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

 SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

TWO LEFT-WING UNIONS RAIDED: QUANTITY OF HOME-MADE WEAPONS FOUND POLICE DETAIN MAN 
Quantity of Home Made Weapons Found
Police Detain Man

The police raided two leftist unions in Shaukiwan last night and found a quantity of home-made weapons, including 366 bottles of acid.

The premises were those of the Taikoo Dock Workers Union at 169 Shaukiwan Road and the Metal Workers Union opposite at 192 Both unions occupy the second floors of two three-storey buildings.

The police met with no resistance and they carried out a search on the two premises which were raided several weeks before.

A man was arrested at 169 where the police discovered six home-made daggers, six triangular daggers, an axe, two choppers, a bag of marbles and ball bearings, a chain, ten two-prong forks a metal pipe with spikes driven through it, and. 28 inflammatory posters.

On the root of the same premises, 366 bottles of acid and a quantity of empty bottles were found.

On the roof of the other union, two triangular files were found. There was no disruption of traffic and people in the vicinity went about their business as usual during the raid.

A police constable was slightly injured when he slipped on the roof during the search. 

Four platoons of police, led by Mr J. H Harris, Divisional Superintendent of Bayview Police Station, took part in the operation which — began about 8.30 pm. Mr Harris described the raid as “successful”.

Mr M A. B. Stevenson, Acting Director of the Government Information Services, who was at the scene said that the residents of a nearby tall building should have reported to the police when they noticed the bottles on the roof. 

All they had to do was to telephone the police, he added. 

- Set On Fire -

Meanwhile, in Yaumati two Land Rovers belonging to a construction company were set on fire by trouble-makers about 9 pm outside Man Wai House in Ferry Street.

Some red papers with Chinese characters. were seen. pasted on the vehicles. A piece of red cloth with characters of “Kowloon fighting unit” was found nearby.

However, there were no casualties and the blaze was put by the staff of the construction company before the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

An Army ammunition expert detonated a bomb found at the Junction of Nam Cheong Street and Laichikok Road, Shamshuipo, at 9.45 pm.

Another bomb was later found suspended on the railings in Middle Road near Nathan Road shortly after 11 pm

An Indian national was slightly hurt on the forehead when the bomb was detonated.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Brave Postman To Get Reward

A postman who was beaten by Communist thugs while delivering letters in the Hennessy Road area on August 8is to be rewarded with a gift of $500 for his loyalty and devotion to duty.

Mr Yan Chi-kit, Acting Chairman of the Loyal Workers’ Welfare Fund Committee, will present a cheque to the postman, Mr Ng Kwok-wah, at the Post Office Recreation City this afternoon.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

People Told To Avoid Crowds

A police spokesman yesterday again advised members of the public to keep away from areas where incidents occur in the streets.

By joining such crowds, the spokesman pointed out, innocent persons exposed themselves unnecessarily to the possibility of injuries caused by indiscriminate throwing of bombs.

Members of the public were urged to keep away from these areas in order to enable the police to identify and deal with trouble-makers.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

CACHE OF BOMBS AND GELIGNITE DISCOVERED

Police yesterday discovered five home-made bombs, three sticks of gelignite and several detonators and fuses buried in a road works site below Belilios Public School in King's Road.

The discovery was made following information supplied by four men arrested on Wednesday night. One of them, who had a bomb in his possession, was arrested in Sports Road, Happy Valley.

Shortly before noon yesterday the police were taken to the site by one of the four suspects who fold them where the explosives and other items were buried.

- Removed -

They were later removed by the police for disposal. After the removal of the explosives a police ballistics officer said: “If the bombs had been exploded where they were, the window panes of the buildings on the other side of the street, about 75 feet away, would have been shattered.” The removal operation lasted an hour.

- Explosions -

Two bomb explosions were reported, one in Kowloon and the other on Hongkong Island, yesterday afternoon.

The first one occurred at the Tsimshatsui Post Office at 2.15 pm while the other occurred at 26 King's Road, ground floor, at 3.50 pm.

No one was hurt.

In Kowloon, a parcel containing ten oblong-shaped objects was found on the staircase of 22A Ha Heung Road at noon. They were found to be genuine bombs and were removed.

At 2.21.pm, a bomb found. outside Block “13” Tin Wan resettlement estate, Tsun Wan, was disposed of by an ammunition expert.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

DEAD MAN IDENTIFIED

A young man shot dead during disturbances at the Tung Tau resettlement estate on Tuesday night has been identified as Ho Shui-kei.

A man identified Ho at the Kowloon Public Mortuary on Wednesday night after the police appealed for information.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Holmes Sees Seized Weapons At Police Station

(photo)

Mr Holmes (top picture) greeted at Western Police Station by Mr Blackburn.

Looking on is Mr Clough, Above, Mr Holmes is shown inspecting material seized by the police in a recent raid. 

Some of the weapons seized during recent raids on premises of leftist unions were shown to the Hon D. R. Holmes, Acting Colonial Secretary, when he visited police stations on the Island yesterday.

Mr Holmes was accompanied by Mr D. C. Bray, Assistant Colonial Secretary, Mr M. D. A. Clinton, Deputy Economic Secretary, and Mr Peter Clough, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hongkong Island.

Mr Holmes saw the weapons at Western Police Station. They included knives and choppers and other sharp instruments which were seized at the Dairy Farm Workers Union in Pokfulam.

He showed keen interest as the weapons were described by Mr Ma Kwong-yee, Divisional Detective Inspector of the station.

Mr Holmes was met by Mr E. Blackburn, Divisional Superintendent, who introduced some of the officers and men who were injured during the recent disturbances.

Mr Holmes was also introduced to Mr W. C. Trotter, Assistant Superintendent of Police, who was in charge of the station when leftists attempted to force entry into the building on July 9.

After congratulating the officers on their good work, Mr Holmes and his party visited Central Police Station where they were met by Mr R. E. Quine, Divisional Superintendent.

After spending about half an hour there Mr Holmes went to Police Headquarters, Arsenal Street, Wanchai.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Messages Pour In For Bereaved Families

Commercial Broadcasting Co. Ltd, has been flooded with letters and telegrams of condolence from members of the public to the bereaved families of the late Mr Lam Bun and the late Mr Lam Kwong-hoi. Many floral tributes have also been sent.

Mr George Ho, Managing Director of Commercial Radio on behalf of the Lam families, thanked the public for their concern.

He disclosed that no date for the funerals had been set because the families were still in a state of shock.

The two Lams, both of Commercial Radio, died within six days of each other after they were brutally attacked in their car in Man Wei Road last week.

Their assailants, posing as road repairers, stopped the vehicle, threw petrol and then set the car on fire.

