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

The scene at the Jordan Road ferry pier of the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company yesterday morning as a large crowd of office workers took the alternative cross-harbour service to Hongkong Island. Others who were stranded at Tsimshatsui crossed the harbour by motorised junk (above) on payment of $1.

SCMP, 1 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

INFLAMMATORY POSTERS
Exhibitors Liable To Action Under Law
GOVERNMENT WARNING

Government yesterday issued a warning that persons responsible for putting up inflammatory posters and those who permit their display might be rendering themselves liable to action under the law.

An official spokesman said these posters continued to be displayed on some buildings and vehicles on the Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

The posters, he said, attempted to incite violence and law-breaking and sought to spread disaffection among the Police and to generally stir up ill-will in the community.

Some of these posters were still found yesterday on buses and ferries and at various Communist Chinese banks and emporiums.

Newspaper pictorials arid photographs of the recent disturbances were also pasted outside many left-wing shoos and organisations.

- Colony’s Desire -

The Colonial Secretary, the Hon M.D.I. Gass, said yesterday that in the face of disturbances, protests and demands "Hongkong is at enmity with no one.  Our desire is to live peacefully with all without interference."

Government, with the people and the Government of Britain behind it, was not going to weaken in any way in its resolve and determination to end intimidation and violence and maintain peace and good order, Mr Gass stated.

He was replying to Legislative Council speeches by the Hon Dhun Ruttonjee and the Hon F. S. Li, who had praised the "cool resolve and courage" of the Governor, Sir David Trench, and the parts other civil servants, including the Police, had played in the restrained maintenance of law and order.

Mr Gass said that with the "massive support" of the people and the British Government behind the Colony "and the will of the people to go about their daily lives undeterred by violence and intimidation, there is no reason why Hongkong should hot regain its peaceful prosperity and keep it indefinitely."

The Colony was free of any token strikes yesterday.

- Business Improves -

Business was beginning to show improvement after the recent disturbances, but many proprietors feared that it would take some time for trade to return to the predisturbances level.

Several operators of family-type shoe-making industries had ceased work.  They explained that leather dealers had previously agreed to accept post-dated cheques from them.  Since the disturbances, they no longer accepted these cheques.

Also, hard hit were China product emporiums as the number of customers had fallen greatly.

(See also Page 6)

***

SCMP,  1 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

EDUCATION  FUND
Donation From Deaf And Dumb Workers

Twenty-six deaf and dumb workers were among those who helped to swell the Police  Children’s Education Fund to a grand total of $3,200,000  by yesterday evening. 

In a statement  issued  through the Hong Kong Deaf and  Dumb Association, they said the bold arid brave actions of the police "did  touch our hearts."

"We are just some plain workers in this Colony, and money in no easy way, they said.  "Even so, we would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the police by contributing a small sum of money."

They collected a total of $272 between themselves and the money was handed to the Director of the. Commerce and Industry Department, yesterday. 

Monks in two monasteries, also contributed to the fund.

Clutching a walking stick, the Rev Ming Sheong,  Abbot of Lok Yie Yuen and Chie Haw Sun Yuen in Tsun Wain, made his way to the Tsun Wan Police Station to hand over a contribution of $2,000.

- Accepted Gift -

Mr N. G. Rolph, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police,: who happened to be in the police station in the course of a tour, accepted the contribution on behalf of the fund.

A sum of $1,000 was contributed by members of the Union. Church in Kennedy Road.

The Rev Dennis Rogers said the sum was received at the morning and evening services last Sunday When the whole of the normal Sunday offering was devoted to the fund. 

He said the money was for "our gratitude to the police for their superb devotion to duty and to those responsible for the collection and administration of the fund to ensure good educational opportunities for the children of the police force.

A cheque for $27,500, being the joint contribution of the six Rotary clubs of Hongkong, Kowloon and the  New Territories, was handed to the Director of Commerce and Industry by a representative.

The clubs are Hongkong, Kowloon, Island East, Island West, Kowloon West, Tsun Wan,

In handing over this cheque the six Rotary clubs "affirmed their full support of Government in its efforts to maintain law and order and to secure a peaceful solution to the prevailing situation."

(A detailed list of the latest contributors appears on Page 17)

*** 

SCMP, 1 Jun 1967 (page 6)

FOREMAN SAYS HE WAS INNOCENTLY INVOLVED

The foreman of a Kowloon factory described in North Kowloon Court yesterday how he became innocently involved in a disturbance near Kowloon City on May 13. 

Ma Man-ho (24), of 27B, Pak Hai Street, ground floor, Kowloon, was appearing before Mr D. A. Davies on a charge of unlawful assembly.  He pleaded not guilty through Mr I. Bond, of Wilkinson and Grist.

Insp J Ivans alleged that about 5.30 pm on May 13, Ma was a member of a group who shouted and threw  stones at the police.  Tear gas was fired when the mob did not disperse, and Probationary Inspector P. K. Lau, the officer in charge, ordered arrests to be made.  The incident occurred at the intersection of Carpenter Road  and Takkuling Road near Kowloon City.

Ma, in his own defence, said that he was returning from visiting his girl friend when the incident occurred and that he was only passing through the area.  The route he took was described in detail to the court.  He said that he saw "about eight people in front of me"  before he was arrested.

Mr Davies reserved judgment until tomorrow.

(More Court Cases on Page 12)

***

SCMP,  1 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

‘Hongkong At Enmity With No One’- Colonial Secretary
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS PRAISE GOVT 

Legislative councillors yesterday praised Government for its restrained maintenance of law and order and the Governor for his "cool resolve and courage," in spite of a recent illness, in dealing’ with political disturbances.

The Hon M. D. I. Gass, the Colonial Secretary, responded that Government was unafraid and determined, but that "Hongkong is at enmity with no one."

Due praise for Sir David Trench, the Governor, whose name had been the personal target of a number of radical epithets during the disturbances, was the theme on which the Hon Dhun Ruttonjee opened the series of remarks in Council.

He said that Sir David had borne the burden of responsibility for dealing with a two-week crisis which "rank second only to the Pacific War," as far as Hongkong was concerned.

- ‘Inspiration To All’ -

Mr Ruttonjee told the Governor: "Notwithstanding your recent illness, you have taken full control of the situation with a cool resolve which has been an inspiration to us all.   Your courage and determination to maintain law and order, tempered always with restraint, has been an example to all of us in these worrying and difficult days."  

Under the pressure of crisis, the people had stood "four-square" behind Sir David, he added.  They had given and would continue to give the Governor "a vote of confidence of a kind and a unanimity which is the stronger for hot being counted in up praised and nodding heads," he said.

The situation the Colony faced had brought about a unanimity of spirit and purpose which had never before existed.

The gratitude of all in the community, except for a "small and contemptible band," went to Government. Servants, the Police, the "backroom boys" who had been the Governor's aides and advisers, and to the ordinary men and women of Hongkong who had acted. in the crisis, Mr Ruttonjee said.

The Hon F. S. Li, associating himself with Mr Ruttonjee’s remarks, called on right-minded citizens to keep calm, go about "life as usual," disbelieve rumours, keep their children away from political activities and demonstrations and remember that our livelihood can only come from our growing commerce and industry.  This depends not only on our own efforts and hard work but also on the stability of our social and economic life."

- Efficiency -

Mr Li paid tribute to the Commissioner of Police and his men for handling the disturbances with firmness and patience "in the face of deliberate provocation."

He strongly supported the Police Children’s Education Fund and asked Hongkong people to "show their appreciation of the great work done by the police by subscribing to this fund as generously as their circumstances allow."

In reply, Mr Gass put the position of Hongkong simply and clearly.

He said:

"Hongkong is at enmity with no one.  Our desire is to live peacefully with all without interference and Hongkong has shown itself firm in this desire. 

The disturbances and stoppages of work in recent days have come about through the actions of a small minority using despicable means of intimidation and threats of violence. 

"This Government is determined to do all in its power to put an end to this intimidation and violence; it is determined to restore and maintain the peace and good order and confidence in Hongkong which it believes to be the desire of all but a very small number.

"In this we now know that we have the overwhelming support of the people of Hongkong and the full and unequivocal support of her Majesty’s Government in Britain.

"There can be no question of this Government weakening in any way in its resolve and determination.

- Regain Peace -

‘‘With this massive support behind it, and the will of the people to go about their daily lives undeterred by violence and intimidation, there is no reason why Hongkong should not regain its peaceful prosperity and keep it indefinitely."

Mr Gass welcomed warmly the Unofficial Members' expressions and endorsed their expressions about Police discipline and control.

He added that despite the unfounded rumours to the contrary, one death only had occurred in connection with the recent disturbances and that death was not in any way due to police action.

Furthermore, he said, those admitted to hospital with injuries (totalling three policemen and 14 others), had now all been discharged.

Meanwhile, more organisations voiced their support of Government.

The University of Hongkong Convocation declared its wholehearted support for Government and urged its members to strive for the peaceful achievements of economic and social progress in the Colony.

Other bodies that voiced their support were the Lions Clubs, the Chinese Refugees Industrial Organisation (HK) Ltd, Radio Association of Hongkong, the Hongkong Council of Women, the Hongkong Ex-Volunteers Clubs, the Diamond Importers Association and the Council of YMCA of Hongkong. 

***

SCMP, 1 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Jailed For Riotous Assembly
INCIDENT OUTSIDE HOTEL

Three men were given jail sentences, one of 16 and two of 14 months by Mr A. L. Leathlean in Central Court yesterday when they pleaded guilty to riotous assembly.

They were Pang Cheung-pau, Lee Sik-wa and Yu Ping-sing who admitted being among a crowd of 100 outside the Hongkong Hilton on Monday, May 22.

Insp I. Davies told the court that the crowd attempted to go to Garden Road in order to protest at Government House.  They were stopped by the police outside the Hilton and told to split into groups of 20. This warning was ignored. 

The group then started to chant songs and quotations from the thoughts of Chairman Mao and waved little red books, Insp Davies said.

The crowd became very excited and started to abuse the police calling them ‘'running dogs" and shouting to the constables to join them and unite with other Chinese.

They were ignored and eventually came up against the police and tried to jab their fingers into the eyes of the constables. The police party surrounded the crowd and a number of arrests were made.  The defendants were among those caught, Insp Davies Said.

The crowd resisted arrest and fought against the police.  It was necessary for the police to use thelr batons, Insp Davies added.  

Pang was sentenced to 16 months while Lee and Yu were given 14 months each.

A girl who pleaded guilty to the same charge and who was arrested at the same time was remanded till June 2 for a probation officer's report when she told the court she was 15.

Mr Leathlean also reduced the sentence of a 15-year-old boy to six strokes of the cane.  The boy had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to a charge of riotous assembly on May 22 and was sentenced to one year’s jail by Mr Leathlean.

***

SCMP, 1 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

MORE SENT TO PRISON

Three men, charged with rioting in Garden Road and Queen’s Road Central on May 22, were each sentenced to 15 months in jail by Mr P. M. Corfe in Central Court yesterday.

They were: Chu Ting-yung, Li Su-yuen and Ip Lap-sam. 

Three other men, Kok Mau-kwan, Yuen Sai-chung arid Fung Ping-hoi, facing the same charge, were remanded till today. 

Li Tin-choi, Sze Chirig-sung, Chiu Ping-ching and Wong Kwok-cheung, also charged with rioting, will face trial on a date to be fixed.  Sze Ching-sung who was represented by Mr J. N. Smart of Gunston and Smart, pleaded guilty. 

Wing Pak-yu was acquitted from the charge of unlawful assembly while Lee Hong-man was sentenced to four months.  Both had denied the charge.

Before Mr N. P. Power, hearing of an unlawful assembly charge against seven men continued yesterday and was adjourned to today.        

