that only a few were arrested on the right hand side.

Further hearing was adjourned to today.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Defendants Say Their Arrest Illegal

Four employees of the China Arts and Crafts Company in Yaumati said at South Kowloon Court yesterday that they were illegally arrested by the police on July 17.

The defendants, Ng Chi-wai (18), Wong Kee-fuk (38), Hui Kit-kwan (19) and Hui Kai-ying, a 21-year-old woman, have pleaded not guilty to being part of an intimidating assembly and obstructing the police.

Denying the charges in statements from the dock, the defendants said the police party had smashed the company’s show-windows and had threatened them.

Earlier, Police Corporal Ko Hing-mo said he nearly had his carbine snatched by several employees of the company.

He was standing guard outside the company's side door when about 15 men came out and shouted anti-police and anti-British slogans.

He said: “Three of them grabbed hold of my hands and tried to snatch my carbine. I was dragged into the premises. Then I ordered my colleagues to fire tear-gas shells. It was after the shells were fired that the men ran away.”

Cpl Ku said the defendants were arrested after a scuffle with the police.

Mr J. J. Rhind, the magistrate, will deliver judgment today.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Evidence Of Arrest Outside Government House
WARNINGS TO LEAVE IGNORED

A police officer gave evidence before Mr P. M. Corfe at Central Court yesterday of the arrest of 27 people after he had given two warnings for them to leave the main gate area of Government House on July 15.

Insp N. Rich said that at 5.10 pm that day he led a party of police to Government House where he saw a crowd of about 30 people, some holding red books and shouting in front of the main gate.

Testifying against 27 defendants charged with unlawful assembly and forms part of an intimidating assembly. Insp Rich said he told them through a hailer that they were committing an offence and asked them to leave. Three minutes later, he gave another warning, but the crowd remained there.

The warnings were translated into Cantonese by a police corporal, he said. When these were continually ignored he gave an order for the people to be arrested. The order was carried out.

Detective - Corporal Tang Chun-fat said he spoke to the crowd in Cantonese and asked them to leave, but his requests were ignored.

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, is prosecuting.

Further hearing was adjourned until Tuesday.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

LEFTISTS WELCOME ‘HEROES’ IN COURT

About 20 leftist spectators at Fanling Court clapped their hands yesterday morning to “welcome” the appearance before the magistrate of a man and two women charged under the emergency regulations.

Shortly afterwards, as the three defendants, whom the spectators called their “anti-persecution heroes,” were remanded by Mr H. S. Daniell, the crowd shouted protests against what they called “illegal arrest,” “illegal prosecution” and "illegal interpretation.”

The defendants were arrested in Sheungshui last month following a raid on the Chung Shun China Products Co at 17 Fu Hing Street, ground floor, where inflammatory posters and various types of weapons were found.

- Case Transferred -

The defendants, Ma Kam-lung (66), described as the owner of the company, and two shop assistants, Ma Wan-ching (27) and Ma String (21), were charged with possession of offensive weapons, being found in the company of another person who had arms in his possession, possession of inflammatory posters and obstructing the police.

Ma Kam-lung faced an additional charge of forming part of an intimidating assembly.

The three were informed that their case would be heard at the Kowloon District Court on Tuesday.

As they were being led away, Ma Kam-lung clung to the railing of the dock and had to be removed. This led to more “protests” being made by the spectators.

The court was then cleared by the police.

***

SCMP, 5 Aug 1967 (Page 8)

One Drawback In Colony’s Jury System

The Hon G. R. Sneath, the Acting Attorney-General, said yesterday that the one drawback about the jury system here was that the locality of a trial could not be transferred from one place to another as it could be done in England.

He was speaking at the luncheon of the Hongkong Rotary Club, Island East, on “The Jury---Its Changing Role.”

He said that in England, if a crime was committed in one locality, the defence could apply to have the trial take place in another area where jurors might not know about the case, thus preventing prejudice.

He also stressed the importance of having jurors who would apply commonsense to the question of what was reasonable for the man in the dock.

“I fear that often the person sitting in the jury box has all too little understanding of what is really reasonable to the sort of person he is trying,” he said.

Mr Sneath outlined the changes in the jury system since it was first evolved, noting that almost every distinguishing feature had been altered.

He spoke of the Bill recently passed by Parliament which brought to an end the 600-year-old ruling that the jury’s verdict be unanimous.

Another of the changes which had taken place was the attitude of the people towards the jury system.

In the early days, people had to be forced into accepting a trial by jury. They were even subjected to tortures to make sure of an acceptance. Nowadays, it was considered a “human right” to have a trial by jury.

Mr Sneath said that jurors in a case had to reach decision solely from the facts and evidence which came before them during the trial.

He concluded by saying that although trial by jury had been greatly venerated, “we should beware of accepting it uncritically and of assuming that it represents the only satisfactory method of giving a person a fair trial.”

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Chinese disarm constable and Gurkha at border post
MAN KAM TO CLASH AMICABLY SETTLED

A group of 30 Chinese civilians crossed into British territory at Man Kam To yesterday morning, seized a constable’s sub-machine gun and disarmed a Gurkha soldier.

The group had earlier attacked two police officers and the Gurkha soldier.

The attack at 9.30 am was seen by other Hongkong policemen and soldiers nearby but they held their fire.

Some time later, senior army and police officers rushed to the scene along with a platoon of soldiers.

On arrival, Brigadier Peter Martin, Commanding Officer of the 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, asked the group through an interpreter why they had acted in this way.

A spokesman for the group, comprising adults who normally cross over to work on the British side to load and unload produce, complained that posters which they had put up the day before had been taken down.

Both parties decided to talk it over and held a conversation lasting one-and-a-half hours.

The group was told that certain posters were not allowed by law because they was inflammatory but that others, such as those quoting words of Chairman Mao, had never been objected to.

The talk was amicably conducted and at one stage tea was brought from the Chinese side and served to all.

Mr Trevor Bedford, was also at the scene during the latter part of the talk and shook hands with the spokesman of the group who claimed they had no enmity for those present.

The group spokesman, said they wished for two things --- freedom to display posters of the thoughts of Chairman Mao and to be allowed to sing songs without interference.

- No reprisals -

The group spokesman also asked that no reprisals be taken against those involved in the morning’s incident.

Brigadier Martin and Mr Bedford then wrote out these assurances and gave the party a signed copy.

At one stage of the talk, a group of men of the Chinese Army took up position on the other side of the Man Kam To Bridge but did not interfere.

The discussion, which began shortly before 11 am, concluded at 12.30 pm when the group was allowed to return to the Chinese side of the border after handing over the seized weapons.

***

SACMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Japanese blamed for propaganda in H.K. troubles

London, Aug. 5.

A former British minister today blamed Japanese businessmen for some of the “propaganda and agitation” in Hongkong, when he flew in here from a week's private visit to the Colony.

Lord Rhodes told reporters at London's Heathrow Airport: “There is a lack of confidences there…

“There are rumours of orders being cancelled, but not of sufficient size to matter much.

“I suppose there is more agitation from the Japanese who want to collar the business. A lot of the propaganda and agitation comes from there.”

He thought the Colony could ride the crisis but a radical change in the altitude of Government departments to the people was needed.

- Trusted -

Lord Rhodes, a former junior minister at the Trade Ministry, said: "The Hongkong Government, without any question, should set up a strong Labour Department with some people who are trusted by both sides.