The police are investigating the possibility of the murderers having fled to Macao.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 10)

SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS

VIOLENCE used against British diplomats in Peking and the outrageous conduct of Peking's representatives in London have indeed strained Sino-British relations to almost breaking point, the gravity of which has been drawn directly to the attention of Marshal Chen Yi by Mr George Brown And, clearly in the interests of both countries, Mr Brown stresses Britain's readiness to discuss how normal relations can be restored. The restraint exercised by Britain in the face of serious provocations in Peking and in London is evidence of her wish to maintain ties with China and it can be safely presumed that Peking has the same desire. Only the other day Japanese businessmen who visited Peking said that China was exerting her utmost to maintain overseas trade relations particularly with Britain among other countries, The implication is that obstacles are being encountered, presumably from over-zealous, ultra-revolutionary and irresponsible elements responsible for the aggressive and provocative behaviour of Chinese citizens abroad including Hongkong.

The Governor, Sir David Trench, made it clear in a speech in June that neither Hongkong nor Britain holds any enmity towards China and despite all the unwarranted insults and offensive outbursts which official agencies of Peking have showered on the British and Hongkong governments, there is not the slightest evidence to support. the accusation that Hongkong and London are engaged in an “anti-China campaign.” Police action in London to restore peace and order, violated by blatant provocations on the part of members of the Chinese Legation, and police action in Hongkong against those who engage in violence, terrorism: and murder against their own kinfolk and who indulge in subversion against the Government which is recognised by Peking, can by no stretch of the imagination be described as anti-China acts, They are acts against lawlessness and as far as Hongkong is concerned, the Government remains determined to maintain peace and order for the benefit of all regardless of race or political affiliations and is fully backed by the British Government and the vast majority of the people of Hongkong. No doubt, normal Sino-British relations will be restored once the true facts are appreciated by the authorities in Peking.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Youth Remanded

16-year-old youth appeared before Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court yesterday on a charge of throwing an explosive substance in the Tung Tau resettlement area on Tuesday.

He was remanded for a week in jail custody to enable him to seek legal advice.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Boy Admits Planting Fake Bomb

A 13-year-old boy, who pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to write inflammatory slogans and planting 4 fake bomb, was put on probation for one year by Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The boy, who had been remanded for a week for a probation officer report, admitted placing a fake bomb near the wall of the Wongtaisin Kaifong Association on August 16, and writing inflammatory slogans on a wall of the Resettlement Office in Saumauping, Kun Tong, two days earlier.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

NO RED GUNBOATS IN H.K. WATERS:
POLICE OFFICER TESTIFIES AT SEDITION TRIAL

A police officer testifying at the trial of three people charged with sedition said at Central Court yesterday that no Chinese gunboats had ever been reported in Colonial waters, during his 21 months of service with the Marine Police.

Superintendent K. Clark was called by the prosecution to refute a report which. had appeared in the Hongkong Evening News on June 2.

The report claimed that 30 Communist gunboats had, sailed into Colonial waters and had intercepted a launch of the Department of Commerce and Industry, near Brothers Island. The paper also claimed that the crew of one of the gunboats boarded the launch and interrogated the crew.

Supt Clark told Mr E Light, the magistrate, that no DC & I launches were near Brothers Island that day.

One of the accused, Wu Tai-chow (32), editor of the Hongkong Evening News, suggested that the presence of the gunboats and the DC & I launch incident might not have been reported because of a marine workers strike.

Supt Clark replied that a Revenue Officer went out on all patrols and would have reported the incident if it had occurred. “It any of my staff had seen a gunboat in Colonial waters, it would have been reported to me,” Supt Clark added.

Earlier, outlining the case for the prosecution, Mr Michael Sandor, Crown Counsel, said the publication of the gunboat story was an attempt to cause fear and havoc.

On trial with Wu are Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Co; and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the printing company, which printed the Hongkong Evening News.

They each face four charges of sedition; one of attempting to induce people to commit offences and one of publishing false news. They have pleaded not guilty.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Man Seen Throwing Bricks At Trams

A driver of the China Motor Bus Company and a broker told Judge J. E. Hopkinson at Victoria District Court yesterday that they saw a man throwing bricks at trams and placing bricks on a tram line during an incident on July 27.

They identified the man as Lo Shui-kan (37) of 54 Sun Hing, Cheung Chau, and described his behaviour during the incident as “ugly and ruthless.”

Lo appeared in court charged with riot, forming part of an intimidating assembly, interfering with property forming part of a tram line, placing material on part of a tram line, and directing an intimidating assembly. He pleaded not guilty. Mr M. J. Alexander, Crown Counsel, said that a crowd gathered shortly after the police had raided the New China Products Emporium in Wanchai on the afternoon of July 27.

Lo was seen picking up bricks and throwing them at passing trams and placing bricks and a bamboo stick on the tracks.

Mr So Po, the bus driver, and Mr Cheung Sui-wah, the broker, both witnessed the incident and described Lo as the leader of the crowd which threw bricks at passing trams. Both identified Lo in court.

They said that after the police arrived and the crowd had dispersed they followed La.

“I was quite frightened during the incident but I was also very indignant,” Mr Cheung said. Both men testified that they then met two tramway inspectors and together they followed Lo and apprehended him. Lo threw three pay-in slips from the Nanyang Commercial Bank and two Mao badges to the ground when apprehended, they added.

Leung Fu-kan (18), of 14 Mallory Street second floor, who admitted being involved in the same incident, pleaded guilty to charges of riot, interfering with property forming part of a tram line and placing material on part of a tram line.

He also pleaded guilty to riot and causing malicious damage to property on July 16.

Mr Alexander said that on July 16 a crowd gathered near the Ying King Restaurant in Johnston Road, Leung was seen smashing the restaurant's windows with an iron rod and burning curtains, he said. Damage was estimated at $560, said Mr Alexander.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Tussle At Central Magistracy
WOMAN SHOUTS AS SON SENT TO JAIL

The shouts of a mother when she heard the sentence passed on her son at Central Court yesterday sparked off a tussle between policemen and spectators which ended with three women and a man being arrested.

The woman's son, Chung Wai-chun (19), was one of four school pupils sentenced to 12 months in jail by Mr A. L. Leathlean for unlawful assembly in Queen's Road Central on August 26. 

The other defendants were Choi Wing-chow (18), Ho Ching-wah (18) and a 16-year-old youth.

Mr Leathlean ordered that Mrs Chung be escorted out of the court when she shouted. She was followed by most of the spectators who then started shouting and screaming insults as they left the courtroom on the second floor.

When the crowd reached the ground floor they refused to leave and a pushing contest started as police tried to get them down the stairs leading to the court gates. The police arrested three women and one man.

One of the women struggled violently and it took two policemen to control her. Another shook off the grasping arms of two policewomen and shouted “I’ll go by myself!” 