***

SCMP, 2 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

GOVT WORKERS SUSPENDED
Action Taken Following Marine Dept Stoppage

LAW AGAINST POSTERS

Government announced last night that 515 employee of the Marine Department have been suspended from duty pending enquiries and disciplinary action following a work stoppage yesterday over the removal of posters at the Yaumati Government Dockyard.

Government also announced, in a special issue of the Government Gazette, new legal measures to prohibit the display of inflammatory posters.

The new regulations are concerned solely with inflammatory posters which incite violence or lawlessness or which spread disaffection or attempt to undermine the loyalty of the Police Force or Public Service or stir tip ill-will in the community.

They confer special powers on the Police to seize any such offensive posters or to remove or obliterate them.

If prosecutions are instituted, the courts may rule on whether or not any poster is inflammatory.

The regulations impose a criminal liability on all who are concerned with the preparation, distribution and display of inflammatory material and any person guilty of an offence may be liable, on conviction, to a maximum fine of $5,000 and two years’ imprisonment. 

The owners, occupiers and other persons in charge of any buildings or vehicles wilfully displaying inflammatory pasters will be similarly liable under the law. 

A Government spokesman last night explained that the action taken against the employees of the Marine Department followed a work stoppage at 8 am yesterday by maintenance workers, carpenters and crew of launches of the Department.

The stoppage affected about 55 launches of the Department.  

It was learned that representatives of the workers protested to the authorities on Wednesday morning against the the removal of posters from the Yaumati Government Dockyard and demanded that they be replaced. They claimed that the posters were removed on two occasions during the week without their knowledge.

-Meeting-

The workers met at the dockyard yesterday morning making the same protest.  They said they would not resume work until all posters had been replaced.

They claimed that they were not afraid of notices of disciplinary action for misconduct.

About 250 workers, comprising artisans at the dockyard and crews of Government launches, staged a three-hour work stoppage last Friday. 

Early yesterday morning, three Americans were forced to destroy rolls of films after they had taken pictures of some "Star" Ferry workmen at the Tsimshatsui pier. 

The workmen objected to having their pictures taken, and demanded that the Americans destroy the films.

According to a Government spokesman the Americans subsequently destroyed their flms.  There Was no incident.

***

SCMP,  2 Jun1967 (Page 6)

Backing For Law And Order

Four more organisations yesterday announced their support of Government’s firm stand in maintaining law and order in the Colony.

They were the Confucian Academy; the Hongkong Economic Housing Society; the Hongkong Housing Authority North Point Estate Residents’ Association and the Tsang Clansmen Association.

This brought to 513 the number of organisations which have expressed their support of Government.

The Chung Chi College Student Union yesterday called upon workers not to strike in order to solve labour-management disputes unless it was a last resort. 

It also urged them not to get involved in politics, otherwise they would become victims of "political struggles."

***

SCMP, 2 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Five Jailed On Riot Counts

Three bank clerks and two bookshop fokis were given jail sentences ranging from 12 to 15 months in Central Court yesterday, after they had been convicted of riotous assembly in Garden Road on May 22. 

The bank clerks, Kok Mau-kwan (22), Yuen Sai-chung (26), and Li Tin-chol (30) were each jailed for 15 months by Mr P. M. Corfe, the magistrate.

Fung Ping-hoi (20), and Wong Kwok-sheung (31), both bookshop fokis, were sentenced to 12 and 15 months respectively.

Another bank clerk, Chiu Ping-ching (36), Was found not guilty of riotous assembly, but guilty of unlawful assembly.  He was jailed for nine months.

The six defendants had pleaded not guilty. 

Six other men also appeared before Mr Corfe on charges of riotous assembly on May 22. 

The defendants are: Mok Chiu-yin (32), Wong Shing (49), Chan Pun-shek (35), Yik Hoi-tung (35), all bank clerks; Ng Wing-sang (19), a bookshop foki; and Cheung Tse-po (26), a factory worker.        

They have also pleaded not guilty. Cheung is represented by Mr Cheung Wing-in, of Peter Sin and Co. 

Hearing continues today, Insp R. Bryant is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 2 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

INTEREST IN AUXILIARY POLICE

An increasing number of civic-minded people have expressed a desire to join the Hongkong  Auxiliary Police Force to help in the maintenance of law and order in the Colony.

To meet the demand for information, a Chinese leaflet - "How to apply for enlistment with the Hongkong Auxiliary Police Force" - has been published. 

This is one of the three latest Chinese publicity leaflets designed by the Government Information Services for the Public Enquiry Service to explain the workings of Government to the public.

They can be obtained from the Public Enquiry Service centres on the ground floor of the Central Government offices, West Wing, at 480 Lockhart Road in Wanchai and at 86 Tung Choi Street in Mongkok.

***

SCMP, 2 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Taipo People Donate $1,500 To Fund

The generosity of the villagers, merchants and workers of the Taipo district in the New Territories enabled Mr Tang Wah to present a $1,500 cheque to the Police Children’s Education Fund yesterday.

Mr Tang, a member of the Taipo Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Stephen Wong, Chairman of the district's Rural Committee, collected the sum in the space of three days. 

Much of the money came from employees.  The largest donation from any one firm was 200.

The cheque was presented to Mr J. D. McGregor, Assistant Director of Commerce and Industry.

Although it was not the first contribution from Taipo, it was the first time two people from the district had made a special trip to make a donation personally, Mr McGregor ‘said.

- Encouraging -

"It shows the support the people of Taipo have for Government's action," he added. 

A New Territories Administration officer called the gesture encouraging because, he said, it seemed that the leftists, having failed to disrupt life in the city area, had turned their propaganda to the New Territories. 

The day's contributions amounted to $50,000, bringing. the grand total to $3.25m. 

Among the other donations was a cheque for $900 from a group of people of various nationalities - Chinese, English, American, Japanese, Portuguese, Indian, Pakistani and Italian - who are owners and tenants of Wise Mansion in Robinson Road.

The following contributions were acknowledged yesterday: 

Total brought forward, as

published previously .. $2,075,739.57

Cerarts ... 50

P.W.D. Buildings Ordinance Office ... 304.45

"Local Factories" ... 5,650

Employees & Staff of British American Insurance Co. Ltd.  ... 525

Leung Man King ... 10

Lam Cheung Lee ... 20

Fung Yue ... 50

Staff of Malaria Bureau ... 23

A group of members of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce ... 31,540

"An old resident of the colony" ... 500

A Cultural Academy ... 1,000

The Confucian Academy ... 1,000

The Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce of H.K. ... 100

"H.K.  Factories" ... 13,000

Staff and patients of  a clinic ... 155

The Staff of  the Treasury ... 1,250

A H.K. Bank  ... 1,000

The Radiotherapy Division of Q.M. Hospital ... 315

H.K. Council of Women ... 200

A teacher in a Kowloon school ... 170

Teaching Staff of  Maryknoll Fathers' School ... 2,002

A Canadian-Chinese Joint Venture Company ... 1,500

A N.T. Clinic ... 201

Hotel staff ... 1,010

Engineering Equipment Co. Ltd. Staff & Daily Workers ... 1,475

Medical & Health Dept. Staff ... 3,419.20

Pope Plus XII Primary School ... 2,500

Pope Plus XII Extension School ... 2,500

The doctors & staff of a medical practice ... 1,500

"An American" ... 25

Committee & Members of  the H.K. Aircrew Officers Association ... 3,000

H.K. Bird Watching Society ... 150

"C.C.C." ... 100

A chemical factory in Kwun Tong ... 500

"Anonymous Singapore citizen" ... 100

Contributions from individual Chinese and European residents ... 32,324

Contributions from Hongkong factories, firms, schools, and associations  ... 73,735.25

Accumulated Total ... $3,158,633.47

***

SCMP, 3 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

MANY SUSPENDED SLIPWAY WORKERS RESUME DUTY

(photo) 

(Police. keep watch at the main entrance to the Government slipway in Yaumati in case of trouble but the day proved to be a quiet one. )

More than half of the 531 Marine  Department employees suspended from duty following a strike on Thursday were allowed to return to work yesterday after they "cleared"  themselves.

The 275 slipway workers and seamen satisfied Marine Department officials that they were acting under duress or had been unable to avoid involvement - such as being in a launch whose other crew members had stopped work. 

Seventeen men who received suspension notices at the Yaumati Government slipway in the morning either could not, or did not attempt to, clear themselves.  Another 239 men did not show up for work.

Thirty-five Marine Department launches were in operation in the afternoon but another 31 craft were laid up because there were not enough crew members on hand.

Mr C. E. Hulse, Assistant Director of  Marine, Port Administration, said that vessels of the Marine Police and other departments were not affected as they were manned by these departments’ own personnel.

Mr Hulse said he had been made aware by some men who returned to work that some employees were afraid to do so for fear they would get into trouble with others.

"They should have no fear," he said.  "We have impressed on everyone that we are upholding law and order."

"Mr Hulse also said that just before the strike on Thursday, 105 workers had asked to be allowed to go on leave.   This was "unusual," he said, but the request was granted.

He expected them to return to work when their leave expired.

- No Incident - 

The day at the slipway passed quietly although a platoon from the Police Emergency Unit and another from the Yaumati Division, under the direction of Senior Superintendent  M. C. Illingworth, were stationed in the slipway as a precautionary measure.

When the gates opened, officials were present to hand out the suspension notices as the men arrived.  But eventually the men were given the opportunity to clear themselves before the notices were given out.

The only incident occurred just before 8 am when 200 workers who had been involved in the strike attempted to gain entrance to the slipway but were not allowed to do so.

They stood opposite the main entrance to the slipway for some time before marching to the Marine Department Chinese Workers’ Union in Man Wai Mansions in Saigon Street.  There they chanted Communist slogans.

The letters of suspension, signed by  Mr W. J. K. Booth, of the Colonial Secretariat, which were to be handed to the workers, reads:

"I have to inform you that, in view of your actions on Thursday, June 1, 1967, you are forthwith interdicted from duty with immediate effect under the terms of Colonial Regulation 61 pending the institution of disciplinary proceedings with a view to your dismissal and that you will cease to perform the duties of your office during the period of your interdiction in accordance with Establishment Regulation 513.  

"A further letter will be sent to you concerning disciplinary proceedings to be taken against you.

"During Interdiction you will receive 50 per cent of your salary if you are a single man or married without children, or 75 per cent of your salary if you are married with children."

The strike came after employees objected to the removal of anti-Brltlsh posters from the slipway walls and their replacement by notices saying that inflammatory posters were banned - as ordered by Government.

China yesterday claimed that the ban on inflammatory posters "showed that the Hongkong Government is resolved to continue its hostility towards the Chinese community," Reuter reported.

In a dispatch from Hongkong, the official New China News Agency said the ban revealed Government’s "weakness" and foreshadowed further suppressive actions.

Of late, "patriotic" Chinese residents in the Colony were being "openly and secretly" arrested by plainclothes men, it said. 

British special agents had been observed carrying out their activities in the vicinity of the Hongkong branch of NCNA and the Bank of China.

Yesterday morning, these agents resorted to "wanton provocation" of NCNA staff members, it alleged.  The agency, however, did not elaborate further on the incident.

***

SCMP, 3 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Colony Back To Normal, Filipinos Told

Manila, June 2. 

Hongkong is back to normal and the tourist trade "is functioning as efficiently as ever," a visiting official of the Hongkong Tourist Association said today.

Mr Jeremy Carlos-Clarke, Public Relations Manager of the Association, also reported that the Communist Chinese had "little influence" on the recent Hongkong rioting.  He said "95 per cent of the population" supported the Government.

Mr Carlos-Clarke disclosed that the number of visitors to Hongkong was down four per cent during and immediately after the riot. 

He said he regretted that Filipinos accounted for three per cent of the drop. 

"I’m here to allay fears about the Hongkong situation," the official said.  "Hongkong is now quiet and everything has returned to normal.        

"There is no appreciable fall in the number of visitors coming to Hongkong and tour operators, shops and other aspects of the tourist trade are all functioning as efficiently as ever." - UPI.