“I went out with the idea that there might be a large number of Communists in Hongkong.

“I have come away with the conviction that there are not. I would not think these are more than four per cent, and that is a reasonable estimate. The rest are neutrals or right-wing,” he said.

Lord Rhodes, who met businessmen, industrialists and Government officials in Hongkong, said, when asked about dock strikes: "There is more chaos on the China coast than there is in Hongkong. I was amazed how the disruption there has been.”

Asked about bomb incidents, he said: “The sort of bombs that are being discovered and exploded are no more dangerous than a lot that are exploded on the Fifth of November by schoolboys. I think this is very much overplayed.”

Lord Rhodes will report on his visit to the Commonwealth Secretary, Mr Herbert Rowden, next week.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

(Photo)

R.N. BASE ‘BOMB’ SCARE

A bottle containing a firecracker vas last night hurled over the wall of HMS Tamar, the Royal Navy base, just short of hitting HMS Dampier, a survey vessel berthed at the south wall of the camber.

The firecracker bomb exploded on impact not far from the wall at Harcourt Road shortly before 11 pm.

No one was hurt and no damage was caused.

Earlier, leftist agitators planted a total of seven bombs, five of which, after examination by Army ammunition experts, were found to be genuine and later detonated on the spot.

The false bombs included an oil tin found near the railway tracks at Wo Hop Shek which disrupted train services for about an hour in the afternoon.

The first real bomb was found in a bag hanging on a traffic pagoda in Des Voeux Road Central near Chater Road, shortly before 8 am and was later exploded.

At 1.30 pm, another one was found tied to the railing of a tram stop in King’s Road near the Causeway Bay Magistracy.

Four hours later, at another tram stop outside 175 King’s Road, another bomb was found. It was later detonated.

At 10.30 pm, a bomb found near the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank branch in Hennessy Road, Wanchai, was also exploded.

About 5 pm, another false bomb in the form of a biscuit tin was found on the steps of King’s theatre fronting Wyndham Street.

The “bomb”, after examination, was found to contain a jar of Chinese dried fruits with label reading, “traitors, running dogs, please accept with pleasure.”

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 2)

Angry blast by leftist paper at raids

The joint military-police raids on three Communist centres in North Point on Friday drew angry comments from the left-wing press yesterday.

Describing the raids as “another towering crime,” the Wen Wei Pao said “the madder the Hongkong British authorities, the nearer they are to death.”

It added that the Hongkong British authorities in organising their military operation as if against a town or city, “have strutted their stuff and exerted themselves to the utmost.”

The Wen Wei Pao said: “The performance of their escalation (of suppression) does not really signify big strength but merely signifies that they are quite afraid of our patriotic compatriots, struggling against British violence.”

- ‘Provocation’ -

The Ta Kung Pao called the raids “the Hongkong British authorities’ new armed provocation.”

It said the raids were an escalation of atrocities and a grave provocation against Hongkong’s “patriotic compatriots and the Chinese people.”

It added that because of the participation in the raids by a British aircraft carrier, the Hongkong British authorities were reverting  to the practice of the century-old “gunboat policy.”

It termed the raids a fuss and laughable. “For example,” it said, “the bottles of liquid, regarded by ‘ballistic experts’ as dangerous were only a kind of sour-sweet summer drink. ‘The field or secret hospital’ is another big joke; it is merely a clinic of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, indicated on a signboard at the entrance to the building.”

- Praise -

On the other hand, the non-Communist press praised the authorities’ action.

The Kung Sheung Yat Pao emphasised the dangerous nature of the centres and praised the soldiers and police who took part in the raids.

The paper suggested that these raided premises should be regarded as unlawful buildings, their occupants should be evicted or the buildings closed.

The Tin Tin Yat Pao applauded the operation as “positive, responsible-minded of the authorities.”

The paper expressed “pity for the innocent flat buyers who unfortunately got mixed up with these unlawful elements who established their headquarters there.”

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 2)

HOW PUBLIC CAN HELP POLICE
Report people acting in suspicious manner

The people of Hongkong were yesterday reminded that they were all in the same boat and that if they wished to return to their usual and orderly progressive way of life, they could help to achieve this by helping the police.

A police spokesman pointed out that there were many ways in which members of the public could help the authorities.

On the question of bombs for instances, he said that many of these crude devices appeared to have been made from firecracker gunpowder. Firecrackers, he explained, were usually sold in coloured paper. If this was found on staircases, rooftops, lanes or hillsides, this should be reported immediately.

The information might be useful in ascertaining the area In which home-made bombs were being prepared.

- Follow -

Members of the public could also assist by reporting any suspicious person they might observe. For instance if they saw a person place a suspicious object at a bus stop, tram stop or near a traffic light, then walk away from the scene, they should report to the police.

If possible they should follow the person concerned at a suitable distance and when they met a policeman or police patrol point out the person concerned to the police.

Should a member of the public see a motor car stop and a person alight and place a suspicious object on the ground he should try to memorise the face of the person concerned and make a note of the number of the motor car. This should be reported to the police as quickly as possible.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 2)

NO APPRECIABLE DISRUPTION

The recent disturbances had not disrupted production in the woollen knitting Industry to any appreciable extent, said the chairman of the Woollen Knitting Manufacturers Association, Mr K. M. Cheung, at the annual general meeting of the association yesterday.

Mr Cheung, who was re-elected chairman for 1967-1968, urged members of the association to pay attention to labour management relations In order to ensure the continued progress of Hongkong’s economy. He also expressed the hope that conditions would return to normal soon.

Mr Yuen Yee-man and Mr Chan Luen-fau were elected vice-chairman.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (page 2) [South China Sunday Post]

People arrested in North Point raids in court

Twenty men and one woman, including the manager of the Chinese goods centre in King’s Road, appeared before Mr T. J. Van Rees in Central Court yesterday on a charge of being found in premises to which authorised officers had been denied access.

The defendants were arrested when the police raided three buildings in North Point on Friday.

They were alleged to have been found in Block 8, Kiu Koon Building, second floor, North Point, when the entry of authorised officers empowered to search the premises had been denied.

The manager of the Chinese goods centre, Ng Lun-wa (39), was additionally charged with possessing 40 inflammatory posters.

- Obstruction -

Yeung Kwok-wing (19), a messenger, and Li Chi-nam (30), a salesman, who were among those arrested, were also charged with obstructing a police officer in the course of his duty.

No plea were taken. The defendants were remanded for a week in jail custody for further enquiries.

Wong Kin-kwok (30), charged with possessing 24 bottles of suspected acid on Friday in Room 6, Block B, eighth floor, Kiu Koon Building, was remanded until August 15 pending a report from the Government chemist.

A 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were charged with being part of an intimidating assembly on July 11 in Tong Shui Road, North Point.

Lau Cheung-chuen (19) and the 15-year-old boy were remanded for a week for further enquiries.

- Jailed -

Five men were jailed for from nine to 12 months by Mr P. M. Corfe in Central Court, for being part in an intimidating assembly in Johnston Road near the Southorn Playground on July 14.

Tsang Chun-mei (24), a tailor, Sze Kwok-keung (21), a painter, Liu Kwong (22), a delivery boy, and Chan Chi-chung (19), unemployed, were jailed for 12 months. Hung Fat (17), unemployed, was jailed for nine months.