The man was arrested outside the court gates when he continued to shout insults after he had been warned. It took three policemen to handle the man who struggled violently. Most of the spectators were out of the gates by about 1.15 pm.

Earlier, during hearing of the case Insp B. L. Coak said the four youths were with a crowd of about 1,000 people who were demonstrating and painting slogans in Queen's Road Central on August 26. They were arrested early next morning by the police acting on information.

- Another Case -

In another case, two men, Yeung See-kuk and Lee Yuk-lan, charged with possession of inflammatory posters, resisting arrest and possession of a bomb later found to be a dud, were jailed for 26 months each. Both were arrested on August 23 in Pottinger Street when the Police searched them.

Two other men, Wong Hing-hei and Lam Kwai-keung, were jailed for 21 months and 18 months respectively for unlawful assembly.

Wong was in charge of a procession and Lam was directly behind him in Queen's Road Central near the Central Market on August 26.

Chiu Yiu-yung (17), charged with three counts of painting inflammatory slogans on walls and possession of an inflammatory poster, was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Inspector Coak said Chiu had painted slogans in Aberdeen Main Road at 3.15 am on August 29. An inflammatory poster was found on him when he was arrested.

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SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Tailor Threatened Colleague 

To Shing (27), a tailor, of 7 Yee On Street, second floor, Kun Tong, was jailed for 14 months by. Mr G C. Byrne at North Kowloon Court yesterday for taking part in an intimidating assembly.

Mr Tong Wah said that To and several other people. went to the Kenneday Garment Factory in Kun Tong, surrounded him and threatened to assault him. He was accused of having always been against the union.

Mr Tong said he and To had quarrelled about work on the previous day.

***

SCMP, 1 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

REPORTERS LED DEMONSTRATION, COURT TOLD

Five left-wing newspaper and news agency reporters led about 100 school children in an anti-British demonstration in Wangtauhom on July 29, shouting slogans and singing political songs, it was alleged at Kowloon District Court yesterday.

The reporters appeared before Judge R. O'Connor on charges of taking part in an intimidating assembly and making inflammatory speeches. Pleading not guilty, they described the charges as “nonsense” and “a lot of fakes.”

The defendants are: Lam Yuk-wo [sic] 羅玉和 (31), of the New China News Agency; Wong Yat-lau 黃一溜 (37), of the Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung 陳子峰 (32), of the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing 吳在城 (23), of the Ching Po Daily News; and Wong Ling 王寧 (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

Ng was additionally charged with possession of an inflammatory poster. He denied the charge, claiming that this was “merely political persecution.”

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, said that on the evening of July 29, four police detectives saw the five reporters leading a group of 100 school children in shouting slogans, waving banners, singing and dancing. They were easily identified as they were the only adults in the group.

Detective Constable Chung Wai-ching testified that the crowd had completely blocked the main thoroughfare. of the Wangtauhom estate. The majority of those in the crowd were “young kids, all wearing white shirts.” They were standing in a circle round the five defendants. 

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

VILLAGERS’ THREAT: Work On Mankamto Police Post Held Up

Work on the building of a new police station at Mankamto commanding the border crossing has been interrupt ed for the past two or three days because of threats from Chinese villagers.

A reliable source said yesterday that a small group of people who came from the Chinese side of the border last Tuesday or Wednesday had threatened the construction workers.

The new police station is being built on top of a small hill several hundred yards from the Mankamto bridge, the centre of trouble several weeks ago.

The authorities were now discussing ways and means of resuming construction, it was learned.

In addition to the new police post, a public lavatory is being built at the foot of the hill.

- No Objection -

According to the source, the group which crossed into Hongkong territory on Wednesday had told the construction workers that they had no objection to the lavatory being built as they could use it. The police post was, however, a different matter. They said it commanded a clear view of the Chinese border and this was. “disadvantageous” to the Chinese.

The group issued a warning to the workers that if they continued the work there would be trouble.

(photo)

Labourers starting work on the new police post last week.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Raid On North Point Dancing School: STONES THROWN AT POLICE VEHICLES

The police last night raided the Hup Yau Music and Dancing School on the 23rd floor of the Kiu Koon Mansion in King's Road, North Point, but no seizures or arrests were made. 

Before the police withdrew from the premises, stones were thrown at the police vehicles from nearby buildings.

The Kiu Koon Mansion also. housed the Wah Fung China Emporium which had been raided by the police several weeks ago.

Shortly after 9 pm, the police arrived and. entered the school, without encountering any resistance.

There were about 30 people, including some women, in the premises. The police spent about one and a half hours questioning them.

Four platoons of police, led by Mr J. H. Harris, Divisional Superintendent of Bayview Police Station, tool part in the operation.

A man, who saw the police arrive, started to run and hit his head against a wall on the ground floor -corridor.

He suffered head injuries and was sent to hospital for. treatment.

The area was not cordoned off and traffic was running normally during the raid. The police parked their vehicles on the pavement outside the Wah Fung Emporium.

Residents of the building were allowed to leave and enter after they had been searched. Meanwhile, mob gatherings on both sides of the harbour were reported.

Shortly after 9 pm, a small crowd set fire to a traffic post in Whitty Street, West Point. It dispersed when police arrived at the scene.

Nails were found scattered in the street, with the purpose of puncturing car tyres.

- Crowd Breaks Up -

About the same time, a crowd of about 300 gathered in Mataukok Road, Tokwawan, but they broke up upon the arrival of the police.

Ammunition experts were kept busy by reports of bomb finds on the Island. Two bombs were found on the hillside near Block “26” of the Chaiwan resettlement estate about noon. They were later detonated.

A number of suspected bombs was found. in the Western district yesterday.

Three of them, found in Des Voeux Road West near the Wing Lok Wharf, turned out to be genuine ones when examined. They were subsequently detonated by an army ammunition expert.

There brought to five the total number of bombs found yesterday.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

GOVERNOR DUE BACK LATER THIS MONTH

His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, will return to Hongkong on September 22 at the conclusion of his leave. Sir David is returning via Singapore where he plans to spend two days during which he will. have discussions with the Commander-in-Chief, Far East.

Lady Trench will follow separately after making arrangements for their daughter to enter her new school. 

Katherine, who will be 11 in December, is to attend a boarding school for the first time and Lady Trench will stay on for a month or two until she is settled in her new school.

Katherine will be spending her Christmas and subsequent holidays with her parents in Hongkong.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Cheque For Courageous Postman

(photo)

Mr Cheng presenting the cheque for $500 to Mr Ng.

A postman who performed his duty in spite of being assaulted and intimidated was yesterday rewarded by the Kaifong associations for his courage.

The postman, Mr Ng Kwok-wah, was presented with a cheque for $500 by Mr Cheng Yu-long, Treasurer of the Righteous Workers’ Welfare Fund at a ceremony held at the Post Office Club.