***

SCMP, 3 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

IN MACAO
H.K. Newspaper Banned As More Posters Go Up

The Hongkong newspaper New Life Evening Post has been prohibited in Macao, according to a report from the Portuguese province.

The report said copies of the newspaper were not on sale in Macao on Thursday, and that newspaper vendors there had been, intimidated by leftists and told to sell only leftist publications.  Leftist elements also strove to stop independent Hongkong newspapers from entering Macao in order to control the residents’ ideology, it claimed.

The New Life Evening Post, in a front page editorial, said yesterday that prohibition was tantamount to a violation of human rights and freedom of the press.         

Deploring the prohibition, the editorial said the newspaper was a completely independent vernacular, and would not be subjected to prohibition and persecution by any ruler except in a Communist-ruled area.

- New Posters -

"Yet such a fate has befallen us in Macao which is not ruled by Communists," it declared.

Meanwhile, Our Own Correspondent reports that new "anti-imperialist" posters were put up in several places in the city yesterday by local leftists.

The policy of the present phase of the campaign against the British and their "allies and running-dogs" is "bigger and better" propaganda, resulting in the appearance of large-sized cartoons in central Macao where more people are able to see them. 

The main entrance of the Post Office is flanked by two of these new posters, while a 40ft sign, showing a group of workers with their arms raised in challenge was erected on bamboo scaffolding above the entrance of the Apollo Theatre. 

The campaign is employing both visual and aural methods, and in the latter case strong loudspeakers at the Praia Grande football ground, the Apollo Theatre and carried through the city by a taxi decorated with red banners and a portrait of Mao Tse-tung noisely stress the Communist view that "the East is Red."        

The Hongkong Government's warning against inflammatory posters in the Colony has apparently spurred Macao leftists to greater efforts and teams of men have been going from house to house and shop to shop in several districts, collecting donations for the "anti-persecution" campaign.

***

SCMP, 3 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Police Fund Reaches $3.28m

The Police Children’s Education Fund has reached $8.28m.

Yesterday's contributions included $27,500 from the Rotary Club of Hongkong and $20,000 from the Hongkong Weaving Mills Association. 

The following donations were acknowledged:

Total brought forward, as published previously ... 3,158,693.47

HK Trade Development Council ... 475

Chung Chi College Student Union ... 150

Pacific House Ltd. ... 300

A group of members of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce ... 3,034

Medical & Health Dept. Staff of S.C.A ... 431.20

Chinese University of Hongkong ... 7,752

Merchant Navy Officers Guild ... 930

Rotary Club of Hongkong ... 27,500

Kai Tak Supersonics ... 2,500

The Sanpokong Kaifong Association, The Wongtaisin Kaifong Association, The Tszwanshan Kaifong Association, The Taihom Village Kaifong Association, The Yuen Ling Kaifong Association, The Ngautaukok Kaifong Association ... 1,000

The Secretariat Staff of the Federation of Hongkong Industries ... 225

Malaysian / Singapore Air Line ... 160

Fanling Babies Home ... 25

St Annes Parish Council ... 50

Mr Chan Sau-fat ... 20

Chun Hing Arcade Kaifong Mutual Aid Society ... 100

Staff of Grantham Health Centre ... 120

Kowloon Cricket Club ... 765

Hongkong Weaving Mills Association ... 20,000

Tsing Yi Overseas Chinese Fraternal Association ... 727

New Territories Women & Juvenile Welfare Association ... 200

T.D. No 1380 ... 100

The Chinese & Expatriate Staff of a local Publication ... 255.60

Contributions from individual Chinese and European citizens ... 21,391.45

Contributions from Hongkong factories, firms, schools, and associations ... 34,071

Accumulated Total ... $3,281,317.72

***

SCMP,  3 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

STATEMENT IN COMMONS
Deliberate Challenge To H.K. Authorities By Communists
U.K. WANTS FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH CHINA

London, June 2

Britain said yesterday that although local Communists had deliberately challenged the authority of the Hongkong Government she would continue to seek "friendly and good neighbourly relations with China."

Mrs Judith Hart, Minister of State at the Commonwealth Office, put forward the British attitude when she made a statement in the House of Commons on the recent disturbances in Hongkong.        

She rejected allegations that the Hongkong Government had been acting out of motives of enmity towards China during the disturbances.

The trouble, she said, began as a genuine labour dispute but was exploited by Communists with the aid of hooligan elements, some of whom were paid.

- Britain’s Desire - 

In reiterating Britain’s desire for amicable relations with China,  Mrs Hart stressed,  however,  that the Hongkong Government had a duty to maintain peace, order and good government for the benefit of all sections of the community.

"...We have  given them (the HK Government) clear assurances of our complete support and determination to fulfil our responsibilities in Hongkong." 

Mrs Hart said the disturbances had their beginnings in an industrial dispute in two factories producing artificial flowers.  This had led to minor incidents on May 6.

"But what began as a genuine labour dispute then changed its character on May 11. 

"Organised demonstrations were mounted as a direct and deliberate challenge to the authority of the Hongkong Government.  In some cases these were orderly but in others they led to disturbances involving police action.  There has been open incitement to violence and to disaffection.

"Up to May 17, the demonstrations were confined to parts of Kowloon: thereafter they spread to Victoria on Hongkong Island.  Processions, large gatherings of people and the sticking of poster on public buildings and at the entrance gates to the grounds of Government House, although unlawful, were tolerated so long as the demonstrators remained fairly orderly, although noisy.

"On May 20, disorder and violence became part of the pattern of demonstrations and it was necessary to disperse further unlawful processions and assemblies.  Orderly groups of 20 persons were still permitted to present petitions at Government house.

Throughout the disturbances, Mrs Hart said, the Hongkong police had been able to control the situation with the minimum force.  Firemen had been used on only one occasion when a constable over whom petrol had been thrown fired three revolver shots and wounded one man. 

"The greatest restraint has been exercised throughout by the police despite extreme provocation.  The Secretary of State and I had already paid public tribute to them in Hongkong and I do so again.  I would like them to know how much we admire their restraint in these very difficult circumstances.

"Thirty-six police and 70 demonstrators were reported as injured.  Of these, three police and 14 others were admitted to hospital but have since been discharged.  There was one death, that of a bystander who was killed by a stone.

"Eight hundred and fifteen persons were arrested of whom 65 have been released or acquitted.  Of the remainder, 565 have been convicted and 185 cases are pending.  All those who were arrested are being dealt with by the normal processes of the law.

- Contrast -

"The House may feel that these facts contrast somewhat with other reports which have appeared elsewhere, alleging for example that on one day alone at least 200 compatriots were killed or severely injured.’ Since May 22, there have been no demonstrations.  But there have been a series of token stoppages."

In Hongkong itself, she said, there had been widespread and forthright public support for the measures taken by the Hongkong Government to deal with violence, Intimidation and hooliganism and to preserve order.  The Governor had received messages of support from more than 500 representative organisations.

- Work Resumed -

"My latest information is that work at both the factories Involved in the original labour dispute has now been resumed.

"Honourable members may wish to know that for some time now improvements in labour conditions have been under consideration in Hongkong, and I am in consultation with the Governor about changes in the labour laws which, I think we all feel, would be timely; they include such matters as hours of work for women and young persons and conciliation machinery.  For the future we must hope that good sense will prevail."

"Finally," Mrs Hart said, "I wish to pay tribute to the calm and courageous leadership during these difficult times, of the Governor, Sir David Trench; to the ability and the determination shown by the whole Hongkong administration and to the splendid behaviour of the police; and to the spirit of the people of Hongkong generally." 

***

SCMP, 3 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

DISORDER OFFENCES
Girl Was ‘Ordered To Demonstrate’

A 15-year-old girl who obeyed an employer's order to take part in the recent disturbances was sent to a girls’ home for six months by Mr A. L. Leathlean in Central Court yesterday.

The girl pleaded guilty to the charge before Mr. Leathlean on Wednesday.  She was remanded for a probation officer's report when she claimed to be 15. 

The probation officer yesterday produced a birth certificate which proved that the girl became 15 in March.  She also told the probation officer that she was forced by her employer to take part in the protests at Government House.

Before sending her to the home, Mr Leathlean said that "no one, however old, should take these orders from anyone."  He stressed that if she had been an adult he would have had to send her to jail.

- Other Cases -

The 32 defendants being tried in another court for unlawful assembly yesterday elected to give unsworn statements in their own defence. 

Each in turn told a similar story about how he or she was among a group in Upper Albert Road on May 22 and was told by police to turn back and proceed by way of Garden Road.  This warning was closely followed by the police driving the crowd towards the railings outside house No 1.  Arrests were made soon after.

All the defendants except seven have made this unsworn statement.

Hearing continues today Before Mr N. P. Power were four bank employees, an apprentice and a wig-factory worker, who denied a charge of being riotously assembled with other people on May 22.

 - A Crowd -

Assistant Superintendent J. P. Wilson, in giving evidence said that there was a crowd in Garden Road who were on their way to Government House to protest.  They had refused to regroup in 20s, and had tried to break the police lines.  The first attempt was unsuccessful, so the rioters regrouped and charged again.  This time, they tried to kick the policemen on the knees or groin and even punched them or poked their eyes.

Several were then arrested, Mr Wilson said.

The defendants are: Chan Hon-ting, Chan Chi-keung, Yeung Chi-keung, Chu Po-huen, Lam Chu-hung, and Cheung Lung-kee.

In another court, Mr P. M. Corfe said he would give judgment today on four bank clerks, a bookshop foki and a factory worker charged with riotous assembly on May 22 in Garden Road. Central.

They are Mok Chiu-yin (32), Wong Shing (49), Chan Pun-shek (35), Yik Hoi-tung (35), all bank clerks; Ng Wing-sang (19), a bookshop foki, and  Cheung Tse-po (26) a factory worker.  The six pleaded not guilty.

- Six Women -

Also before Mr Corfe yesterday, six women denied that they had taken part in a riotous assembly on May 22.  They are Hui Sau-kuk (18), Yau Wan-ling (22), Chau Lai-wan (26), Cheung Yeung-ling (33), Leung Sau-ying (26), all bank clerks, and Yu Siu-ehun (21), a factory worker.  Yu is represented by Mr Cheung Wing-in, of P. H. Sin and Co.

Hearing continues today.  Insp R. Bryant is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 4 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Chinese in Colony called on to prepare overthrow British rule
H.K. FACES NEW PEKING THREAT

Peking, June 3.

China today openly called on Chinese in Hongkong to organise and prepare themselves for a possible call from Peking to overthrow British rule in the Colony.

In one of the toughest pronouncements on the Colony by China’s Communist leaders since they took power 17 years ago, Hongkong Chinese were told to mobilise themselves "to launch a vigorous struggle against the wicked British imperialists."

An editorial in the Communist party newspaper, the People's Daily, said the Hongkong Chinese should "be ready at all times to respond to the call of the great motherland to smash the reactionary rule of British imperialists."

- Aim of  article -

The editorial was splashed across the front page of the paper under a banner headline saying "resolutely strike back at provocations of British imperialism."

The article was seen here as a move to make a threat felt to the British in the Colony.

It came nearly three weeks after a Chinese Government statement calling on Britain to meet the demands of Chinese workers in Hongkong who triggered on recent riots.

"Our patriotic compatriots have started a counter-offensive.  They must keep on struggling against the obstinate enemy ... so as to topple and discredit British imperialism," the article said.

The editorial was also broadcast throughout China by Peking Radio at dictation speed - the practice with all important statements and editorials conveying the views of the Chinese leadership.

But although Hongkong's leftists were called on to "be ready at all times" for Peking's word, the exact intention behind this was left vague and there was no mention of the time when a call might be expected.

- No relaxation -

At the very least, observers said, the article appeared intended to unsettle the Hongkong authorities and remind them of the position of the tiny Colony in relation to the vast mainland.