They were among a crowd of people who stoned vehicles and set fire to a signboard on the tram tracks on July 14 in Johnston Road near the Southorn Playground, Wanchai, the court was told.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 3)

(Photo)

Response to ‘Operation Postcard’ magnificent

The response to the Hongkong Tourist Association's “Operation Postcard” has been “magnificent.”

The executive director of the association, Major H. F. Stanley, said yesterday that he was “extremely happy at the magnificent turn-out by residents and visitors alike” who were taking part in the personalised public relations project.

“Operation Postcard” began on Thursday morning and at 1 pm yesterday, a total of 2,740 postcards saying that Hongkong was till as wonderful as ever had been written to people in nearly 60 countries round the world.

Among those who visited the Tourist Association’s four information centres yesterday was Miss Philippa Boxer, BOAC's “Miss Speedbird” who is here on a four-day holiday visit, her prize for winning the airline’s annual personality and beauty contest.

Miss Boxer wrote several postcards to friends in Britain and applauded the Tourist Association’s project. She said the world should be told of the true situation in Hongkong.

“Operation Postcard” will continue for the rest of August or until the Association's large stock of postcards runs out.

Anyone may visit the information centres, ask for the cards and then write messages to friends, relatives or business contacts overseas stating the situation in Hongkong. Return the cards to the Association staff and the HKTA will post them airmail.

The Association's information centres are located at the "Star” Ferry concourses on both sides of the harbour, and on the ground floor of Prince's Building and Realty Building, Central.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (page 5)

Accused of riotous assembly

Four men, who were arrested last Thursday during a disturbance at the Kowloon City roundabout near Kai Tak Airport, appeared before Mr F. de F. Stratton in North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The four men were Leung Wai (40), a cannery worker of 146 Tam Kung Road, fourth floor, Tokwawan; Chan Chin-fong (52), a weaver of 67 Carpenter Road, sixth floor, Kowloon City; Lai Kwong (23), unemployed, of 63 Tam Kung Road, second floor, Tokwawan; and Wong Ting-sau (47), a tailor of 13 Parker Road, Kowloon City.

All four were charged with riotous assembly. No plea was taken.

Inspector K. W. C.  MacKenzie, prosecuting, said the four men were with an unruly mob who hurled stones at buses in the Kowloon City roundabout.

The defendants were remanded until next Saturday.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 5)

TWO MEN JAILED 33 MONTHS EACH FOR LEADING ATTACK ON POLICE

A motor-cyclist and his pillion rider were each jailed for 33 months in Victoria District Court yesterday after they were found guilty of be “leading members” of a crowd which attacked police at the State Theatre in North Point lost month.

But Judge D. A. Davies acquitted two other men of the allegation that they were also among the four motor-cyclists whom police saw directing the crowd to throw stones at their Land Rover on July 11.

“There was just enough doubt to make it unsafe to convict Mak Kin-hung (21), and Fong Kam-pang (19), both air-conditioning mechanics, Judge Davies found.

The “thread of doubt” in their case was that police, in chasing two motor-cycles that fled from the scene, momentarily lost sight of the trailing motor-cycle In the process of shooting at the first one and stopping it.

Also, a third motor-cycle had unexplainably got on to the scene at the end of the chase and its driver was questioned and released.

The police had not, on the other hand, lost sight of the first fleeing motor-cycle, he found, and so he convicted Wong Cheong-sum (43), an electrical shop proprietor, and his pillion-rider, Tsang Yee-ku (43), of having been leading members of an intimidating assembly.

Judge Davies, however, acquitted all four defendants of a charge of riotous assembly and another of directing an intimidating assembly.

The first charge, according to law authorities, required that any “common purpose” involved in the alleged offence must be of a private nature, and the stoning of a cruising police vehicle was of a public nature, he held.

The other charge of directing was brought by the prosecution under the wrong section of Hongkong law, he ruled.

Mr Peter C. K. Chan appeared for Fong on the instructions of M. L. Lam and Co.

Mr David Walsh, Crown Counsel, appeared for the prosecution, assisted by Insector(sic) Deedee Chow.

In South Kowloon Court, four employees of the China Arts and crafts Company in Tsimshatsui, were found guilty of forming part of an intimidating assembly and were each jailed for nine months by Mr J. J. Rhind.

They were acquitted of obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties.

The defendants were Ng Chi-wai (18), Wong Kee-fuk (38), Hui Kit-wan (19) and Hui Kai-ying, a 21-year-old woman.

They were arrested on July 17 after a scuffle with the police, the court was told at a hearing on Friday.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 10)

How fundamental the changes?

It is becoming something of a cliche to say that things in Hongkong will never quite be the same again after our confrontation with the leftist menace.

But, we wonder, just how fundamental have the supposed changes been? Have there been, in fact, any real changes at all? And if there are changes, how deeply do they go?

There is certainly now a greater awareness of certain facts --- such as the need to vastly improve working conditions at the lower levels of our society, the urgency of dealing more adequately with the complex ramifications of the youth problem, the vulnerability of the Colony to political interference by a determined bunch of fanatics, and the dangers of overdependence on a single source of supply for such supplies as food, water and building materials.

But these situations were known and spoken of before May ushered in our summer of discontent. It would be tragic if their widespread popular recognition now did not lead to effective measures to counter or overcome these deficiencies. The current willingness to talk about doing something must be translated into a willingness to act.

There is also the unusual community romance with the police force, while our bureaucrats have----under the stimulation of pressure and praise --- shown themselves more eager to share their knowledge and information had previously been suspected.

Both these conditions of rapport are fragile, and considerable care will be needed to ensure that they survive the transition from emergency to normal conditions.

These are some of the superficial changes that have taken place in our community. With confidence and determination they can be woven into the fabric of society to strengthen improve it for all.

***

SCMP, 6 Aug 1967 (Page 24)

THE TIMES SAYS: H.K. remarkably untouched

London, Aug. 5.

The Times said yesterday it was to Hongkong’s “credit that the ups and downs of incipient crisis have left it remarkably untouched.”

Commenting on the situation in the Colony, the paper said in an editorial: “The origins of the border incidents are obscure and thus hard to provide against, whereas in Hongkong itself firm methods have been bringing good results.

“The verve and ingenuity of a police landing by helicopter on Communist-held buildings,” showed the Government’s policy of seizing and holding the initiative against the violent Communist element was being fully implemented.

Noting that the police were mopping up more of the leftist strongholds scattered about “this crowded conurbation," the paper commented: “The police can do this with confidence because the Communisis who have resorted to violence have indeed become isolated, whereas their hope obviously was that it would be the Hongkong Government that would be isolated from the people.

“On the contrary, the readiness of the people of Hongkong to defend the peaceful life they lead against those who would disrupt it has been well proved in the three months since the trouble began…”

Nevertheless, said The Times, Hongkong had to go on living with the giant next door and the giant was “not in the best of moods.”

- ‘Flies’ -

The New China News Agency, meanwhile, reported that a Peking rally was told yesterday that the British authorities in Hongkong were just “a few files dashing against the wall.”

The remarks were made by Mr Wang Wei-chen, a representative of Peking’s press circles, at the rally to denounce the arrest of leftist journalist and film workers in Hongkong.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 7 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Peking Won’t Let Pressman Come To H.K.

London, Aug. 6.

China has refused to grant the Peking correspondent of the Scandinavian News Agency, Harold Munthe Kaas, an exit visa to go to Hongkong on holiday, the Sunday Times reported here today.

The Sunday Times and its sister paper, the Times, publish reports from Mr Munthe Kaas.