Mr Ng was delivering mail in Hennessy Road on August 8, when he was set upon and assaulted.

Mr A. G. Crook, Postmaster-General, addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to all the Kaifong associations for recognising the courage of Mr Ng.

He said the spirit and resolution of Mr Ng was typical of the postmen and staff of the Post Office in general.

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SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Policeman Badly Hurt In Blast

A bomb hidden near a red flag planted on a hillside above Taiwohau resettlement estate in Tsun Wan yesterday exploded in the face of a police constable when he went to inspect the flag. The blast seriously injured the constable, Wong Kwong-loi, in the face and chest. He was detained at Queen Elizabeth Hospital where doctors last night were treating injuries to his eyes.

A police ballistics officer who visited the spot where the red flag and bomb was planted found that an object attached to the flag was a fake bomb.

It is believed that the explosion occurred when a concealed bomb was detonated by a trip wire which Constable Wong accidentally kicked or pulled while approaching the flag.

Earlier in the morning, two suspected bombs on the railway bridge above Boundary Street held up rail traffic for an hour. One proved to be a real bomb and was detonated by an Army expert.

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SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

O.A.G. Sends Letter Of Condolence

Letters of condolence were sent yesterday to Mr and Mrs Lam Kwan by His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, Mr M. D. I. Gass, and the Hon Paul Tsui, Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs.

Mr and Mrs Lam Kwan are the parents of Mr Lam Kwong-hoi, a Commercial Radio employee, who died on Wednesday, following the attack on him and his cousin, Mr Lam Bun, on August 24 while they were in-a car on their way to office.

Mr Lam Bun died on August 25.

In his letter, Mr Gass described the attack as cowardly and outrageous.

Mr Tsui asked the distressed parents to let him know if there was anything Government could do to assist the funeral of their son.

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SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Man Caught With A Bomb

Chan Wing-cheung, alias Chan Cheung-wing, admitted at Central Court yesterday that he was caught red-handed in Wanchai on August 26 with a bomb in his possession,

Mr T, J. Van Rees, the magistrate, remanded him to the next Criminal Sessions for sentencing after he had accepted the defendant's pleas of guilty.

Chan, unemployed, of no fixed abode, was charged with possession of a bomb capable of being used as an offensive weapon and possession of explosive substances.

Mr T. J. R. Carolan, Crown Counsel, said that Chan was spotted by a police inspector and a constable who were on bomb patrol in Wanchai, at about 5 am on August 26.

He was in the middle of Cross Street when the police noticed a brown paper parcel he was carrying. They called to him to stop. He immediately started running after throwing the parcel away.

The police caught him in Johnston Road. He was arrested without a struggle.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

SEDITION TRIAL Newspaper Editor Says He Believed Gunboat Story

Wu Tai-chow, the editor of the suspended Communist newspaper, the Hongkong Evening News, said at Central Court yesterday that he had believed a report that a Communist gunboat had intercepted a DC & I launch on June 1.

Wu (32), who was giving an unsworn statement from the dock, said one of his reporters was told the incident when he went a cover a Marine Department workers strike.

“At that time,” he said, “workers of the Marine Department drew the attention of our reporter to DC & I launch No 1 and he took pictures of it.

“When he came back and wrote the article, and after I had read it, I had no doubt at all that it was true.

“The headline on the article referred to Communist gunboats taking up positions in Tung Ku waters.

“I knew that Tung Ku was mostly Chinese territory. I also knew that the fleet, known as the Pearl River fleet, usually appeared in this part of Chinese territorial waters,” Wu said.

He added that he knew that the British aircraft carrier Bulwark was holding exercises along the coast of Lantao at that time.

- Difficult -

“Our fleet could have been performing manoeuvring. exercises in those parts of our territorial waters as well,” he said.

Wu added that he was in a difficult position because he was unable to summon the commander of the Communist fleet to come here to give evidence.

Wu, with Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Co, and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the printing company, are facing four counts of sedition, one of publishing false news and one of publishing an article likely to induce people to commit offences.

Earlier, the prosecution called two Revenue Inspectors to refute a story which appeared in the Hongkong Evening News on June 2 that a fleet of 30 Chinese gunboats had been sighted off Brothers Island.

The article also claimed that one of the gunboats intercepted DC&I launch No 1 and that the crew had boarded it and interrogated the people on the launch.

The Inspectors, Mr Leong Fat-chi and Mr Ng Yim-kay, denied having sighted the gunboats.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

TWO MEN JAILED ON INFLAMMATORY POSTER CHARGES

Two men were each sentenced to 21 months in jail by Mr P. M. Corfe at Central Court yesterday when they were found guilty of being in control of inflammatory posters.

Lam Kam-din (26), of 164 Johnston Road, fifth floor, and Leung Po (39), unemployed, of 16A Elgin Street, first floor, were acquitted on a second charge of being in control of offensive weapons.

In passing sentence, Mr Corfe said he was satisfied with the evidence of the prosecution's witnesses who had said that five posters were stuck on the walls of the Hoi Fuk Clansmen's Association in Johnston Road on August 26.

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SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Shop Assistant Jailed For Four Years

A shop assistant was convicted and jailed for four years by Judge J. E. Hopkinson at Victoria District Court yesterday on charges arising out of an incident outside the New China Products Emporium in Wanchai on July 27.

Lo Shui-kan (37), of 54 Sun Hing, Cheung Chau, had pleaded not guilty to charges of riot, forming part of an intimidating assembly, interfering with property forming part of a tram line and directing an intimidating assembly.

The prosecution's case against Lo was that he was the leader of a crowd that had gathered shortly after the police had raided the New China Products Emporium, and that he was seen picking up bricks and throwing them at passing trams as well as placing bricks and a bamboo stick on the tracks.

Judge Hopkinson, in sentencing Lo to four years imprisonment on each charge, the terms to run concurrently, stated that the heartening factor in this case was the fact that private citizens had made the arrest.

Leung Fu-kan (18), of 14 Mallory Street, second floor, who admitted having been involved in the same incident, was also jailed for a total of four years when he pleaded guilty to charges of riot, interfering with property forming part of a tram line and placing material on part of a tram line.

Leung also pleaded guilty to riot and causing malicious damage to property on July 16. The offences occurred at the Ying King Restaurant in Johnston Road.

Mr M. Alexander, Crown Counsel, prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Manager Of Shipyard Acquitted

The manager of a Cheungshawan shipyard accused of permitting inflammatory posters to be displayed in his shipyard was given the benefit of the doubt by Mr T. L. von Pokorny and acquitted at North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The prosecution had alleged that during a police raid on the A Fai Engineering and Ship-repairing Co, Ltd, in Laichikok Road, on July 25, inflammatory posters were found on the walls of the workshop and in the canteen of the shipyard.