It removed any impression that Peking was letting its interest drop in the current Hongkong situation.

Referring to what it called the "monstrous crimes" of the British, the editorial said that "we must ... arouse the masses to condemn them, make them known to every family in Hongkong so that the masses can thoroughly recognise the aggressive, reactionary and decaying nature of British imperialism."

Some 50,000 people waved the red book of Mr Mao Tse-tung's quotations and shouted slogans at a mass rally in Canton last night to express support for the Hongkong leftist Anti-Persecution Committee. - Reuter.

At the monthly meeting of the Executive Council of the Tai Po Rural Committee yesterday, a village representative questioned the Chairman's right to advertise in the name of the Committee giving its support to Government in maintaining law and order during the days of the disturbances.

Mr Wong Yuen-cheung, the Chairman, told his questioner, Mr Wan Siu-sang, that it was not his intention to sign his name on behalf of the Committee but he had done so in his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Committee.  Mr Wong said that as Chairman, he had the right to do so.

Mr Wong further said that according to the constitution of the Rural Committee, it was obligatory to support Government in the maintenance of law and order.

- Workers return -

Mr Wong added: "I know that all inhabitants living in the Taipo area desire law and order and I consciously think that I have not made any mistake in giving Government my support."

Meanwhile, more workers returned to work at the Government slipway in Yaumati yesterday, following a strike last Thursday.

A total of 540 workers representing 62 per cent of the work force, reported for work at 8 am.

Two more workers received suspension notices yesterday morning, making a total of 19.  Another 215 notices had been sent by post to more than 200 workers interdicted from duty following the work stoppage over the removal of anti-British posters from the slipway by the authorities. 

***

SCMP, 4 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Police visits over posters

Police yesterday visited a number of premises in the Colony to give advice about the law relating to the display of inflammatory posters.

The premises included bus depots and left-wing bookshops, banks and department stores.

Government on Thursday announced new legal measures to prohibit the display of inflammatory posters.

As required under the law, action will now be taken to remove or obliterate any of the inflammatory posters still remaining on display.

***

SCMP, 4 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

First task for united community

"What now?" asks the Catholic weekly Sunday Examiner, in an editorial on "Our united community."

After paying a tribute to the spirit and loyalty displayed by the community in the disturbances, the paper goes on, "Are we to relapse into the get-rich-quick rat-race that is the spectacle that Hongkong often presents to chance visitors?  Should we not rather cherish this concord we have found and go forward as a united community to build a new and better Hongkong?”

The publication asserts that during the crisis "we have been conscious of many defects that could not be attended to in the moment of crisis, but which should have been corrected long ago."        

It adds, "... We have seen that schools should not be allowed to function as nests of disaffection by our Education Department; we have realised that workers would not so easily be intimidated into joining strikes if they had been given a proper share in the prosperity of the Colony .... "

The Examiner maintains that there is plenty of room for improvement in Hongkong, "and a united community which can resolutely support Government in a time of crisis can also insist in normal times on the improvements being made, even if the form of government is not changed - we reflected privately last week on how fortunate it was that we had not an elected parliament to debate the next move."

The Sunday Examiner suggests that improvements should begin with labour legislation.

"Our crisis started with labour disputes and few will deny that the workers have genuine grievances; these should be remedied.        

"We have developed a new life, a new economy, since the war and we can claim to rank with the developed nations, but our labour laws have not shown, as they should have done, a parallel development.

"This is a matter in which our Government should not be neutral: hours of work and wages should be scrutinised, and the workers of Hongkong, on whom our prosperity depends, should be guaranteed adequate remuneration and reasonable working conditions."

The Examiner thinks it is time we introduced some form of social insurance.

It goes on: "The public responded to firm Govemment leadership in the days of acute crisis.  It will also respond to firm leadership in dealing with the less dramatic but not less important duty of dealing with these urgent needs. 

"That is the first task for our united community, if we proceed to do that, we shall indeed be developing a mature and responsible community life."

***

SCSP, 4 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

CONDITIONS OF WORK
LABOUR DISPUTE IN SANPOKONG AIRED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

London, June 3

A Labour Member of Parliament, Mr Ernest Thornton, yesterday questioned the Government about the working hours at the Kowloon plastic factory where a lock-out of workers recently led to violent disorder.

He asked in the House of Commons what were the normal working hours per day and per week for adult males and for women and young persons.

Mrs Judith Hart, Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs, replied:

"The dispute referred to concerned only the injection moulding department of the factory in question.

"The workers in that department were all adult males whose normal working hours, were seven hours a day or 49 hours a week.

"They worked eight-hour shifts with one hour off for meals and rest, seven days a week." 

Mrs Hart added: "The normal working hours for adult males in other departments of the same factory varied between nine hours and 10 and a half hours daily, according to the nature of the work; they worked a normal working week of seven days.

"Normal working hours for Women and young persons of 16 years or over at the same factory were 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week, with one rest day each week.

"Normal working hours for other young persons were eight hours a day or 48 hours a week with one rest day each week.

"From the information available, it appears, however, that the dispute had no connection with hours of work, but arose on other questions." - Reuter.

***

SCMP, 4 Jun 1967 (Page 12)

LABOUR LAWS

WHEN an emergency reaches crisis proportions it often unites people of differing races, beliefs and classes in a way that nothing else can.  We have had a classic example of this in Hongkong over the past few weeks. 

As Mr Dhun Ruttonjee told the Legislative Council, the situation has brought about a unanimity of spirit and existed in the Colony.

This, we believe, is true.  Certainly, in 1941- the only comparable occasion - there was tragically little unity on the civilian front where morale was very low, though it is pertinent recall that the very people who spat on British troops and shouted banzais were soon disillusioned and four years later genuinely welcomed the return of colonial rule.

It is not disparaging the outstanding Governors we have had since the War to suggest that one would perhaps have to go back to Sir Cecil Clementi to find a Chief Executive who has captured the imagination of the Chinese population to the extent that Sir David Trench has done.

He has united all sections of the population - except the minority of dissidents out to make trouble - so that the prestige of Government as a whole has never stood higher.  It is the right time, therefore, to do something not only to retain but strengthen the people’s support.  More comprehensive labour legislation, with more teeth to ensure compliance, and honest rethinking of our attitude towards youth, are top priority.

The assertion in the House of Commons by the Secretary of State that changes in the labour laws would be timely, is adequate indication that London understands the need, and Mrs Hart’s reference to hours of work for women and children, and to conciliation machinery, show along what lines Government is thinking.

It is imperative, however, to translate thinking into action.

Several of our big firms have shown a pleasing willingness to do this by handing out extra financial rewards to their staffs.  This is a policy which should be more widely adopted, and perhaps we may even reach the stage when as profits increase so automatically do the workingman’s wages.

It would be one way of making workers feel that they really belonged, and were not merely being used as automata.

***

SCMP, 5 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Governor Gives Tea Party In Fanling

(Photo)

The Governor, Sir David Trench,  yesterday entertained representatives of the Heung Yee Kuk to tea at Fanling Lodge. During the informal party Sir David expressed his appreciation of the loyal support given by the Kuk.

Photograph shows some of the guests with Sir David (left to right):  Miss Leung Sing-tak, Mr Cheung Yan-lung, Mr Man Chu-shek and Mr Lo Chi-chung.

***

SCMP, 5 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

H.K. Dailies Boycotted In Macao

A boycott of at least eight Hongkong newspapers has gone into effect in Macao, it was learned yesterday.

On Saturday, newspaper hawkers under the influence of leftist elements did not collect their copies of the Kung Sheung Daily News, the Kung Sheung Evening News, the Tin Tin Yat Pao, the Nam Wah Man Pao, the Hongkong Times and Shin Pao on their arrival in Macao.         

Earlier last week, newspaper vendors had refused to sell the Truth Daily and the New Life Evening Post.        

Spokesmen for the newspapers concerned said yesterday that their daily publications had not been banned by the Portuguese Government but by the leftists in Macao.        

Meanwhile, other sources said leftists had attempted to force several right-wing correspondents in Macao to join their union, but had not been successful.

***

SCMP, 5 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Poster Prohibition Clarified
CLEAN-UP OPERATION CARRIED OUT

Government yesterday clarified various points about the scope and intention of the emergency, regulations brought in last week to prohibit the display of inflammatory posters.

The clarification followed a major clean-up operation on Saturday night in which leftwing posters at all the major display points, including public transport, were removed.

Explaining the purposes of the Emergency (Prevention of Inflammatory Posters) Regulations 1967, a Government spokesman said they were in no way directed against any thought or opinion which was not inflammatory.

"These regulations have as their object the prevention of the public display of posters containing inflammatory matter, which may be briefly described as posters displaying material which contains: any incitement to violence and law-breaking, any attempt to spread disaffection and to undermine the loyalty of the police force and the public service, or any attempt to stir up ill-will in the community," he said.        

"An inflammatory poster is any poster or any photograph or reproduction of any photograph, whether or not accompanied by any written or printed matter, or any banner or similar device, which is or contains inflammatory matter in any form, shape or manner whatsoever."

In their clean-up operation, which covered both Hongkong Island and Kowloon, the police either removed the leftwing posters or simply obliterated them.

The Government spokesman, said the operation followed earlier action in which police visited and telephoned various premises to advise occupants of the prohibition on inflammatory posters.

"Many of the posters were taken down voluntarily by the people responsible for the places on which they appeared," he said. 

Meanwhile, the police are investigating four threatening letters sent to Mr Wong Yuen-cheung, Chairman of the Taipo Rural Committee, after he announced his support of Government’s action in maintaining peace and order in the Colony.

The letters were signed by "a group of villagers," "a group of patriotic youths" and "a group of book shop staff."

- Accusation -

At a meeting of the Taipo Rural Committee on Saturday, a committee member, Mr Wan Shui-sang,  accused Mr Wong of using the Committee’s name to announce his support of Government action. 

He also accused Mr Wong of having "betrayed" the people of Taipo.

Mr Wong declared the meeting closed when Mr Wan attempted to ask further questions on politics.

In Taipo yesterday, a reporter of a Chinese paper was assaulted when he photographed a man distributing leftwing papers.

The reporter, Mr Leung Tay-choi, of Sing Po, was surrounded by a group of people and a struggle ensued when he refused to hand over the film from his camera.

Mr Leung, who was assaulted in Sanpokong during the troubles there, was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Government Information Services yesterday denied a report which stated that three employees of the Waterworks Department had been detained by the police and that they would be deported. 

The GIS also confirmed that a telegram containing several representations was received at Government House yesterday from Mr Leung Wai-lam, of the New China News Agency branch in the Colony.

However, the points raised had already been fully covered by both the British Government and the Hongkong Government and no further action on the telegram was contemplated, it added.        

In Peking, demonstrators crowded round the gate of the residence of Britain’s Charge d'Affaires on Saturday night, chanting slogans in support of the latest Chinese pronouncement on Hongkong.

The demonstration followed an exhortation by the People's Daily for Hongkong Chinese to "be ready at any moment to respond to the call of the great motherland and smash the reactionary rule of British imperialism," Reuter reported. 

But although the pronouncement was couched in some of the strongest terms ever heard from Peking over the Colony, diplomatic observers noted that it omitted all mention of a five-point demand made by the Chinese Government "three weeks ago on the satisfaction of leftist workers’ wishes in Hongkong.

The main impact of the statement was that It clearly announced China's intention of not letting the situation that has developed over labour disputes and leftist agitation in Hongkong dle away quietly.

Radio Canton reported that about 20,000 workers, peasants, students and cadres held a rally on Saturday in a sports stadium in Canton to protest against the "Fascist atrocities" of the British in Hongkong.

***

SCMP, 5 Jun 1967 (Page 6) 

Criticism Ruled Out Of Order

Two committee members of the Saikung North Rural Committee were ruled out of order at a meeting on Saturday when they criticised measures taken by Government to maintain peace in Hongkong.