China claimed yesterday that the correspondent, who is a Swedish citizen, and the Swedish Cultural Attache, Mr Jon Sigurdson, had engaged in illegal activities during a mass demonstration in Peking last month.

The Chinese allegation said they wilfully drove their car close to demonstrators, disrupting order, and also turned on a recording machine to make surreptitious recordings.

The official New China News Agency reported that Swedish complaints that the incident was a distortion of facts had been rejected.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 7 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Small Number Of Bombs Found

Army ballistics experts yesterday detonated six crude home-made bombs found in various districts in the Colony.

The first bomb was found at the junction of Johnston Road and Hennessy Road at 10.30 am, the second at a tram stop in Johnston Road, near Gresson Street, Wanchai, an hour later, and the third outside 17 to 18 Bowen Road about 12 noon.

The fourth bomb was, found outside 135 Prince Edward Road, Kowloon, at 3.35 pm. It was detonated on the spot.

The fifth bomb, found hanging on the door of the Chartered Bank's branch office in Fleming Road, Wanchai, was detonated by an Army ammunition expert about 8.15 pm yesterday.

The sixth bomb was found at the junction of Wongneichong Road and Sports Road, Happy Valley, shortly after midnight. It was later detonated by an Army ballistics expert.

A fake bomb was also hung outside the gates of the Chartered Bank's branch office in Fleming Road shortly before 7.30 pm.

- Smashed -

An Army ballistics officer opened the package and found an old biscuit tin containing pieces of rubbish.

The display window of the Kincheng Banking Corpn, a leftist bank in Yee Woo Street, Causeway Bay, was smashed by a large piece of stone, thrown by an unknown person, shortly after midday yesterday.

The window displayed a portrait of Chairman Mao Tse-tung and his quotations.

The Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company last night announced that the North Point to Kowloon City vehicular ferry service would stop at 9 pm in order to carry out repair work to the ramp at the North Point vehicular terry pier.

A company spokesman said it was normal repair work done about twice a year.

He said it was hoped that the repairs would be completed during the night and that normal service would be resumed this morning.

However, if that proved impossible, the company would make a further announcement regarding the resumption of service.

***

7 Aug 1967 [FBIS]

PEKING BLAMES FOREIGN POLICY FAILURES ON USSR

Moscow in English to Africa 2230 GMT 6 August 1967--L

(Text) Who does not know the term "the hand of Moscow--coined by the imperialists many years ago? Red danger, communist threat, the hand of Moscow--all were charges against the Soviet Union dictated by fear of the force of communist teaching and by the desire to hold Moscow responsible for the failures of imperialist policy. Anti-Soviet tricks have failed and their initiators might have discarded the overused terminology were it not for the appearance of a new ally, Peking's propagandists.

The use of such expressions as "the intrigues of the Kremlin" or "the hand of Moscow" by the Chinese press is not accidental. Chinese propaganda is intended to slander the Soviet Union and Soviet communists and blame them for its own political failures. The imperialists set themselves this aim. With the development of the cultural revolution in China, failure continued to increase. The efforts of the Peking leaders to export the teachings of Mao Tse-tung to other countries have met with resolute opposition. The peoples of these countries reject the Chinese attempts to impose these teachings on them as the universal leading force. Moreover, such a reaction to Chinese propaganda can be observed both in capitalist and socialist countries, This is not surprising, The so-called teachings of Mao Tse-tung have not even found a response among the Chinese people, hence such strong and widespread opposition to the cultural revolution in China.

The Chinese exporters of Mao's teachings ascribe their lack of popularity in other countries or at international conferences to the “intrigues of the Soviet revisionists." This is what happened recently in Burma, where there are many Chinese immigrants. China tried to use these immigrants to introduce the chaotic cultural revolution into Burma; naturally, with the Hung Weiping hooligans and the fanatic Mao (?idolators), the Chinese met powerful resistance from the Burmese People, But the Peking leaders are reluctant to admit that the Burmese have rejected their cultural revolution and this is why they continue to blame the "Soviet revisionists" for their failures. In such a way they endeavor to use their bad luck for anti-Soviet propaganda.

Nepal is another example. Nepal has its own borders with China. The Government of Nepal decided to stop the circulation of Chinese propaganda pamphlets and magazines since their contents were aimed at disrupting the friendly relations between Nepal and other countries. Here Peking again declared that the actions of the Nepalese had, of course, been planned in Moscow. The Chinese even described a demonstration on 4 July by British pease supporters in London against China's nuclear policy as an intrigue of the Kremlin,

Anti-Soviet tricks have become the favorite tactics of Chinese propaganda-mongers The Chinese use any excuse for shouting "Down with Soviet revisionism." Everywhere, be it a triumphant meeting of Chinese diplomats kicked out of Indonesia or Kenya or a rally about the events in Hong Kong, the Chinese always resort to propaganda, once again blaming the "hand of Moscow" for the frustration of their plans, Things must be pretty bad if the Chinese leaders have to resort to out-dated imperialist tactics.

***

SCMP, 8 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Courageous Action Saves Police
BOY GIVES WARNING OF BOMB IN PARTY’S PATH

The action of a schoolboy, in complete disregard for his own safety when alerting a police party of a bomb in Shaukiwan yesterday morning, averted a very real possibility of serious injury to policemen.

Wong Hon-ming, 14, dashed out of his house in Shing On Village to warn a police party that a man had just lit a bomb in their path. He told the police he had seen a man place the bomb, light it and run away.

The warning gave the police about 15 seconds to clear people from the area and to take cover themselves.

The explosion, which occurred about 50 yards away from a line of parked police transport, shattered the concrete base of a supporting pillar to one of the houses in the village. Police believe it was a stick of gelignite.

There were no casualties.

Superintendent J. H. Harris, the commander of the search operation during which the incident occurred, commended Wong whose action, he said, had undoubtedly endangered his own safety.

The search operation was mounted at 4.30 am, when a police company, from the Bayview Station, supported “D” Company of the Welch Regiment, sealed Mount Parker, arriving at 6.15 am in positions from which they could observe activity in their target area, comprising Shing On and Holy Cross Path villages, and some caves on the hillside above.

- Hidden Equipment -

In some dense scrubs just below the caves, they found travel bags containing clothing, rubber slippers, Communist literature and Mao badges. These items were all in new condition, and looked as if they had been hurriedly abandoned, Mr Harris said.

There were also a number of red flags planted on the hillside.

Mr Harris said the search had unearthed plenty of evidence of clandestine Communist activity in the area, which comprises the O Pui Lung squatter and residential complex.

A search was also carried out in the premises of the Youths’ Garden Weekly Publications Company on the twelfth floor of No 452 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, about 3 pm yesterday.

A quantity of inflammatory documents was seized, but no arrest was made.

There was no report of bombs being found in Kowloon yesterday.

On Hongkong Island, there was a bomb explosion outside Hongkong and Shanghai Bank branch office in Johnston Road at 7.35am.

It damaged two glass panes of the premises but no one was injured.

About 8.12 am an unexploded bomb was found outside the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank branch office in Hennessy Road.

It was removed by an Army ammunition expert and later detonated.

A packet, suspected to be a bomb, was found on top of a lamp post about 15 feet high on the border in San Lau Street, Shataukok, yesterday afternoon.

- Stoning At Border -

An explosives expert making a preliminary inspection at the scene was attacked with stones by people on the other side of the border.