Mr Pokorny ruled that the prosecution had no direct evidence to prove that the manager, Szeto Fai (46), knew that the posters were of an inflammatory nature. He found that Szeto had no case to answer.

Szeto was represented by Mr Oswald Cheung, QC, and Patrick Yu, on the instructions of Y. C. Liu and Co.

Mr D. Walsh, Crown Counsel, prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Reporters Remanded In Custody

A reporter of the Ta Kung Pao, arrested on Saturday last week following a demonstration in Jubilee Street, was remanded to Wednesday by Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday pending transfer of the case to the Victoria District Court.

The defendant, Wong Chak (40), of 342 Hennessy Road, third floor, Wanchai, is accused of making inflammatory speeches, unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting a police officer.

Wong. protested against his “illegal arrest.”

Another defendant, Shum Kai-lum (32), a reporter of the Hongkong Commercial Daily News, who was arrested at Central Court last Tuesday when he allegedly tried to pass a note to three prisoners, was remanded in custody until Tuesday.

He is charged with conveying an unauthorised message to prisoners and obstructing police officers.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

COURT ASKED TO STOP ‘CHILDISH QUESTIONS’

A Crown Counsel asked a District Judge at Kowloon District Court yesterday to disallow “childish questions” from an accused left-wing reporter in his cross-examination of a prosecution witness. Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, made the request after Wong Yau-lau [sic] (37), a reporter of Wen Wei Pao, asked a police detective constable if it was an offence when a witness told a lie. 

Replying the constable, Cheung Wai-ching said: “Certainly.”

Wong also asked the constable in what capacity he was giving evidence.

Judge R. O'Connor told Wong that Constable Cheung was giving evidence as a witness.

Constable Cheung had told the Judge at a previous hearing that Wong and four other left-wing reporters had led about 100 school children in an anti-British demonstration in Wangtauhom resettlement estate on July 29.

Wong is on trial together with Lam Yuk-wo (31), of the New China News Agency; Chan Chi-fung (32), of the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing (23), of Ching Po Daily News; and Wong Ling (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao. They are alleged to have taken part in an intimidating assembly and to have made inflammatory speeches. Ng was additionally charged with possession of an inflammatory poster.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 2 Sep 1967 (Page 9)

Operation Postcard A Success

The Hongkong Tourist Association's month-long “Operation Postcard” ended on Thursday with 22,353 postcards being sent to 127 countries.

A spokesman for the Association yesterday described the campaign, which enabled residents and visitors to send messages of confidence about the Colony abroad, as a tremendous success. Residents sent the most cards.

A breakdown of the destinations. showed that 8,124 cards went to the United States, 3,539 went to the United Kingdom, 1,572 to Australia, and 2,201 to Canada, Other countries included Japan (717), the Philippines (335), Germany (412), France (301), the Soviet Union (17), Macao (99) and China (5).

Major H. F. Stanley, Director of the Association, also expressed his appreciation to the people of Hongkong for supporting the campaign.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 2)

Funeral for Lion Rock bomb victim

Sergeant Charles Workman, the army ammunition expert killed on Lion Rock while dismantling a Communist-planted bomb last Monday, was buried with full military honours in the Colonial Cemetery yesterday.

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev Roy Thomas, Chaplain to the Forces.

Sgt Workman, 26, of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, is survived by his widow and a son Mrs Workman, accompanied by her father, arrived by air from London on Friday for the funeral.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

H.K. Red explains defection

Taipei, Sept. 2.

A Chinese Communist defector asserted at a press conference in Taipei today that about 40 employees of the Communist-owned China Book Company in Hongkong had quit their jobs since the Communists instigated their terror campaign there in May.

He was Mr Kao Chi-kiang, chief accountant of the company, who arrived on August 26 with his wife and four children. Mr Kao said he decided to defect on August 24 when he was ordered by the company's manager, Mr Tan Hsueh-wen, to appear before its “struggle committee” for self-criticism, a particularly humiliating form of self-abasement.

- Follows chief -

Mr Kao was the second official of the company to defect to Taiwan, the first being Mr Wu Shu-tung, board chairman and general manager, who arrived here last month.

Mr Kao said the company now had a staff of about 100, many of whom, he predicted, would quit their jobs.

Mr Kao, 59, is a native of Wuching 吳涇 near Shanghai. He graduated from the Shanghai Law College and had practised as a lawyer there until the fall of the mainland in 1949. He joined the China Book Company in Hongkong in 1951.

Mr Kao has three daughters, 14, 12 and 8, and a son, 10. — AP.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Booby-trap blast: 2 held

(photo)

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, New Territories, Mr A. Morrison, comforts PC Wong Kwong-loy in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday.

Two men were arrested yesterday in Room 446, Block 19, fourth floor, Tai Wo Hau resettlement estate, near Tsun Wan, New Territories, where four home-made bombs were found when the police launched & sudden dawn raid on the premises.

The men were believed to be connected with a booby-trap explosion on the hillside above the same resettlement estate on Friday when Police Constable Wong Kwong-loy suffered injuries to the face and chest.

The Resettlement Department has terminated the tenancy of the room by the two men immediately under the conditions of the tenancy for a breach of the law.

The bombs found in the room were later detonated by a police ballistics officer between 10.30 am and 11 am.

The police also carried our three raids in Ma Sim Pai Village in Tsun Wan yesterday.

Four men and two women were found in several huts and detained for enquiries.

A number of iron bars and three fake bombs were seized from the huts during the raids.

Meanwhile, a bomb was found in Laichikok Road near Boundary Street, Shamshuipo, about 10 pm.

- Bomb thrown -

When the police and army ammunition experts arrived at the scene, a bomb was thrown from an upper floor of a building, causing an explosion. No one was injured.

A bomb was thrown from an upper floor of a building at a party of police when they were on patrol in Cheungshawan Road near Kweilin Street, Shamshuipo, about 11.10 pm. The bomb caused an explosion, but no one was injured.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Additional border fence to prevent illegal entry

A second wire fence south of the existing one lining the New Territories border with China is being built by Government as an additional measure to prevent illegal entry into Hongkong.

The new measure follows an earlier statement that Government has prepared a plan to deal with a possible influx of refugees from across the border. The statement was made by Mr J. B. Lees, Assistant Commissioner of Police (New Territories). before he left England on Wednesday.

A Government spokesman said yesterday that the experience of the 1962 influx of illegal immigrants had shown that the chain link border fence was not an adequate obstacle to persons determined to make illegal entry into Hongkong.

In order to control such incursions, should they occur, a second obstacle was necessary. This would prevent illegal immigrants from intruding further into Hongkong territory.

- Reinforcement -

The spokesman emphasised that the erection of the second fence was a reinforcement and not in any way a change in the security arrangements along the border. All border entry points would be manned as at present and patrols would continue to be maintained in all areas along the border.