The ruling was made by the Vice-Chairman at a meeting held in Taipo to discuss the formal opening of the committee’s new and permanent office there.

A Government spokesman yesterday said two leftwing papers incorrectly reported that the meeting had been called to discuss measures taken by Government to maintain peace in Hongkong.        

The new office has been paid for from contributions collected from Saikung villagers, both in Hongkong and abroad, and with a Government grant of $10,000.

***

SCMP, 5 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

GOVERNOR THANKS KUK

His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, entertained members of the Executive Committee of the Heung Yee Kuk to tea in Fanling Lodge in the New Territories yesterday. 

Sir David asked Mr Pang Fu-wah, the Chairman of the Kuk and others present to convey his appreciation to members of the Kuk for their expression of loyal support for Government which had been contained in a letter signed by 35 members of the Committee.  This was sent to the Governor ten days ago.

Sir David also reiterated the unwavering determination of the Hongkong Government, with the full support of the British Government, to continue to maintain peace and good government in Hongkong for the benefit of all people here.  In this, he said, there was no question of Hongkong or Britain holding any enmity toward China. 

Mr Pang thanked Sir David for his remarks and promised to convey his message to Kuk members.

He reaffirmed the determination of the Kuk to continue to support Government, in the measures being taken for the maintenance of stability.

"Instead of you thanking us" said Mr Pang, "we should be thanking you."

"It was your resolute leadership which restored peace for Hongkong's four million people," he said.

Ninety-nine per cent of the people wanted peace and prosperity and he was certain, he said, that this overwhelming majority supported Government.

The Governor, who was spending the week-end in Fanling, returned to Government House last night.

***

SCMP, 6 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Bus Workers End Token Strike

Seven hundred mechanics, electricians and garage hands of the Kowloon Motor Bus Company’s Service Department turned up for work at various depots as usual last night after a nine-hour token strike was staged by 800 morning shift workers earlier.

Work progressed normally and there was no incident during the night shift period between 5 pm and 2 am.

The token strike between 8 am and 5 pm was staged by the workers in protest against police action in removing or obliterating posters on the buses.

- Not Affected -

A management spokesman said the strike had not affected bus services.

Meanwhile, all workers, with the exception of the 324 men who had been suspended, returned to work at the Marine Department’s Yaumati slipway yesterday.

A Government spokesman said the workers, numbering 640, were at work and there was no incident.

A police platoon, however, stood by as a precautionary measure.

The rightwing Cotton Industry Workers General Union of Hongkong met on Sunday to discuss what possible action its members should take in the event of a strike called by leftwing workers.

- Condemned -

in a statement, the Union condemned the strike by leftwing workers at three textile mills last week and said the disturbances were the work of only a small minority of trouble-making workers.        

The Union Said it had sent notices to various factories condemning politically-inspired strikes and reiterated that its members should remain at their post so as to forestall any strike called by left-wing workers.

But in the event that management should give in to such strikes by leftists, the Union said members should walk out to avoid trouble and the management must reimburse them for loss of wages during the period of the strike.

***

SCMP, 6 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Over $3m For Police Fund

The Police Education Fund now stands at the grand total of $3,316,317.56.

Contributions received last Saturday were from:

HMS Tamar Warrant officers Mess ... 450

Mr and Mrs S. T. Kidd ... 50

Pacific Far East Line Inc ... 400

A group of bar owners in Wanchai ... 5,000

Maryknoll Sisters School ... 300

Sun Life Assurance Co of Canada ... 2,000

National Cash Register Co Ltd ... 2,500

Murine Enterprise Co ... 1,000

 "3M" ... 248.50

Reader's Digest Asia Ltd ... 2,500

Hong Loh-yun ... 500

HK Fishing Industry & Commercial General Association ... 200

Yaumati Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association ... 2,000

Staff of Po Leung Kuk ... 4,000

Leung Tuen Hing Primary School ... 200

A piece goods Co ... 50

Mr J. Lapsky ... 150

A HK Manufactory ... 50

Staff of China Light & Power Co Ltd ... 50

Staff of a bank ... 277

Contributions from Hongkong factories, firms, schools and associations ... 7,408.24 

Contributions from Individual Chinese and European residents ... 5,666.10

Accumulated total: $3,316,317.56

The Commerce and Industry Department wishes to point out that the contribution of $27,500 attributed on Saturday to the Rotary Club of Hongkong was a joint contribution from Six Rotary Clubs as follows: 

Rotary Club of Hongkong ...  $7,000 

Rotary Club of Kowloon ... 6,000 

Rotary Club of Island East ... 3,500 

Rotary Club of Island West ... 5,000 

Rotary Club of Kowloon West ... 4,000 

Rotary Chib of Tsuen Wan ... 2,000

***

SCMP, 6 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Two More Newspapers Boycotted

Two more Hongkong newspapers were boycotted by Macao leftists yesterday following a similar move which affected eight other newspapers during the weekend.

The two are the Ming Pao and Tin Wong Evening News.

A spokesman for Ming Pao said their agent in Macao had returned the newspapers to them in the morning.

A spokesman for the other newspaper said they had been notified by their agent not to send copies to Macao.

- Refuted -

Meanwhile, according to the S.C.M. Post correspondent in Macao reports that leftists were trying to force the ferries and hydrofoils not to fly the Red Ensign when they were in Macao port were refuted by most of the captains. 

However, one of the wharf managers stated that a Chinese had approached him and asked that the vessels refrained from flying the flag when they entered Macao Waters.  He told the man to speak to the captain or the purser about the matter but he went away instead.

The fleet of Chinese gunboats which patrolled Portuguese waters during the Macao troubles was sighted between Lantao and Macao yesterday afternoon by one of the ferry captains.

He added, however, that they were sailing towards Whampoa.

***

SCMP, 6 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

‘Could Not Understand Why Petitioners Were Assaulted, Arrested’

An apprentice said yesterday he could not understand why petitioners had been assaulted and arrested by police in Garden Road, near the Hilton Hotel, on May 22.

He was one of six men appearing in Central Court charged with riotous assembly. 

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and five elected to give unsworn statements.  The sixth defendant was legally represented

The apprentice, Chan Chi-keung (18), told Mr N. P. Power, the magistrate, that the Governor had given permission for groups of 20 petitioners to proceed to Government House.

Chan said: "I cannot understand why we were stopped at Garden Road, assaulted by police, and arrested.

- ‘Had Permission' -

"‘We were not breaking the law and did not offer any violence to the police.  Also, we had the Governor’s permission to go to Government House."

Another defendant Chan Hon- tung (27), a bank clerk, appeared in the court in a heavily bloodstained shirt.  He also insisted that the petitioners had offered no violence or resistance to the police.

The hearing against the six men will continue today.

Earlier in the day, Mr Power jailed three men for eight months for unlawful assembly in Central District on May 22.

One of the men, Tse Tit-shing, is the son of a prominent church leader, Tse’s Counsel, Mr. Peter Chan, instructed by Kho and Lo, said Tse’s father was chairman of the All Baptist Church in Hongkong and director of the Chiu Chow Dialect Baptist Church.

- Accusation -

Tse, who is a taxi driver, was educated at King’s College and Sir Ellis Kadoorie School.  He is married and has four children.

He was accused of calling the police "running dogs" and "paper tigers" and throwing stones.

Mr Power said he could not accept police evidence that Tse had been throwing stones.  However he found the charge of unlawful assembly against Tse proved and sent him to jail for eight months, along with Mak Yiu-sang (21), and Cheung Yuk-pic (30).

Mr Power dismissed charges against Wong Man-chung (31), Chau Charm (21), Wong Ping (53) and a 15-year-old boy. 

In another court, Mr P. M. Corfe sentenced six men each to nine months jail on a charge of unlawful assembly.  They were Mok Chiu-yim (32), Wong Shing (49), Chan Pun-shek (35), Yick Hui-fung (35) all bank staff, Ng Wing-sang (19), a bookshop foki, and Cheung Tsz-po (26), a wig factory worker.

They were originally charged with riotous assembly.  The charge was amended to unlawful assembly yesterday.

Another six girls were charged before Mr Corfe with unlawful assembly.  They were Li Mo-fun (20), Chan Mui-wan (17), So Siu-ling (18), Li Wai-hing (18), Wu Yuk-sim (24) and Wong Kwai-ying (35).

They pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawful assembly outside the Hongkong Hilton on Monday, May 22.  Hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

FAITH IN COLONY’S FUTURE

One of America’s most prominent industrialists said in Hongkong yesterday his company had "a lot of faith" in the Colony's continuing progress "for a long time to come."

He is Mr Carter L. Burgess, Chairman of American Machine & Foundry Co, New York, who is in Hongkong during a Far East tour - "my third in as many years" - for talks with representatives of his company and its agent, Jardine Engineering Corpn, Ltd.

Asked the reaction of American business to the recent Hongkong disturbances, he said: "I think Americans realised the publicity in American newspapers was played up.

"Americans regard Hongkong as a vital centre for business.  It has a statesman’s role.

"Hongkong is a very essential part of the world.  It is a neutralist crossroads.

"We of AMF have a lot of faith in Hongkong continuing to progress for a long time to come."

***

 SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

‘Star’ Ferry Services Disrupted
WORKERS WALK OUT OVER POSTER ROW

Workers of the "Star" Ferry Company suddenly walked out of their jobs late last night, bringing all services between Kowloon and the Island to a halt.

Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, General Manager of the Company, said afterwards that there were no indications that the workers involved would return to work this morning.

A Government spokesman advised residents to listen to the radio this morning for information on the ferry services.

Service between Hunghom and Edinburgh Place first stopped running from 10 pm, while the last ferry left Edinburgh Place for Tsimshatsui at 11.20 pm.

Mr Forsgate said he presumed the sudden stoppage of work was due to the removal of new posters from vessels by Marine Police earlier in the evening. 

Five vessels were operating when workers suddenly walked out of their jobs without notifying the management.  About 150 workers were involved in the stoppage.

- Breach -

Mr Forsgate said they had committed a breach of the company’s regulations, and the management would consider taking disciplinary action against them.

"Star" ferry crews staged a sudden one-hour protest strike on May 25.

Tally clerks, meter readers of the Hongkong Electric Co and workers of Taikoo Docks and Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co staged token strikes yesterday, either in protest against recent riot incidents or over the issue of removal of posters. 

Loading and unloading of cargo on board ships in the harbour came to a halt in the morning as tally clerks stopped work.

The stoppage, which began from 8 am and lasted until noon affected about 30 ships.

Other workers were on hand, but the loading and unloading of cargo could not be carried out without markings by the tally clerks.

- At Taikoo -

A spokesman of the Cargo Supervisors Association claimed that between 2,000 and 3,000 tally clerks took part in the strike.

At the Taikoo Dockyard, launch crews stopped work in the morning in a dispute with the management over the removal of posters on the craft.

A Chinese foreman, it was learned, had to swim out to sea for safety when he was confronted by a hostile crowd of workers at the praya.  He was picked up by a passing junk.

The Indian ship Jag Ketu, which was to berth at the dockyard, was forced to drop anchor outside.

The crews resumed work about 1 pm but the posters were still up at that time.

- More Work Stoppages -

The morning incident led toa three-hour sit-down strike by about 200 workers for another section of the dockyard in the afternoon.

At the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company Ltd, work was at a standstill for four hours when about 1,200 workers staged a token strike. 

Mr J. R. Henderson, Deputy General Manager of the company, said that a delegation of the workers arrived at the godown at 7 am and announced their intention to stage a token strike.  The workers involved were launch and lighter mechanics and godown staff.

About 200 of the 1,200 workers held a meeting at the wharf, and later marched round the pier premises shouting and holding up two banners.  There was no disturbance.