Another inspection of the suspected bomb will be made at daylight today.

A crowd of about 100 people gathered in Des Voeux Road West near Water Street about 9.45 pm yesterday.

The crowd threw stones at passing trams.

A police party was sent to the scene but the crowd had dispersed before their arrival.

***

SCMP, 8 Aug 1967 (page 6)

Executives Leave Leftist Firms

Several junior executives of left-wing firms have recently left their jobs for fear of being involved in the present troubles, it was learned yesterday.

Some of them have received offers of jobs from friends because of their qualifications, it was further learned.

Meanwhile, women employees of left-wing department stores and offices are wearing Western-style dresses instead of their usual white blouses and black slacks or skirts. Men are also wearing ties and coats.

Guards, who stood watch at the entrances to the department stores during the last three months, have disappeared.

- Little Notice -

Some people working in left-wing firms said yesterday they had taken little notice of the demands made by Communist journals, as well as in leaflets, for the release of Wong Kin-lap, headmaster of the Hon Wah Middle School, and a leader of the “Struggle Committee.” He was taken into custody during the Police raid on Kin Koon Building, North Point, last week.

***

SCMP, 8 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Iron Bars Brandished At Detectives

About 15 to 20 people came out of the Ta Kung Pao, some holding iron bars and shouting, when police detectives attempted to search three men in an alley beside the newspaper premises in Hennessy Road, Wanchai, about 2.40 am yesterday.

The police earlier noticed the three men loitering in the alley, One(sic) was carrying a military-type water bottle. The men refused to answer any questions or be searched.

- Shouts -

As the police attempted to search the man with the water bottle, he shouted to people in the Ta Kung Pao. He ran into the building when the people came out. The police were left holding the water bottle.

The Ta Kung Pao later alleged that the police “assaulted" one of their staff members and “snatched” his water bottle.

A police spokesman described this as “the usual distortion practised by the local Communist newspapers.”

“If the man concerned wishes to recover his water bottle, he is welcome to come here and reclaim it,” he added. “We still have some questions to put to him.”

- Routine -

Referring to another complaint in the same newspaper, that the police had stopped one of their staff cars in front of the New China News Agency offices, subjecting the vehicle and its occupants to a “humiliating” search, the spokesman said this was but one of numerous such searches being conducted throughout the Colony with the object of stamping out the traffic in bombs.

“It was a perfectly routine operation, of the kind we have appealed to the public to co-operate with,” he pointed out. “There was no question of searching this particular vehicle simply because it belonged to a Communist organisation.”

***

SCMP, 8 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Shots Fired in Early Morning Incident

Police fired several shots at a fleeing group of people in Yaumati at 5.30 am yesterday after a man had thrown a parcel at them.

The parcel was thought to be a bomb but was later found to contain newspapers and sand.

A police spokesman said that an Auxiliary police sergeant and a constable saw 12 people putting up inflammatory posters and banners in Nathan Road near Public Square Street.

As they approached, the people started to run away. One of them threw the parcel at the two policemen.

- Warning -

After warning the group several times, the policemen fired five shots. Three other Auxiliary policemen, who arrived at the spot, also fired three shots.

However, no one was injured.

The police later detained a 19-year-old youth and a 14-year old boy for questioning.

***

SMCP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

H.K. Red Leader Defects To Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 8.

Mr Wu Shu-tung (吳叔同 Ng Suk-tung), a leading member of the Hongkong-Kowloon All-Circles Anti-Persecution Committee, has defected to Taiwan.

General Chiang Ching-kuo, the Defence Minister, received him this afternoon, praising and welcoming the former left-wing leader in Hongkong.

Mr Wu was Chairman of Hongkong and Kowloon Publishing Enterprises Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee in Hongkong.---AFP.

[Mr Wu was Managing Director and General Manager of the Chung Hwa Book Co Ltd, the largest left-wing publishing firm in the Colony.]

***

10 Aug 1967 [FBIS] New York Times

Hong Kong Red Defector Doubts Peking Role in Strife

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Aug. 9 (AP) — A Chinese Communist defector from Hong Kong, Wu Shu-tung, said today that anti-British violence in the colony was instigated by Hong Kong Communists without outside direction and had failed to receive full support from Peking.

Mr. Wu, described — by Chinese Nationalist officials as the highest-ranking Communist official to defect, said at a news conference that the Hong Kong leftists thought the British would submit to their domination as the Portuguese had done in Macao.

The Nationalists announced earlier that Mr. Wu, 61 years old, had flown to Taipei. They described him as a chief anti-British agitator in the colony, general manager of the Communist-owned China Publishing Company there and a member of the People's Political Consultative Council in Red China's Kwangtung Province.

However, a British official in Hong Kong said Mr. Wu “so far as we know wasn’t very important in the local Communist hierarchy.”

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

POLICE FIRE ON RIOTERS
Ten Wounded In Tram Stoning Incident
SUSPECTS ARRESTED

(Photo on right)

Police opened fire with riot guns and gas on a crowd of several hundred people who were stoning a tram at the junction of Des Voeux Road, West, and Water Street, shortly after 9 pm yesterday. Ten of the rioters were believed to have been wounded by gunfire but managed to escape.

A tram driver and a conductor were injured in the stoning and taken to hospital where they were treated and discharged. Ten suspects were arrested.

This was the second attack on a tram in the same area in 24 hours. On Monday night a crowd attacked tram in Water Street but dispersed by the time the police arrived.

Early yesterday morning a bomb was thrown into a tram in Wanchai, injuring a conductor and a passenger. A man was later arrested.

Last night's stoning incident began when hundreds of people gathered in the area from Whitty Street to Water Street near the China Merchants Navigation Company building.

The singing and chanting of Communist songs and slogans was heard coming from inside the China Merchants building.

The crowd then started to move about in the street. At 9.10 pm, ten to 20 people stopped the tram in Des Voeux Road West near Water Street.

They threw stones and bottles at the tram, injuring the diver and conductor. The tram had only a few passengers.

Obstacles were placed in the road preventing the tram from moving.

The police moved in quickly and were met with showers of bottles and other missiles from nearby buildings and people in the street.

The police fired tear gas whereupon the crowd dispersed, it later re-formed at various spots.

A party of police from the Western District, assisted by a company from the Eastern District, who were sent to the scene opened fire with riot guns. Wooden projectiles and pistol shots were also fired.

- Seen To Fall -

About ten people were seen to fall to the ground after police opened fire with riot guns. However, they escaped with the help of others in the crowd.

The police later arrested ten people in the vicinity.

When the situation was brought under control shortly before 10 pm, trams and buses which had been held up by the disturbance were escorted away by police.

An eye-witness said that baskets containing bottles were placed at various street junctions along Des Voeux Road West. People were seen taking bottles from the basketsand throwing them to the middle of the street during the height of the disturbance.

The Wanchai tram attack occurred shortly before 6 am when two men threw an ignited home-made bomb at a west-bound tram at the Junction of Johnston Road and Landale Street.

The blast injured a conductor and a passenger who were on the upper deck. The front portion of the tram was also damaged.

Police said the passenger, Wong Pak-wing (19) and the conductor Kwok Kit (30), were slightly injured.

About two hours later, a man suspected of being involved in the bomb throwing was arrested in North Point.

Shortly after moon, an explosion occurred in a taxi parked outside 141 Thomson Road, Wanchai, damaging the vehicle.

No one was injured.