In deciding on the alignment every effort had been made by Government to reduce to the minimum any difficulty for farmers and others who might be affected. However, it was inevitable that, because of the nature of the terrain, some land needed to be requisitioned to enable the fence to be constructed, and arrangements for the requisition of land and the payment of compensation, where appropriate, were being worked out.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 2)

Tribute to students who replaced strikers

Twenty-eight university and post-secondary students who gave up six weeks of their summer holiday to serve as tram conductors, were last night feted by Hongkong Tramways Ltd at a dinner in the Yuet Hing Restaurant, Wanchai.

The students came from the University of Hongkong, the Chinese University, Chu Hai College and Baptist College. They joined Tramways after the leftists called a strike on July 10.

One student, from the National Taiwan University who is holidaying in the Colony, also joined.

Mr J. H. W. Salmon, manager of Hongkong Tramways, paid tribute to them for their public-spiritedness and noted that they came when they were most needed at a time when threats and intimidation from leftist agitators were so rampant.

The dinner was held to show the company's appreciation as most of the students were about to return to school.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 3)

JUDGMENT IN SEDITION TRIAL TOMORROW

Mr Enoch Light will pass judgment on a newspaper editor and two executives of a printing firm in Central Court tomorrow. They have pleaded not. guilty to four counts of sedition, one count of publishing false news and one count of publishing an article likely to incite people to commit offences.

The charges arise from publications in the Hongkong Evening News.

The defendants are Wu Tai-chow (32), editor of the Hongkong Evening News, Chak Nuen-fai, (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Co and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the Nam Cheong Printing Co, which prints the newspaper.

Last Tuesday, the three executives were each jailed for three years by Mr Light following sedition charges arising from publications in the Afternoon News.

In unsworn statements yesterday, Wu and Li claimed that they were victims of political persecution,

Wu told Mr Light that he had expressed his own opinions in the newspaper and had never forced others to accept them.

Li said he was a partner of the Nam Cheong Printing Company in name only and was not responsible for the work done by the company.

Chak did not make a statement. He told Mr Light he was suffering from a bad cold.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 3)

REPORTERS 'SEEN' LEADING A CROWD IN SINGING

A police constable told a Kowloon District Court judge yesterday how five reporters of a Communist news agency and four left-wing newspapers were arrested after they were seen taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Constable Sheung Chi-hawk was giving evidence against Lam Yuk-wo (31), of the New China News Agency; Wong Yat-lau (37), of the Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung (32), of the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing (23), of the Ching Po Daily News; and Wong Ling (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

They were alleged to have led about 100 school children in an anti-British demonstration and to have made inflammatory speeches in Wangtauhom.

Ng was further accused of having in his possession an inflammatory poster.

- Road blocked -

Const Sheung testified that he was assigned to the Wangtauhom resettlement area on patrol on July 29 and while there he saw a crowd of 100 pupils blocking a road.

He said the defendants and another man were among the crowd. The man was standing in front and three feet away were the defendants who were conducting the crowd in singing, he said.

Const Sheung said he saw Lam raise his hand and shout anti-British and anti-Hongkong slogans. This was joined by the crowd.

The defendants later left the area in a green car and the crowd dispersed either by foot or by lorries,

Const Sheung said he and other policemen followed the accused in two cars and subsequently arrested them.

Hearing continues tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 3 Sep 1967 (Page 3)

Pupils planted fake bomb

Two pupils of the Pui Kiu Middle School were found guilty in Central Court yesterday of placing a package resembling a bomb “to terrorise members of the public.”

The magistrate, Mr T. J. van Rees, sentenced Yan Tat-yan (17), of 6 Bluepool Road, first floor, Happy Valley, to two years in jail and two additional months for obstructing a police officer.

His friend, a 15-year-old boy, was ordered to be given six strokes of the cane and another three strokes for obstructing a police officer,

He was, however, remanded until September 19 pending an appeal.

Two police constables, Chan Kam-yip and Chan Kwok-tong, were praised by the magistrate for arresting the two pupils. In North Kowloon Court, a 16-year-old boy was jailed for one year by Mr G. C. Byrne for possessing 310 inflammatory posters.

He was convicted a week ago and was remanded until yesterday for sentencing.

In another ease, Mr Bryne jailed two men after they were found guilty of being in premises containing offensive weapons and corrosive substance, and possession and displaying of inflammatory posters.

Chau Chiu (45), caretaker of the Hongkong and Kowloon Dockyard and Wharves Carpenters General Union, was jailed for 16 months and Tse Yung-sang (20), was jailed for one year.

They were arrested when police raided the union premises at 160 Laichikok Road, third floor, Shamshuipo, on August 4.

***

SCMP, 4 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

FIRE OFFICER KILLED;
MANY PEOPLE INJURED BY BOMB EXPLOSIONS;
POLICEMAN STABBED

Police arrest two suspects following a raid on Heung To Building, near the scene of explosion.

An officer of the Fire Services Department was killed and a police inspector was stabbed 15 times as Communist terrorists continued their wave of violence in various parts of the Colony yesterday.

Earlier, three Gurkha soldiers on duty on the Hongkong-China border were injured by a bomb thrown into their sentry post. The bomb-thrower was believed to have lived on the Hongkong side of the border.

The officer killed was Mr Aslam Khan, aged 22, Assistant Station Officer of the Fire Services Department.

Mr Khan died when fragments of a bomb, which exploded in the street, struck him while he was in his dormitory on the second floor of the Eastern Fire Station, Hennessy Road, Wanchai, about 9 pm.

Mr Khan had been watching the bomb — found. on the tram tracks facing the station — being detonated.

A police inspector bad apparently put a rope round the bomb which was inside a shoe box when the bomb suddenly exploded.

The flying fragments also seriously injured Mr Khan's wife and four other firemen on the same floor of the building. The four firemen were Messrs Poon Yau, Yiu Fat, Tai Moon-tong and Lee Kam-yau. Also injured were the police inspector, a constable across the street, a European passerby, woman and a shopkeeper.

Mr Khan, who joined the Fire Services Department in 1963, is survived by his widow. a child, and an aged mother.

- Suspects Held -

Following the explosion, police reinforcements arrived and a raid was carried out on the Heung To Building, near the station. Two suspects were taken into custody for questioning.

Earlier, about 8.30 pm, in Yee Woo Street, several hundred yards from the station, two men and two women. were injured in an explosion outside the Peking Restaurant.

The explosion was believed to have been set off when the car in which the four were travelling ran into the bomb, in the road.

A second bomb was also believed to have been thrown near the car immediately after the first explosion.

About 11 pm, a bomb was found and later detonated in Canal Street East, behind the tram depot. Nobody was injured.