Mr Henderson said that the marchers appeared to be led by six complete strangers, all wearing grey shirts and trousers.  They acted as "cheerleaders" and encouraged the workers to shout.

- Posters Put Up -

He said the workers had put up posters in the vicinity of the wharf, but as far as he knew, they featured Mao’s thoughts and were not of an inflammatory nature.

Mr Henderson said that as a result of the token strike, work in all sections of the wharf was affected.  The demonstration, which started at 8 am, ended at noon when the groups dispersed for their lunch.  They resumed work normally in the afternoon.

He said that since the wharf was private property, police had not entered the company’s premises.  It was learned that the police were on the standby at Tsimshatsui Police Station ready for any disturbances.

Posters at the Kowloon Wharf and Godown were removed by the police last night. 

At the Hongkong Electric Co, Ltd, 25 of the 30 meter-readers also stopped work in the morning. 

Anti-Government slogans in red paint on the wall of the South Kowloon Court building were obliterated by workers yesterday. 

The slogans were painted by left-wing workers during a demonstration outside the court building on May 22.

- Rightwing Union -

Meanwhile, the Hongkong and Kowloon Free Workers Union, with a membership of 150,000 declared it was on the standby to smash a left-wing plan to paralyse all public transport for a day.

Mr Fung Hoi-chiu, the Chairman, said yesterday they had heard that the leftists would attempt to hold a general token strike soon but said the union was ready. 

He said should the strike materialise the union workers would take out buses and trams but he feared there might be some difficulty with the "Star" ferry as "our force is not so big."

Mr Fung said there Was no trouble in operating the Yaumati ferries.

He said his union would fully support Government and all its members had been instructed to remain at their posts in the event of another strike.

"Since May more than 100 members of the Union had been threatened by leftists," Mr Fung said. 

Another 19 representative organisations have pledged support for Government’s firm determination to maintain law and order in Hongkong.

They bring to 542 the total number of organisations which have so far publicly stated their support for the authorities.

In London, Mrs Judith Hart, Commonwealth Under-Secretary, was asked in Parliament how many civilian deaths and serious injuries occurred in Hongkong during the riots and demonstrations on May 22.

The questioner, Mr Ernest Thornton (Labour), also asked for the number of police casualties on that date.        

Mrs Hart, according to a Reuter report, replied: "On May 22 there were 19 civilian and three police casualties.  Of these, seven civilian casualties and one police casualty were detained in hospital.  There were no deaths."

***

SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Fails To Turn Up For His Trial

A school headmaster, accused of assault and obstruction, failed to appear in North Kowloon Court yesterday for his trial.

Wong Chung-ping (44), headmaster of Sun Wah School, living at 25 Tung Tau Village, was charged with assaulting a police officer and obstructing an officer of the Resettlement Department in the execution of his duty outside Lung Shing Road, Kowloon City, on May 4.

At an earlier hearing, Wong had pleaded not guilty to the charges.  He was allowed $1,000 bail - $500 on his personal surety and $500 on surety by a man by the name of Wong Tit-but.

Wong’s name was called several times by a court clerk outside the courtroom but it was not answered.

Mr T. L. von Pokorny, the magistrate, granted an application by Senior Detective Insp Lee Mui-wah for a warrant for Wong’s arrest.

***

SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Magistrates Hear Riot Charges

Several separate cases of unlawful assembly or riotous assembly involving a total of 30 people came up for hearing before three magistrates in Central Court yesterday.

Mr P. M. Corfe adjourned the case until today against six women charged with unlawful assembly.  Their charge had been amended from one of riotous assembly.

All of them pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They were Li Mo-fun (20), Chan Mui-wan (17), Li Wai-hing (18), Wu Yuk-sim (24), So Siu-long (18) and Wong Kwai-ying (35).        

In another case, Mr Corfe amended a charge of riotous assembly against six women and adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.  All of them pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.

He also began hearing charges of riotous assembly against a further three men and two women.  All pleaded not guilty.

The hearing will continue today.

Another magistrate Mr E. Light, began hearing charges of riotous assembly against four women, two men and a 15-year-old youth who all pleaded not guilty.

The hearing will continue today.

Mr N. P. Power, adjourned the hearing until today of a case involving four men and two women charged with riotous assembly.

***

SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Twenty-six Jailed For Unlawful Assembly

Mr E. Light in Central Court yesterday sentenced 26 men and women to nine months’ jail each for unlawful assembly in Upper Albert Road on May 22.

They were among 37 people who appeared on a joint charge. 

 Two had pleaded guilty on the first day of the hearing and were released on $500 bail.  They will be recalled tomorrow for sentencing.  Another five were remanded until tomorrow and the 37th, a girl of 14, was sent to a remand home for six months.

- Misbehaved -

Mr Light said that the prosecution had produced evidence not only of unlawful assembly but also that all those convicted were seen to misbehave.

It was possible, he said, for a bystander to be caught in an unlawful assembly by accident or curiosity.  None of the accused had advanced any such explanation.        

Each had admitted associating himself or herself with the assembly but had claimed that they had not misbehaved or done anything unlawful, he said.

Police witnesses alleged that the assembly was "tumultuous" with people waving red books and shouting anti-British and anti-Government slogans, and with one of the crowd using a loud hailer.

It had been claimed that although the group was orderly and well behaved and was lawfully going to protest, the police had "suddenly and violently charged and attacked" them resulting in several of them being injured, Mr Light said.

"I do not believe this allegation of police conduct.  I could be prepared to accept this from a gang of hooligans but not from such a well-trained and efficient body as the police force.

"In my duty to the public, I feel that nine months’ jail is reasonable," Mr Light said.

***

SCMP, 7 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

GOVT LOANS TO OYSTER FARMERS

Government has earmarked $90,000 as loans to oyster farmers who suffered losses during the year when their "crops" in No 5 oyster bed in Laufaushah were seized by people from the Chinese territories.

Nearly 70 such tenant farmers are eligible to the loans, the largest amount being $1,800 according to the size of their sub-divided beds.

The loans will be interest free when the amount is not over $1,000.  A three per cent interest will be charged on loans exceeding $1,000.  Repayments are to be made over five years.

Those tenant farmers, who lost their beds because it is a subject matter of a property dispute between members of families living on both sides of Deep Bay, have made arrangements to move their farms to No 1 oyster bed about two miles away.

So far only three have collected their loans as capital for a fresh start.  Others were expected to collect their loans shortly.

***

• 1967.6.7英國駐華代辦處被住華外國人衝擊 / 7 June 1967 British Chargé D'affaires in Peking Charged by Expats （附英文電文 with Telegram in English）

***

SCMP, 8 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Company Suspends ‘Star’ Ferry Crews For Walk-out

(2 Photos at left)                         

The management of the “Star” Ferry Co, Ltd yesterday suspended its entire floating staff of 392 as a result of the walk-out by the ferry crews which stop the company’s services throughout the day.

Because of this, there will be no service on the two routes between the Island and Kowloon for at least this morning.

Notices of suspension were posted on board the fleet of ferries tied up at a pier at Kowloon Wharf yesterday evening following the failure of the management’s effort throughout the day in meeting a delegation of the workers for talks.

The notice, signed by Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, General Manager of the company, reminded the staff of the two circulars of June 2 in which the company pointed out that a stoppage of work was a direct contravention of the agreement between the company and its staff, and that the posting of inflammatory posters on the company’s vessels and premises was against the law.

- Breach -

The company “deeply regrets,” the notice said, that the floating staff ceased work late on Tuesday night, did not return to work yesterday morning and contravened standing instructions by berthing their vessels without authority at Kowloon Wharf.

“By so doing, the floating staff have once more broken the agreement with the company which has been mutually accepted in the past and, by their actions, have caused great inconvenience to the general public and serious loss or earnings which we cannot afford to bear,” the notice said.

“The company has no alternative, therefore, but to suspend all floating staff immediately without pay as from June 7.

FERRY CREWS SUSPENDED

 “The company will consider applications for reinstatement in order to start normal services. However, there is no guarantee that all or any employees who have been suspended will be reinstated.”

Mr Forsgate said the ferry services would unlikely to resume today, at least not in the morning. This depended on the reaction of the staff who wished to be reinstated for work under the company’s conditions of service, he said.

Referring to the stoppage, Mr Forsgate said there was no dispute between the staff and the company on any matter.

- Political -

This was staged “for political reason,” he charged, those responsible using the company “as a tool” to achieve their aim without regard to the inconvenience caused to the public.

Asked about the possibility of intimidation of crews, Mr Forsgate said there was no question about this.

On May 25, “Star” ferry crews staged a one-hour protest strike. Posters on the ferries were cleared on Sunday morning by the police. However, new posters appeared later and police on Tuesday evening removed them again.

The action sparked off the Tuesday night halt and the stoppage of the services continued yesterday.

A group of about 40 passengers were stranded in the Hunghom pier and had to be refunded when the service on the route stopped about 10.15 pm on Tuesday, according to Mr Forsgate.

He said the company had no warning about the stoppage.

A notice pasted up at the Hunghom pier yesterday said the ferry crews stopped service for one day in protest against “the repeated unreasonable removal of posters by the Hongkong-British authorities."

Crews gathered on board the tied-up ferries during the day and some of them shouted slogans.

At present 13 of the company's fleet of 14 ferries are engaged on the two services. The remaining one is undergoing maintenance.

An average of 130,000 passengers travelled on the company’s service between the Island and Tsimshatsui each day, and 15,000 on the Hunghom service, Mr Forsgate said.

At peak hours, there were between 12,000 to 15,000 crossing on the two routes together.

Due to the suspension of services of the “Star” ferries, Kowloon residents switched to various services of the Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Co Ltd to get to work.

At the Jordan Road concourse, it was so crowded that the passenger-vehicle ferries on several crossings carried only passengers on both decks as an emergency measure. The auxiliary vehicular ferry service between Jordan Road and Central continued to carry vehicles only.”

- Walla Wallas -

Conditions improved slightly during the rush hours in the afternoon, as many residents took their time to cross the harbour after office.

Walla wallas had a lucrative business operating a shuttle service between both sides of the harbour at a charge of $1 per person. Junks also joined in for a share.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr A. J. Shephard, yesterday requested employers to stagger their office hours to help ease the heavy congestion on the Yaumati ferry services.

Many companies yesterday arranged their own transport by providing launches for their staff to cross the harbour, after office hours.

Kowloon Motor Bus Company also sent more buses to the Jordan Road concourse to help ease the congestion in the afternoon.

Two senior officials of the Taikoo Dockyard were forcibly held incommunicado by workers on Tuesday, when two strikes were held.

A spokesman for the dockyard said yesterday that the two officials, Mr J.  Cassels, General Manager, and Mr T. K. Duncan, Shipyard Manager, were released after “certain papers relating to posters and other matters were signed by them.”

- Demands -

Certain factions among the workers had requested that “the people responsible for putting up posters in the dockyard should hot be subjected to police action in any way whatsoever,” he said.

Several left-wing newspapers yesterday published the text of a document accompanied by what was said to be the officials’ signatures.

Three demands were listed, including one that the dockyard should be responsible for any “illegal arrest or beaten up” by police of workers arising from Tuesday's incident.

In London, the British Government yesterday turned down a suggestion that it should send an all-party Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry to Hongkong.

Mr James Johnson (Labour) suggested in the House of Commons that a commission should go “in view of the serious and continuing nature of the riots in Hongkong,” Reuter reported.

The commission should be on the lines of that sent to Kenya in 1954 during the emergency in that territory, he said.

But the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs, Mrs Judith Hart, replied: “No, there are a number of relevant differences between the situation in Kenya in 1954 and that in Hongkong.

***

SCMP, 8 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Kuk Leaders Threatened

Threatening letters had been sent to the leaders of two organisations in the New Territories who have pledged their support for Government.

A Government spokesman said three letters “of an intimidating nature" had been received by Mr Pang Fu-wah, Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, and that police were investigating into the case.