A 29-year-old man, Chan Sai-kit, was seriously injured when an explosion occurred outside Nos 218-220, Argyle Street shortly before 7 pm yesterday.

Following the explosion, police conducted a search on the third floor of No 52, Tam Kung Road, Kowloon City, where two men were arrested and some documents wore seized.

Unexploded bombs were found in Kowloon and on Hongkong Island during the whole of yesterday.

The first one was found outside the Chartered Bank at 7.25 am, the second one was thrown into the Chai Wan Police Station at 10.15 pm and the third one was found in Argyle Street near Shanghai Street at about 10.30 pm.

All three bombs were detonated by explosives experts.

An army ammunition expert was slightly injured when he detonated the bomb found in Argyle Street.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

Army Helps To Set Up Road Blocks

(Photo on left)

The Army was now helping the police to set up road in the New Territories to check on would-be carriers of explosives and home-made bombs, Major Arthur Gooch, Commander of B Squadron, the Life Guards, said yesterday.

B Squadron is one section of the Army performing this duty. Major Gooch's armoured cars and scout cars are used to set up the road while the poles carry out the searches.

The entire operation is directed from an operations room in the New Territories.

- Sharp Decrease -

Major Gooch said that it was hard to estimate the exact success of the road blocks in terms of the number of people arrested or quantity of weapons and explosives seized, but one indication of their effectiveness was discernible from the sharp decrease in bomb incidents in recent days.

He thought that any trouble-maker or hired hand would think twice before carrying explosives from one place to another in the New Territories in view of the snap road checks.

He realised that road blocks would cause a certain amount of inconvenience to the public, but he felt that they were in the best interests of the people, who would undoubtedly realise this.

Major Gooch said although his men worked very hard, and were kept very busy, the work had not affected their high spirits in the least.

“British soldiers revel in hard work when there is a job to be done,” he added.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

SOUGHT BY POLICE

Police are looking for a man, Lau Tat-ping, aged 45, who was seen among a crowd of about 50 demonstrating in Prince Edward Road near Kowloon City roundabout at about 8 pm last Friday.

The crowd stoned and attacked a bus and Lau was believed to have been shot in the right arm when police opened fire to disperse the demonstrators.

His last known address was Hut No B105, 2nd Section, Luen Hop Village, Wongtaisin.

Anyone who may have information to assist the police to locate this man is requested to contact Insp J. Liu of the Criminal Investigation Department, Kowloon City Police Station, Tel 800331 extension 549, or report to any police station.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

U.K. PROTEST TO PEKING

London, Aug. 8.

Britain yesterday strongly protested to China about recent incidents on the border between China and Hongkong, a Foreign Office spokesman said.

The spokesman said the protest was delivered in a Note from the British Charge d’Affaires, to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Peking.

Informed British sources said Britain did not think the incidents were part of a deliberate plan of provocation, but she felt that initially the Chinese Army had taken no action to stop the incidents. Later they did act.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Case To Answer On Riot Charges

Judge D. A. Davies, at Victoria District Court, ruled yesterday that a 21-year-old man had a case to answer on charges of riot and being a member of an intimidating assembly.

Sze Sze, of Flat F, Majestic Building, fourth floor, 315 King's Road, North Point, is alleged to have been a member of a crowd encountered by the police on the night of July 11.

He is further alleged to have thrown a stone at an advancing police platoon.

Mr Michael Wong, Crown Counsel, is prosecuting, assisted by Detective Insp D. D. Chow.

Mr D. G. Willis appears for the accused, Instructed by David Tsang and Co.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

HEADMASTER CLAIMS PROTEST LAWFUL

Ho Lui-ning, headmaster of a Mongkok school, said at Central Court yesterday that he went to Government House on July 15 to “protest against the authorities using forceful methods against schools.”

Ho (44) said he went to Government House with 20 other people, some of them representing the Fukien Middle School and others educational organisations. "When we got to Government House we expressed the purpose of our deputation. We sent two of our representatives to see Inspector Yeung Nam-keung. The letter of protest which we wanted to present was not from the Fukien Middle School but from educational organisations," Ho said.

“Evidence at the Court showed we offered no resistance when we were arrested, which proves we are educated. I believe our protest to Government House was lawful and that we should not have been arrested,” Ho said.

Ho appeared in court together with 26 other people, including seven leftist reporters and 17 teachers, on a charge of unlawful assembly.

Earlier, Mr P. M. Corfe, the magistrate, discharged one of the teachers, Leung Kwok-wing, because of insufficient evidence against him.

Hearing will continue today.

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Intimidation Assembly Charge

The owner of a New Territories China products company and two women appeared before Judge R. O'Connor at Kowloon District Court yesterday on charges of forming part of an intimidating assembly and obstructing a senior police officer in Sheung Shui.

Ma Kam-lung (66), owner of the Chung Shun China Products Co, at 17 Fu Hing Street, ground floor, Sheung Shui, Ma Wan-ching (27), and Ma Sik-ming (21), of the same address, denied forming part of an intimidating assembly at their address on June 25 and obstructing Senior Superintendent Peter Godber in the exercise of his power.

They also pleaded not guilty to another charge of being found in the company of another man who had arms in his possession the same day.

Ma Kam-lung and Ma Wan-ching further denied having in their possession a cargo hook, an axe, a quantity of fireworks and bottles, while Ma Sik-ming pleaded not guilty to having in her possession a quantity of glass bottles.

Ma Kam-lung was additionally charged with having in his possession 14 inflammatory posters to which he pleaded not guilty.

Hearing was fixed for August 22.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Jailed For Having Inflammatory Posters

A 16-year-old youth was jailed for 18 months and a labourer for six months by Mr A. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday for possessing inflammatory posters.

The youth and the labourer, Yau Tin-pik (21), of Southern Building, "B” Block, 11th floor, who appeared separately before the magistrate, pleaded guilty to the charges.

Insp E. L. Coak said that on July 29, a party of police searched Southern Building in King's Road. He added that in a room on the 11th floor, 21 posters of an inflammatory nature were found. The youth admitted he owned them.

In an adjoining room, occupied by Yau, an inflammatory poster was discovered in his suitcase.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

POSSESSION OF BOMB DENIED

Two New Territories residents were charged before Judge R. O'Connor at Kowloon District Court yesterday with having a bomb in their possession, having a bomb under their control without a licence and failing to report an offence of possessing an explosive substance.

Ling Suet-keung (29), and Ling Mun-yau (24), of Tsun Wan, pleaded not guilty,  They also denied being found in the company of another man who had in his possession an explosive substance at 1 San Chuen Pai Village, Tsun Wan on July 20.

Ling Mun-yau denied another charge of being together with other unknown men who had riotously assembled together at Tsun Wan on July 15.

They were remanded in jail custody until August 17 for trial.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Seaman Claims Poster On Ship Not Inflammatory

A seaman claimed at Central Court yesterday that a poster he had plastered on the bridge of the British merchant ship Kinross was not inflammatory.

The poster read: “Hold high the red banner of the thought of Mao Tse-tung and march forward bravely.”

The seaman, Chan Ping-ting (32), a quartermaster on the Kinross, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of putting up an inflammatory poster.

Giving evidence in his own defence, Chan said that the poster was not against the British Hongkong authorities.

“Because I am of this opinion, I helped three fellow workers put it up,” he said.

Mr T. J. Van Rees, the Magistrate, remanded Chan in custody until today.