Ten people were injured by an explosion which occurred in Wuhu Street, Hunghom, shortly after 11 pm.

Their ages range from eight to 26 years.

Five of the injured were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The incident occurred shortly after an army bomb disposal unit had. left the area. They had been dealing with two bombs hung across the road on a banner.

It appears that shortly after this a small boy either kicked or picked up an object which was in fact a bomb. It exploded and injured some other people nearby.

- Pattern -

A Government spokesman said that it seemed to be the pattern of the terrorists’ tactics to leave a bomb somewhere waiting for it to explode. Following the explosion another would be thrown on to the people gathered there.

A police spokesman last night expressed. deep concern about the behaviour of people in the streets who stood watching incidents, particularly those involving bombs.

“I am appalled,” he said, “at the risks some of these people are taking. We have made endless appeals to people to stay away from the scenes of violence engineered or created by local Communists. But our experience tonight shows that too many people have not heeded those warnings.

BOMB INSIDE LOAD OF BREAD (p.5)

(photos on right)

“In both Hongkong and Kowloon tonight people hung around the scenes of bomb explosions as if they were a free show. It is no wonder that some of those injured were simply spectators.”

“Leave the police and military experts to deal with bombs. That is their job In that way injuries will be kept to a minimum and the trouble-makers will not achieve the effects they want,” he added.

Three bombs placed together were found in the morning in the drive-way of the Boy Scouts Association premises, Cox's Road, Kowloon, where about 300 people were scheduled to meet for a religious convention.

The first bomb, which was detonated by the police shortly after 9 am, made the loudest noise and the most smoke, young onlooker said.

One bomb was enclosed in a tin placed inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

- Package -

The whole device was hung in a package from the flagstaff at the hall.

A red banner with the words “Oppose British Imperialism” had been hoisted on the flag pole. The religious assembly — a missionary convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses — was held without incident in the afternoon. Another bomb was detonated by an army ammunition expert at Tsz Wan Shan resettlement estate.

The device was discovered attached to one of four posts erected outside block six at 8.10 am.

Two more bombs were found outside the men's public lavatory in Queen's Road East near Monmouth Path in the afternoon, They were dismantled by an army ammunition expert.

In all cases no damage or casualties were caused.

- Waylaid -

A police inspector was seriously injured when he was waylaid by four men, one armed with 9 triangular file, in Yaumati about 9.45 am yesterday,

Probationary Inspector Choi Yiu-cheong, 26, attached to the Mongkok Police Station, was slabbed 15 times and was relieved of his fully-loaded revolver by his assailants.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where his condition last night was described as “serious but not dangerous.”

The attack tools place in Ferry Street near Man Yuen Street. The area was cordoned off by the police who conducted a search of nearby buildings. The search was called off after four hours but the revolver was not recovered.

Police also questioned and searched suspected persons on all ferry wharves.

A shopkeeper in the vicinity of the attack told reporters that when he saw the four men jump on the inspector, he thought “they were fooling."

The shopkeeper, who asked not to be identified, said that when the assailants pinned Insp Choi on the ground and stabbed him with a triangular file, he informed the police.

He said the four men ran into a corridor of a multi-storey building after disarming the police officer.

Later, police searched the premises of the Cargo Supervisors Union, on the first floor of Man Ying Building. Fifty-six people on the premises, who chanted Communist songs and slogans while police were conducting the search, were taken into custody.

Police also searched the premises of the Shanghai Tailoring Workers General Union at Man Wah Building, adjacent to the Man Ying Building. No one was found inside.

A quantity of offensive weapons — iron bars, daggers and helmets — and inflammatory posters, were found in the two unions.

A police spokesman said last night that the arrested people wore expected to be charged with various offences under the Emergency Regulations.

“However, the Police believe they have no connection with the attack on the offer,” he added.

Three Gurkha soldiers were injured yesterday when a bomb was tossed into their sentry post at Shataukok.

The bomb, believed to have been a stick of gelignite in a metal casing, was lobbed through a metal grill 20ft above ground level.

- Border Incident -

Eight soldiers were in the sentry post at the time, preparing to start duty for the day. The soldier on watch did not see the person who threw the bomb.

He said later he heard a hissing noise, like a burning fuse, and then saw the bomb come through the grill about 15 ft away from where he was standing.

Lieut-Col Denis O'Leary, Commanding Officer of the 1/7 Gurkha Rifles, said the sentries in the post wore unable to see the pavement below them.

Tho bomb thrower had been able to climb on to a 4ft high metal stand on the pavement and reach high enough to lob the bomb through the opening. The sentry post is in the fish market building at Shataukok. The street outside is the border with China.

He said the person who threw the bomb probably lived on the Hongkong side of the border. The incident occurred shortly after 6 am when villagers were going back and forth to the fish market.

The usual 10 pm to 5 am curfew had been lifted about an hour earlier and normal cross-border movements were taking place.

***

SCMP, 4 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

DISTURBANCES: Resettlement For Families Of Victims Suggested

A motion urging that resettlement be given, if needed, to dependants of those killed or incapacitated from injuries received during the disturbances, will be proposed by Mr Woo Po-shing, at a meeting of the Urban Council tomorrow.

Mr Brook Bernacchi will move that in future, the official record of proceedings be translated into Chinese and reprinted so as to be made available to the public.

Mr Bernacchi will also ask at the meeting what steps are being taken to ensure that water delivered to restaurants is not contaminated in view of the risk of increase of typhoid and gastro-enteritis cases.

He also wants to know if any control is being exercised over lorries collecting water from streams, especially in Lung Cheung Road.

Drawing attention to complaints that in some of the old resettlement estates, loose electric wiring is causing obstruction. in the staircases. Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen will ask the Commissioner for Resettlement if a survey can be conducted and if he can take whatever remedial steps are necessary.

***

SCMP, 4 Sep 1967 (Page 10)

EXTRACTS FROM THE CHINESE PRESS: CHINA DISORDERS LEAD TO
MASS EXODUS FEARS

As more and more reports of widespread disturbances in Canton and the neighbouring areas were brought to Hongkong by travellers from China last week, independent Chinese newspapers here commented on the possibility of a general exodus of people.

The Hongkong Government was urged to take all necessary precautions and work out plans to deal with the situation should it arise.

Newspapers continued to pin the responsibility on the Communists for the killing of radio commentator Lam Bun and his cousin, Lam Kwong-hoi, who died from injuries suffered when they were attacked with petrol bombs,

There was also a demand for greater efforts to bolster counter measures against lawless elements, together with further support for the imposition of the death penalty on people using bombs to create disorder.

The Kung Sheung Yat Po said that if Hongkong's democratic laws were ineffective to stop Communist thugs, then Hongkong citizens would be justified in demanding revision of these Jaws for their own protection.