The letters, signed by a member of “patriotic pupils," “patriotic fellow countrymen” and “patriotic but angered villagers,” denounced Mr Pang, who had pledged the Kuk’s support for Government.

The letters told Mr Pang to “turn back and make amends for your crimes.”

Four letters were also received by Mr Wong Yuen-cheung, Chairman of the Taipo Rural Committee. Mr Wong last week announced his support for Government's actions in maintaining peace and order.

***

SCMP, 8 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

POLICE FUND: ITS ADMINISTRATION CLARIFIED

The Hon' T. D. Sorby, Director of Commerce and Industry, the initial trustee of the Police Children’s Education Fund, last night clarified a number of points regarding the future administration of the fund.

Mr Sorby said over the radio that about $3.3m had been contributed since the fund was opened on May 19.

This figure included a contribution of $1m from the Royal Hongkong Jockey Club.

It was expected that the public would be asked to refrain from sending further donations after June 12 as there was now no doubt that the annual income from the fund would be sufficient to provide educational assistance to several hundred children of policemen every year.

Mr Sorby thought that the fund could be used to assist police children with their education at all levels above primary education but a decision on this matter would be the responsibility of the governing body which has yet to be appointed.

- Investment -

The fund would probably be set upon the lines of the Education Scholarships Fund, the Grantham Scholarships Fund and the Sir Robert Black Trust Fund which provide for investment in trustee securities or such other securities as the committees of management might approve. With these other funds, investment has been largely made in terms of Hongkong securities and shares.

Mr Sorby was asked when the first education grants might be made and he said he thought that there was no reason why some of the income should not be applied to education assistance for the coming academic year.

He pointed out that the police: already had administrative machinery for awarding scholarships and making grants.

The money already paid in was on deposit with the Treasury and was already earning interest at the rate of about $100,000 a year.

- Distribution -

As soon as possible this money would be made available to a properly constituted management committee which would then decide on distribution of investment, which would no doubt earn considerably more than the present interim investment return.

Meanwhile, a large number of residents of the New Territories town of Shek Wu Hui in Sheung Shui has sent a cheque for $1,200 to the District Office, Taipo, as their contribution to the Police Fund.

Contributions received in the last three days:

Total brought forward as previously published $3,316,317.56

(Details of donors and their donations)

Accumulated total :- $3,399,513.80.

***

SCMP, 8 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Teachers In Macao Asked To Boycott U.K.-U.S. Goods

Macao, June 7.

The local leftist Teachers’ Association has issued special notices to its members, instructing them to dissociate from things that are British or American, such as books, magazines or educational equipment from the two countries.

This is part of the proposed boycott threat by the Macao leftists who have asked the people to stop using anything produced by the British and Americans.

New posters, prepared by the “Committee in support of Hongkong-Kowloon compatriots’ anti- persecution struggle,” have appeared in public places.”

First of its kind issued by the Committee, the posters carried Mao's quotations and anti-British and anti-American slogans.

According to leftist reports, the "Fund in support of Hongkong-Kowloon compatriots” has reached $120,000 contributed by workers, students, shopkeepers, taxi drivers and “people from all walks of life.”

Meanwhile, all is quiet here although the number of visitors from Hongkong and elsewhere has diminished considerably during the past month. —AFP.

***

SCMP, 8 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Reporter Led Slogan Shouting, Court Told
RIOTOUS ASSEMBLY CHARGE

Mr R. Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Police, said in Central Court yesterday that a newspaper reporter was leading slogan shouting outside the Hongkong Hilton in Garden Road on May 22.

The reporter, Hui Wan-ching (36), was charged with taking part in a riotous assembly together with two other men and two women.

The others were Chai Shui-kwan (44), To Hui-lam (29), both bank staff members, Li Yuk-fong (31), a shop assistant, and Hui Hung-liu (38). They have all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr Wilson said the five defendants were among the first group of 28 petitioners who arrived at the bottom of Garden Road on their way to Government House.

They were stopped outside the Hilton and told they could proceed to Government House in groups of 20 only.

- ‘Kicked Police’ -

Mr Wilson said Hui Wan-ching Chai Shui-kwan and Li Yuk-fong led the petitioners in chanting slogans.

Earlier, a police constable told the court that he saw the reporter kick and hit another police officer before he arrested him.

When he went to arrest him, the reporter kicked him, hit him and grabbed his uniform.

Cross-examined, the constable said Hui Wan-ching was not injured when he was arrested.

The hearing before Mr P. M. Corfe will continue today.

In another court, Mr N. P. Power sentenced six men to 12 months’ jail when he convicted them of riotous assembly.

They were Chan Hong-ting (27), Chan Chi-keung (18), Yeung Chi-keung (28), Chu Po-huen (49), Lam Tuk-hung (33) and Chung Lung-kong (28).

***

SCMP, 9 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Government To Deport Trouble-Makers
POLICE USE TEAR GAS ON ARMED WORKERS IN KOWLOON

Government said last night that deportation orders had been served on three persons and similar action was being contemplated against others as a result of the recent disturbances in the Colony.

This followed a day of increased pro-Communist agitation in which police twice had to use tear gas was of threatening workers wielding iron bars, sticks and rubber hoses.

The three persons served with deportation orders, were at present serving jail sentences for their part in the incidents of the past few weeks, a Government spokesman said.

The action was taken under the Deportation of Aliens Ordinance, he added.

The “Star” Ferry was again idle yesterday but with an “encouraging” number of crew members coming forward to seek reinstatement, a limited service may start at the weekend.

It was unlikely that services would resume today, Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, General Manager of the company, said.

Outbreaks of violence yesterday occurred at two plants in Tokwawan Road, Kowloon, where armed workers appeared determined to resist moves to take down or obliterate inflammatory posters.

Early in the morning, a big crowd of employees at the Electrical and Mechanical Depot of the Public Works Department surrounded a European inspector when he arrived for work.

The inspector, Mr C. Waterhouse, managed to extricate himself from the mob after arguing with them for some time, and telephoned the police.

- Ugly Mood -

A police riot squad arrived to find the workers in virtual control of the workshop and in an ugly mood. They carried an assortment of weapons ranging from iron bars of various lengths to rubber hoses. They ignored all request to disperse.

The police then fired tear gas and this brought the situation under control. About 450 men were detained for questioning but all with the exception of eight had been released last night.

Mr W. J. Hampton, another engineer at the plant, said in a radio interview later that he arrived for work to find people painting slogans on the roadway.

“I attempted to move up to my office but was restrained by a few people round me,” he said.

At first, he said, most of the workers did not seem to be fully in support of what was going on. But a man with a megaphone soon managed to get almost all of them to take up weapons of some sort.

The depot will remain closed today although staff have been instructed to report for work.

Not far from Tokwawan Road, workers at the Hongkong and China Gas Company plant were assembled inside closed gates. They were also armed and the walls were covered with leftwing posters.

One of the major concerns for the police here was a mechanical shovel, loaded with four cylinders of highly inflammable coal gas, which the workers had lined up inside the gate. It evidently was their intention to ram any vehicle which tried to enter.

Several hundred workers shouted slogans outside the Taikoo Dockyard but their numbers diminished as the day wore on.

A company notice explained that the dockyard was closed for re-organisation and that the men would be notified when works was available to them.

There was also a four-hour strike by about 100 workers at the North Point plant of the Hongkong Electric Company but the services were not affected.

(Photo)

***

SCMP, 9 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

‘Encouraging’ Number Of Ferry Crews Re-register

An undisclosed but “encouraging” number of suspended “Star” Ferry crew members applied to the company for reinstatement yesterday as the suspension of the company’s services entered its third day.

Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, the General Manager, said that it was “most unlikely” that the services would be resumed today.

But if a reasonable number of men were reinstated, it might be possible to operate a limited service by or during the weekend, he said.

Yesterday morning, the management posted notices at the company's terminals relating to the arrangements for reinstatement.

The floating staff were required to make personal application for reinstatement at the Kowloon Ferry Pier offices from 2 pm yesterday to 4 pm today.

Mr Forsgate said the initial response was encouraging.

It was learned that within the first two hours about 50 crew members had applied.

Mr Forsgate said in a radio interview last night that the object of suspending the floating crew and then inviting them to re-register was to separate the “sheep from the goats.”

He was convinced that there was a great deal of intimidation of some loyal workers, who wished to return to work. The company was endeavouring to give them protection, he said.

- Willing -

He said he knew that a number of the men were willing to return to work under the terms of agreement between the company and the staff laid down many years ago and he hoped by re-registration to persuade them that this was in their best interest.

Mr Forsgate added that the offer to all floating staff to re-register for work would remain open all night and that he had his staff on 24-hour duty until 4 pm today.

Mr S. K. Fung, Senior Transport Officer of the Transport Office, said in a radio interview that it was clear unscrupulous people were attempting to influence members of the company and were “threatening certain forms of unlawful action against them if they return to work.”

“Government will never tolerate this intimidation of workers wishing to return to work,” he said. “I can assure these workers that they will be given all reasonable protection against any threats directed at them or their families.”

(Photo at the left)

***

SCMP, 9 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

WATERWORKS EMPLOYEES SACKED

Government announced last night that waterworks employees who refused to work and walked out of the Argyle Street, Kowloon, depot about 9 am yesterday had been dismissed.

Only those persons who remained at their posts should report for work today, an announcement said.

The walk-out did not affect the water supply although maintenance work was hampered.

The action involving about 300 men, arose over the suspension of a number of men pending an inquiry into a previous token stoppage.

***

SCMP, 9 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Journalist Refuses To Give Evidence
REPORTER ON TRIAL FOR RIOTOUS ASSEMBLY

A journalist employed by a left-wing newspaper yesterday refused to give evidence from the witness box in defence of a reporter charged with riotous assembly.

The reporter, Hui Wan-chan 許雲程 (36), said that the journalist, Mr Tse Chuen, had assigned him to cover any disturbances outside the Hongkong Hilton on May 22.

Mr Tse, who was in court, refuse to testify but he said he was prepared to make a statement without entering the witness box.

Mr P. M. Corfe, Magistrate in Central Court, explained to Mr Tse that as he had been called as a witness he would have to enter the witness box.

He adjourned the hearing to allow Hui to consider if he wished to subpoena Mr Tse to give evidence.

After the adjournment, Hui said he knew that Mr Tse had been following the evidence and so he would not subpoena him.

- Unsworn -

In an unsworn statement, Hui said he went to the Hongkong Hilton on May 22 on an assignment for the Economic Information and News Agency.

He took some pictures of the people gathered there and when the police surrounded them he was surrounded too.

Hui said he produced his press pass but the police ignored it.

“When they hit the crowd, they hit me too,” he said.

Hui said his spectacles and camera were broken and he was injured.

He claimed the police took his press card from him but he did not know who had taken it because he was dizzy.

Hui added he was taken to Queen Mary Hospital where his nose, head and shoulder injuries were attended to.

Hui was jointly charged with two other men and two women. The other defendants are Chai Shui-kwan (44), To Hui-lam (29), Li Yuk-fong (31) and Hui Hung-liu (38). They have pleaded not guilty.

Mr Corfe adjourned the case to tomorrow.

- Sentenced -

In another case Mr Corfe sentenced 11 women to jail terms ranging from nine to 12 months for unlawful assembly.

He acquitted a girl, Chan Miu-wan (17).

Those jailed for 12 months were Hui Sau-kuk (18), Yau Wan-ling (22) and Cheung Yeung-ling (33).

Yu Siu-chun (21), Chau Lai-wa (26), Leung Sau-ying  (26), Li Mon-fun (20), So Siu-ling, (18), Li Wai-hing (18), Wu Yuk-sim (24), and Wong Kwai-ying (35) were sent to jail for nine months.

***

SCMP, 9 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS STRIKES IN COLONY
Councillor’s Comments

Four of the five newly elected Urban Councillors yesterday agreed that the Colony’s economy and general well-being were adversely affected by the continuous strikes by left-wing agitators.