Insp C. S. J. Wallace opposed bail because, he said, ''the offence was serious.”

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

SHOOTING INCIDENT RECALLED

An Auxiliary police sergeant had to open fire when an object suspected to be a bomb was thrown at him while he was trying to arrest some people on Monday, a South Kowloon Court magistrate was told yesterday.

A group of ten people was at that time trying to put inflammatory posters and a big banner on a lamp post outside a Government school at Nathan Road, near the end of Public Square Street, Insp Tsang Kwong-yuet said.

The crowd dispersed shortly after the sergeant opened fire. Other Auxiliary policemen on patrol assisted and the defendant, Wong Fuk-wo (19), was arrested after a long chase, Insp Tsang said.

Wong pleaded guilty to a charge of posting inflammatory posters and was remanded by Mr T. C. Chan for seven days for a probation officer's report.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 7)

Textile Workers Sent To Jail

Two textile workers were jailed for 18 months by Mr H. S. Daniell at Fanling Court yesterday when they were convicted of riotous assembly.

Law Lee-ming (32) and Lau Hon-ming (29) were arrested on July 29 when police detectives recognised them as members of a mob who had stoned the police in Chung On Street, Tsun Wan, on July 15.

A third defendant, Yeung Lai-cheung (32), was acquitted of the charge.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (page 7)

Woman Reporter Shouts At Magistrate

A woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao shouted at Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court yesterday in protest against what she called “an illegal trial.”

Mr Stratton ordered her to be removed from the dock, and there were no further incidents.

The woman, Wong Ling (34) and four other reporters, Law Yuk-woo (31), of the New China News Agency, Wong Yat-lau (37), of the Wen Wei Po, Chan Tse-fung (32), of the Hongkong Commercial Daily and Ng Choi-shing (32), of the Ching Pao Daily, had pleaded not guilty to charges of making inflammatory speeches and taking part in an intimidating assembly in Wongtaisin on July 29. Ng was additionally charged with possession of an inflammatory poster.

Further hearing was fixed for August 21. The defendants were remanded in police custody.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 9)

Policeman Waylaid And Attacked

An off-duty policeman in civilian clothes was ambushed by six unarmed men in Pottinger Street near Stanley Street, Central, shortly before 11 pm yesterday.

The policeman, identified as Yip Sze-yin was attacked and beaten. He was taken to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment and later discharged.

No arrest was made.

***

SCMP, 9 Aug 1967 (Page 10)

BORDER ‘INCIDENTS’

FRONTIERS --- even if we except that between the US and pre-de Gaulle Canada --- are always sensitive since in modern times they are meeting places not only of nationalities but of ideologies. If, however, there are any disposition to equate Hongkong’s border with China with, say, the Berlin Wall it would be quite wrong. The Wall, completed in August, 1961, was intended (whatever propaganda may have said) to keep East Germans in East Germany. The border is quite different, and the fact that it lies in a restricted area has a quite different significance. The main purpose of the restriction is to permit the rural community which works along both sides of the border to continue with its work, and to pass reasonably freely from one side to the other, without the kind of political hindrance or publicity that now exist in Berlin. The border between Hongkong and China is not fortified. In fact, it is a rural area where, left to themselves, farm people, lorry drivers and suchlike earn their livings without too much political concern.

From time to time since the disturbances began border “incidents” have been reported, as was almost inevitable. But none of them seems to have been serious or planned at any high level to the north, and this applies as much to Shataukok as to the Man Kam To affair on Saturday. Those living in Kwangtung must, naturally, conform to local political practice even though their work may bring them temporarily southward. As a result there have been regular peaceful political demonstrations for several months, which have been accepted here just as all demonstrations of respect for the Chinese leader, Mr Mao, have been accepted provided they did not trespass into the sphere of inflammatory propaganda, which our law forbids. This distinction does not appear to have been fully understood in the Man Kam To area, and Saturday's incident, on full investigation, can be taken as no more than a reasonably amicable exchange of ideas on the subject. There could at one stage have been unnecessary bloodshed. There was in fact a general drinking of tea, brought on a trolley in two buckets from north of the border.

***

SCMP, 10 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

Attack On Bus In Western District
EUROPEAN WOMAN HURT IN BOMB EXPLOSION

More bomb explosions, attacks on and setting fire to vehicles, a police raid on a shipyard and factory, and the disclosure that bombs had been sent in Post Office mail, kept police, firemen and troops on Hongkong Island and Kowloon busy yesterday.

In the raid on the factory and shipyard at Cheungshawan, the police uncovered what they described as “the most professional looking improvised weapons yet discovered in any of their search operations so far.”

Two people, one a European woman, were injured in two separate bomb explosions, but their condition was said to be not serious.

Five people, including a 19-year-old boy, were arrested last night after a crowd stoned a bus in Centre Street in the Western District, a trouble spot during the past three nights.

The incident originated about 8.30 pm when a crowd removed an iron gate on a wall in French Street which leads to the waterfront from Des Voeux Road West.

- Obstacles -

The crowd later threw the gate into the sea.

About 9.15 pm, crowds appeared again in Centre Street where they placed wooden boxes and other obstacles in the middle of the street.

The crowds stoned and damaged a bus regulator's box at the comer of Centre Street.

About 9.30 pm, the crowds stoned a route No 5 bus in Centre Street. The bus was empty at the time.

Nobody was injured, but some windows of the bus were damaged.

Plainclothes policemen in the vicinity later arrested two men. When they were about to arrest a youth, he started to run towards the waterfront.

The policemen gave chase. They fired at the boy with their revolvers when he ignored repeated warnings to stop. About eight rounds were fired, but all missed.

On reaching the waterfront, the boy jumped into the harbour and swam behind some junks.

- Stays In Water -

The police then summoned a Marine Police launch to help locate the boy who remained in the water for about 45 minutes.

When he was finally sighted by a spotlight, he shouted “Help, don't shoot”.

He then swam towards the shore and was picked up by the police.

Two boats, which appeared to be Communist vessels, were seen nearby and were about to pick up the boy before the police launch arrived.

About the same time, other policemen in Centre Street went after two other men believed to be connected with the disturbance.

The two suspects ran and took refuge in a kitchen on the mezzanine floor of 207 Des Voeux Road West.

Occupants of the premises called the police. Two choppers wrapped in newspapers were found inside the kitchen when the men were arrested.

A Government van was set on fire in the Central Government Offices’ car park in Lower Albert Road about 10.45 pm.

Four men and a woman who were seen running away from the scene were arrested.

A parcel inside the van was subsequently found to be a fake bomb.

Three explosions were also heard in the vicinity about the same time.

A European woman employee of the Trade Development Council and a male clerk of the Chinese Manufacturers Association were injured in two explosions resulting from “mail” bombs yesterday.

The European woman, Jacqueline Turner (21), received leg injuries when a parcel under her desk exploded at the Information Office of the TDC on the ground floor of the Marine Deck, Ocean Terminal, shortly before 4 pm.

She was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and her condition was described as satisfactory last night.

The explosion tore the carpet, but damage was not serious.

The CMA clerk, who suffered only slight injuries to his fingers, was not identified.

The explosion occurred shortly afternoon when he was opening a parcel posted in Kowloon.

The manila envelope bore the character c/o Chinese Manufacturers Association, in Connaught Road Central.

According to a spokesman for the CMA, when the clerk opened the envelope, it emitted a flash and black smoke, followed by a small explosion.

He said it appeared that the explosion was triggered off on opening.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Jardine, Matheson Co, Ltd have also received bombs by post.

Mr M. Curran, Hongkong Manager of the Bank, said yesterday the “bomb” was received by post last Friday morning.

It was in a brown paper parcel and was addressed to the Assistant Manager at the Head Office.

The Assistant Manager's secretary opened the parcel and found a magazine inside with a wire attached to it.

Sensing that there was something strange about the parcel, she handed it to the Assistant Manager who realised it was a bomb and notified the police.

“It was a very crude device,” Mr Curran said.

The wire attached to the back of the magazine was connected to a small torch light battery.

This was wired to a small bulb which contained gunpowder.

The bomb sent to Jardines was addressed to a departmental manager.

A company spokesman said it was fortunate that the man had received some demolition training during the war as soon as he saw the wire in the parcel, he realised what it was.

He immediately notified the police who took it away, the spokesman added.

In the General Post Office lane near the P&O Building, a home-made bomb was found in a fruit box shortly after 5 pm.

It was later detonated at the Central Reclamation by Army ammunition experts.

About 30 makeshift bayonets and a number of inflammatory leaflets were found by the police in a raid on a shipyard and factory in Laichikok last night.

- Leaflets -

The raid on the Yiu Lian Machinery Repair Works and the adjoining Kee Hwa Investment Co, Ltd, at No 855 Laichikok Road, was made following tip-offs from people in the area.

The bayonets, most of them found in locked cupboards and cabinets, were described by police officers as “some of the most professional looking weapons” they had yet discovered.

The police arrived at the factory about 7.35 pm. They met no resistance as they entered and secured the premises.

At the time there were more than 30 workers in the premises “lounging about,” a Government spokesman said. They were placed under guard.

The bayonets, measuring from two to four feet long, had grooved flanges screwed into copper sheaths. When closed they looked like ordinary metal tubes.

The police said these weapons would also make efficient spearheads.

A few inflammatory leaflets were found in a paper bag buried in a pile of sand.

Senior Superintendent A. A. Gosden, in charge of the raid, said that some of the weapons were found on the working benches. This indicated that some of the workers were actually in the process of making them before the raid, he added.

The raid was carried out by a platoon of police from Shamshuipo. It was supported by two platoons of the 2nd Bn 7th Gurkha Rifles.

A man found injured in Argyle Street, Kowloon City, on Tuesday night after a bomb explosion and taken to hospital, was yesterday described as being in a serious condition.

It was believed that the bomb was contained in a travelling bag which was being carried by the man, according to the police.

***

SCMP, 10 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

PEKING REJECTS U.K. PROTEST

London, Aug. 9.

China has rejected a strong British protest about recent incidents on the border between China and Hongkong, informed British sources said today.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 10 Aug 1967 (Page 1)

VISITORS TO H.K.
Warning By Japanese Govt Confirmed

Allegations that the Japanese Government has been warning tourists against visiting Hongkong were confirmed yesterday by a Hongkong businessman who was recently in Japan.

The businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous, brought back the translation of a notice which appeared in the Tokyo Passport Office, and a copy of a letter distributed by the Japan Association of Travel Agents to its members.

The notice read: “We have received an advisory from the Foreign Ministry, suggesting the suspension of travel to Hongkong for a while due to the recent and continuing riots.

"But we will accept applications for passports. We request that you refrain from travelling to Hongkong and the Middle East if possible because of unfavourable circumstances.”

The notice to members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents also mentioned “instructions from the Foreign Ministry,” said to be issued on July 14 and based on a report from the Japanese Consul-General in Hongkong.

The letter continued: “As you have noticed in newspapers, the situation In Hongkong is getting more and more radical since the disturbance which occurred at Shataukok on July 8.

- ‘Uncertain’ -

“This unsettled situation is likely to continue for a fairly long time, and many incidents of bloodshed and demonstrations have occurred frequently various parts of Hongkong. Besides, the state of affairs in Hongkong is uncertain as traffic strikes have continued and a curfew has been imposed.”

The letter, which was dated July 20, went on to state that travel agents and passengers should be notified of the fact that it was inadvisable to visit Hongkong.

Mr Matao Endo, Japanese Consul-General in Hongkong, has strongly denied that his Government was responsible for issuing reports waning Japanese tourists that Hongkong was a dangerous place to visit.

***

SCMP, 10 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

MORE ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT GOVT

Another nine representative organisations have pledged support for Government’s firm determination to maintain law and order in Hongkong, bringing to 659 the total number or organisations which have so far publicly stated their support for the authorities.

***

SCMP, 10 Aug 1967 (Page 6)

PASSERBY HURT IN BOMB ATTACK ON POLICE

(2 Photos on right)

A police party trying to break up a shouting mob of teenagers in Ngatsinwai Road in Kowloon City yesterday morning was attacked with a home-made bomb.

The blast injured six passersby, five women and a man. The policemen were not hurt.

Of those injured, a woman, Lau Woon-hing (35), was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Another woman, Ng Lai-yung (50), was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital.

The other four were treated in Queen Elizabeth Hospital and discharged.

The incident occurred at 10 am when the police saw 60 teenagers blocking Ngatsinwai Road.

A police corporal and two constables approached them and saw that some of the teenagers were painting slogans on the road.

They warned them to stop and disperse but the crowd stoned the policemen. Some one then threw the bomb. After this the teenagers dispersed.

A second bomb was hurled from the root of 110-112 Ngatsinwai Road. It landed not far from an ambulance man who was treating those who were injured in the earlier blast. The bomb, however, failed to explode. It was later detonated by Army experts.

The police party was then reinforced by a riot squad, and they searched the building from where the bomb had been thrown. On the first floor they found a reporter of the Ta Kung Pao. He was questioned and released.

- Surprise Search -

The police, acting on information, then went to 23 Sai Sing Street, second floor, Kowloon “Walled” City, and arrested a man who had been seen taking part in the disturbance in Ngatsinwai Road. He was detained for questioning.

Earlier in the morning, a surprise search was conducted by the police at the China Gas Company Chinese Employees’ Association on the seventh floor of 3 Chung Shun Street, Kowloon City.

The police found a large quantity of inflammatory posters, literature and a variety of weapons.

A man was discovered on the premises and three more on the roof directly above.

The two platoons of police were supported by a military platoon on cordon duty.

***

10 Aug 1967 [FBIS]

LPA PROTESTS JOURNALISTS’ ARREST IN HONG KONG

Peking NCNA International Service in English 1240 GMT 6 August 1967--W

(Excerpts) Hanoi, 6 August--In a statement on 2 August, the South Vietnam LIBERATION PRESS AGENCY strongly protested against the British authorities in Hong Kong for their recent fascist crimes of arresting Chinese pressmen there,

On 29 July, the British authorities in Hong Kong once again used violence in arresting the Chinese correspondent, Lo Yu-ho of NCNA, and four other correspondents of the WEN WEI PAO and TA KUNG PAO, and the Hong Kong SHANG PAO and CHING PAO.

The statement expressed its full support for the statement of the Hong Kong Branch of NCNA on 30 July and the statement of the committee of the workers of the WEN WEI PAO and TA KUNG PAO, and the Hong Kong SHANG PAO and CHING PAO to struggle against Persecution by the British Hong Kong authorities. The statement also demanded that the British authorities in Hong Kong immediately free the pressmen who had been unreasonably arrested.