Mr Woo Po-sing, the fifth elected Urban Councillor, was not available for comment.

The Councillors, Mrs Elsie Eliott, Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen, Mr Solomon Rafeek, who were re-elected, and Dr M. H. Huang, were commenting on the recent strikes and stoppages.

Mrs Elliott said the strikes were having a serious effect on Hongkong in that they created an unsettled feeling and insecurity.

The causes, she said, needed to be thoroughly investigated because there was no use in enforcing the law unless inquiries were made into the cause of unrest.

Commenting on her re-election, Mrs Elliott said she was happy about the result but she also realised she was carrying a big responsibility.

She said that from the election results, 70 per cent of the voters showed confidence in her.

- Promises -

“I will exert a great deal of effort in fulfilling my promises to them,” she said.

Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen said continuous strikes, would affect the economy of Hongkong and the income and standard of living of the people.

“I think Government should seek to enlist the co-operation of all sections of the community to make those who are responsible for the strikes realise their adverse effect,” he said.

He suggested that compulsory arbitration, where it was feasible, should be studied by the Labour Department.

He said Government was aware of the need to build up confidence of the people and this should be even further strengthened.

“Hongkong is a place of law and order and the authorities should take all measures necessary to preserve law and stability,” he said.

Commenting on his re-election, Mr Cheong-Leen said: "I shall do my utmost to keep in close touch with all sections of the community and to represent their views, needs and problems to Government.”

He said he would do all he could to improve relations between labour and industry and would press for more education and recreation facilities for youths.

- Difficult Situation -

Mr Solomon Rafeek said the strikes had created a difficult situation for everybody, especially the poor. He said strikes were not the solution to anything.

He condemned the real troubles-makers as enemies of the public.

Dr M. H. Huang, the elected independent candidate, said if strikes continued industry and workers would suffer.

As to methods of dealing with the trouble-makers, he said the British and Chinese Governments should negotiate for a solution to the present situation.

Dr Huang said he agreed with the firm attitude taken by some companies but added that Government should also do something to help. For instance, on the “Star” Ferry stoppage, Government should get people to operate some, if not all, of the ferries to ease the situation.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

‘Star’ Ferries May Run Today
LEFTIST INTIMIDATION OF CREW MEMBERS

The “Star” Ferry Company hopes to resume a limited ferry service between Central and Tsimshatsui today, depending on the extent of leftist intimidation of re-registered crews.

Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, the General Manager, said last night that re-registering of crew members was one thing but their actual appearance for work was another.

But if the men required to report for duty this morning did show up, a limited service would begin on the main route after the morning rush hours, he said.

Of the entire floating crew of 392 which was suspended on Wednesday, 126 men, most of them key personnel, had applied for reinstatement within the stipulated period which ended at 4 pm yesterday.

Notices were later sent to these men, asking them to report for duty at the Kowloon Pier at 7am today.

The notices assured the men that the Company would give them “every support and protection’' in carrying out their duties.

Mr Forsgate said that transport to the pier from the staff quarters in Hunghom would be provided for the men and police would also be on hand to guard against intimidation.

The Company has, meanwhile, received a “considerable number” of applications for employment from people not previously engaged on the ferry service.

Advertisements for more staff would be made in papers today, Mr Forsgate added.

Government said last night that some of its employees yesterday received illegal notices which sought to persuade them to prepare for further strikes.

“Workers should ignore this further malicious attempt to cause disruption,” a spokesman said.

All was quiet in Kowloon yesterday at the Waterworks depot in Argyle Street and the Hongkong and China Gas Company's plant in Tokwawan Road in spite of leftwing press reports that the workers were to strike in protest against “escalation of British persecution.”

A total of 108 workers of the gas plant appeared in North Kowloon Court yesterday on charges of obstructing the police, arising out of incidents on Thursday. But 91 of them were discharged when police offered no evidence against them.

- Workers Return -

A spokesman for the Waterworks Depot said that a number of men who were sacked following a stoppage on Thursday also turned up for work yesterday. They were told they could apply for re-engagement.

The gates of the Taikoo Dockyard were, in the words of a company spokesman, “deserted,” yesterday. He said it would be a few days before the company completed its “reorganisation.” enabling the dockyard to reopen.

The Public Works Department workshops in Kowloon, where there was also trouble on Thursday, will reopen today.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Arrested Man Dies In Police Station

A man arrested by police during Thursday's disturbance at the Public Works’ Department depot in Kowloon died in his cell in the Wongtaisin Police Station yesterday morning.

A Government spokesman said last night that the case was being fully investigated for the information of the Coroner. A post-mortem had been carried out in the afternoon.

The spokesman said that the man, Tsui Tin-por, 42, who was in the cell with three other workers, had appeared to be well, but at 12.50 am a policeman thought that he looked ill although he had not complained. A doctor was called but he found the man to be dead.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Leftists Protest At City Hall

A packed audience at the Concert Hall, City Hall, last night protested against the banning by police of two songs scheduled to be sung at a concert organised by the leftists in Hongkong.

One of the songs was about the war in Vietnam and the other was of an anti-police nature.

The Master of Ceremonies read out a letter of protest which was signed by the organisers of the concert on Thursday.

The audience shouted Communist slogans. They protested against the Hongkong Government and shouted “Down with David Trench”.

There were no incidents.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

NO EVIDENCE OFFERED AGAINST 91 GAS WORKERS
Seventeen Others Remanded On Charge Of Obstructing Police

Ninety-one out of 108 workers of the Hongkong and China Gas Co. Ltd, who were accused of obstructing police in the removal of inflammatory posters were discharged by Mr F. de F. Stratton in North Kowloon Court yesterday when the prosecution offered no evidence against them.

But before discharging them, Mr Stratton told the men that what had occurred in the depot was serious and if they were arrested again for a similar thing the sentence on conviction would be substantial.

The workers had been charged with committing the offence at the gas company's depot in Tokwawan Road, Kowloon, on Thursday morning.

Chief Insp J. Goodman said that although it was known that some, if not all, of the defendants were among those who obstructed the police party, it had been found that in many cases positive identification could not be made.

He added: “In view of this, I am instructed to offer no evidence against the defendants although this is done with some reluctance in view of the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the likelihood of serious disturbances that might have arisen but for the prompt action by the police.”

Five other defendants pleaded guilty to the charge and were remanded to today. They were Sit Yeung (45), Cheung Man-shum (46), Wong Shing (51), Ling Ming (42) and Tam Kiu (37).

Eleven others pleaded not guilty and were remanded to this morning. They were Choi Kuen (37), Lam Kiu (47), Yip Kam (39), Lo Wing (46), Pang Wing-kwong (40), Man Chiu (57), Lo Kam-ching (45), Tsang Tim (50), Tsang Chi-ming (43), Yip Yuk-kwong (22) and Wong Ming (44).

Another defendant, Wong Man (53), a mechanic, who pleaded guilty to the charge, was remanded for four days on $500 bail. He was represented by Mr William Lo, of Kho and Lo.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Residents’ Support For Government Praised

The All-Party Hongkong Group in the House of Commons have congratulated the people of Hongkong on the “overwhelming support they have shown for stable government during the recent difficult times and on their opposition to the small minority who have disturbed the peace.”

In a telegram to His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, the group observes that in recent years Hongkong had made dramatic progress which was the envy of Asia and much of the world. “It would be tragic if this progress were put in danger,” the group said.

It hoped that the labour disputes in Hongkong would be settled by peaceful negotiations and expressed confidence that the people of Hongkong would continue to show firm support for the Government.

The group comprises members of Parliament who have a special interest in Hongkong affairs. Its Chairman is Mr Anthony Royle, Conservative MP. The Vice-Chairman is Mr John Rankin, Labour MP.

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

STUDENTS DONATE $640 TO POLICE FUND

Among donations received this week for the Police Education Fund was $640 from pupils of the Aberdeen Technical School, Mr J. D. McGregor, the Assistant Director of Commerce and Industry, said last night.

“It was an interesting donation because of the nature of this school and its pupils and the letter from the 520 boys which accompanied the donation,” he said.

The letter released by Mr McGregor, who has been receiving donations on behalf of the Hon T. D. Sorby, the Director of Commerce and Industry, the trustee, read in part:

“Notwithstanding that we live in a boarding school situated in the village of Aberdeen, we follow with interest everything important that happens in Hongkong.

“Recently, we were very displeased to hear from the radio and newspapers of disturbances by irresponsible persons that brought trouble and misfortune to people of all walks of life. But, at the same time, we were glad to hear that the wise and patient attitude of Government quickly restored the situation to normal.

“Our thanks for this are due to the valiant police whose brave deeds and noble spirit merit deep respect and the highest honour.

“As a pledge of our esteem, we have collected among ourselves and our teachers the enclosed amount… We hope you can please accept it.”

***

SCMP, 10 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Extracts From The Chinese Press
‘Workers Should Organise To Counter Leftists’

GOVERNMENT and the leftists seemed to have become entangled in a protracted battle and Chinese newspapers advanced numerous proposals to counter leftist moves and break the “deadlock.”

The Truth Daily said the leftists had adopted a “long-term struggle” strategy. To oppose this move, the paper suggested the immediate organisation of peace-loving and orderly workers to prevent the leftists from using trade unions as the tool to create disturbances.

The establishment of a fund for this organisation, set up on similar lines to the Police Children's Education Fund, would be a good beginning, the paper added.

The Kung Sheung Daily News supported a suggestion by a member of the public for the formation of a public “vigilante corps” which would co-operate closely with the police.

The Tin Tin Yat Po voiced its concern-which, it said, was shared by many-that Government and leftist elements were now locked in a long-term tangle.  Although this would not result in a political crisis, it said, economic decline was bound to result.

The paper believed that Government should lose no time in adopting decisive action to bring the situation back to normal.

The Tin Tin believed that only two choices were open to Government-either stamp out the leftists or hold bilateral talks “so that both sides can come to good terms again."

On the first choice, the paper said that since the leftists had openly declared the Hongkong Government as their enemy and announced their resolution to discredit and topple it, the Hongkong Government could not but treat them as its enemy and adopt drastic action to liquidate the leftists according to law and public opinion.

On the other hand, the Tin Tin saw no reason for the leftists to reject talks-especially at a time when the Communists on the mainland were involved in their own power struggle.

- Persecution -

The Kung Sheung Daily News condemned the leftists for the series of actions since the disturbances which it said amounted to no less than “a persecution of the proletariat.”

The paper said that the leftist elements since their May debacle, were like a spent arrow: they were not only unable to “topple” the Hongkong authorities, but they were repudiated by all Hongkong citizens.

Commenting on the strike by the “Star” Ferry floating crew on Wednesday in protest against the removal of posters, the Kung Sheung said this action served no fundamental purpose except causing the utmost inconvenience to the white-collar class and the toiling masses.

The paper also pointed to what it described as “still more shameless and mean behaviour.” This was the adoption of “economism” and a “banknotes take command” policy.

The paper claimed that leftist organisations had advanced to their staffs two or three months’ pay in order to appease them. However, the advance was made on one condition - that the recipients must buy rice so that the prices would go up.

- Like Rats -

The Kung Sheung said these tactics would only harm the ordinary man in the street.

The Hongkong Times and the Truth Daily said the leftists were so unwelcome by the public that they were like “rats crossing the street.” (This phrase is the first part of a Chinese saying, the second part usually omitted but widely understood - being “everybody shouts them down.”)

The Truth also pledged its wholehearted support for the firm altitude of the Taikoo Dockyard and the "Star" Ferry Company which had announced the suspension of all workers on strike and reorganisation of the staffs.

The left-wing newspapers described the current work stoppages as the leftists’ action of resistance to “violence.”

The papers also sharply attacked the emergency law on inflammatory posters and the “stealthy” tearing away and smearing of posters at night by “police secret agents.”