The Tin Tin Yat Po pointed out that the Communist newspapers showed who the Lams murderers were by openly publicising a “death sentence” warning in the case of Lam Bun.

Referring to the chaotic conditions in Kwangtung at the present time, the Ming Pao Expressed doubt whether the regular troops on the Chinese side of the border would be able to hold back any mass movement of people surging towards the frontier, It urged the Hongkong authorities to make every preparation for such an eventuality and not be caught by surprise.

The Sing Tao Jih Pao thought Hongkong would be morally obliged to accept genuine refugees, but it said the task was too big for Hongkong to handle alone.

The newspaper suggested that the United Kingdom Government should be asked to make arrangements with the proper agencies of the United Nations to assume the responsibility to any such refugees and for their relief,

The Government in Taiwan should also take up the question with the International Red Cross, which should be asked to provide relief materials such as food and clothing, the paper added.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

BOMB SCARES CONTINUE: ARMY EXPERTS KEPT BUSY THROUGHOUT THE DAY; BLAST AT S.C.M. POST

Communist terrorists continued to plant bombs in the Colony yesterday, including two home-made ones that were dropped through the basement ventilator of the South China Morning Post Building shortly before 9 pm.

One of the bombs exploded in the basement but caused no damage or casualties. The other failed to explode.

There were three bomb scares in the Central District during the office-hour period.

The first was outside the British Red Cross Blood Collection Centre, Harcourt Road, shortly after 9 am.

The “bomb,” following an examination by Army experts turned out to be a yellow tin of paint.

At 10.30 am, a fake bomb, found outside the BOAC office in Alexandra House, was disposed of by Navy ballistic experts. The “bomb” was in fact a bottle wrapped in a newspaper carrying the picture and report of the killing of Mr Lam Kwong-hoi.

- Commotion -

As a crowd gathered in the area to watch the bomb disposal operation, a man created a commotion by shouting insults at the police. He was arrested but later released after questioning.

At 3.45 pm, a fake bomb was found on the counter of the Investors Overseas Service office at New Henry House, Ice House Street. The “bomb” turned out to be a white paper box.

A fake bomb was disposed of by an Army expert at Jardine's Lookout in the morning. The “bomb” was in fact a tin with a white flag on which was written Chinese characters.

In Matauwei Road, Kowloon, one of the two objects strapped to two bicycles abandoned near a Communist store, was found to be a bomb. The other was a fake.

Army experts later detonated the real bomb on the spot.

- Abandoned -

The bicycles were abandoned by two men when police asked them to stop.

Another object found on a piling machine in Cheungshawan shortly after 10 am, was found to be a fake bomb.

Three other bombs were found in Kowloon.

The first was outside No 168 Matauwei Road at 9.17 am, the second outside the Laichikok Female Prison in Laichikok Road at 12.45 pm, and the third outside the Chartered Bank branch office in Kowloon City Road at 8.02. p.m.

All three bombs were dealt with by ammunition experts.

In Ventris Road, Happy Valley, a suspicious object turned out to be a hoax. The object was found on a hillside near House No 51.

Just before 9 pm what appeared to be a black-powder bomb, inserted through a pavement-level grill, exploded in the basement of the S. C. M. Post, Wyndham Street, No damage or casualties were caused.

- Warning -

A second similar bomb, of which the fuse had burned out, was then found nearby. It was removed by an Army expert and later sandbagged and detonated, again without damage, at the end of On Lan Street.

Twenty minutes after the explosion, an anonymous caller telephoned the Wah Kiu Yat Po to say that the Morning Post office had been bombed and that the Wah Kiu would be next in one.

Police searched two leftist unions in Kowloon early in the morning and seized a quantity of offensive weapons and posters. A man from one of the unions was detained for questioning. The man was arrested at the Fitters and Turners Workers Union at 78 Reclamation Street, Yaumati.

- BOMB SCARES CONTINUE -

The police party had to force their way into the premises by cutting through the steel doors. A quantity of crude weapons, inflammatory posters, homemade gas masks, and a fake bomb was seized.

Another police party searched the premises of the Hongkong Plastics and Rubber Workers Union at 1093 Canton Road, The search started shortly before 5 pm and ended about two hours later.

The police party met with no resistance when they entered the premises.

A police officer told reporters at the scene that a woman and nine men were inside the premises.

“On entering, the 10 people inside put their hands on their heads voluntarily and allowed the search to proceed,” he said. In the raid, police made no arrests but seized two sharpened pipings and a large quantity of inflammatory posters.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

(photo)

Picture shows Officers and men of the Fire Services Department lined up as the casket containing the body of Mr Aslam Khan was being carried for burial at the Moslem Cemetery, Happy Valley.

Funeral Of Wanchai Bomb Victim

The injured widow of Mr Aslam Khan, who was killed in the bomb blast in Wanchai on Sunday night, yesterday left hospital to attend her husband’s burial at the Moslem Cemetery, Happy Valley.

Mr Khan, who was 22, was an Assistant Station Officer, Fire Services Department.

Mrs Khan, who is still nursing wounds to her arm, received in the blast that killed her husband at the Eastern Fire Station quarters, was taken to hospital after the funeral.

The funeral, attendance at which was restricted to friends and colleagues of the dead fire officer, was held under tight security.

Mr Khan had been with Government for more than four years.

He joined as a postal clerk in November, 1963, and was transferred in June, 1965, to the Fire Services Department as an Assistant Station Officer which post he held until his death. He is survived by his widow and a ten-month-old son.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

REPORTS ABOUT H.K. 'HIGHLY EXAGGERATED': SYDNEY, SEPT. 4

A Hongkong industrialist said today that reports of the troubles in Hongkong had been highly exaggerated.

Mr James Wu, who is heading the Hongkong delegation to the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Metals and Engineering of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), said the rioting and disturbances had done nothing to disrupt Hongkong's trade. “In May, when the trouble began,” he said, “we recorded our highest-ever export figures. The June figures were even higher, By June, when the trouble had started to calm down we recorded for the first seven months. of the year an all-time high export earnings figure of U.S.$843m.

“This is the first time Hong kong has attended the ECAFE Sub-Committee conference which indicates the complete confidence we have in our future, and the confidence our trading partners have in us,” said Mr Wu. — Reuter.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

DANGER TO BYSTANDERS 

A LETTER in our correspondence columns today emphasises what has already become a disturbing feature of Hongkong's ordeal by terrorism, (which last night drew the S.C.M. Post into its orbit). This is the danger that sightseers and “rubbernecks” may lay themselves open to injury by forming crowds where bombs are being detonated by the authorities. It is believed that the terrorists are already taking advantage of this by using one bomb as a decoy and then throwing another into the resultant crowd. Were it only a question of endangering their own lives, this would be regrettable enough, but the fact is that any crowd, however innocently curious it may be in origin, is also pound to hamper the police and the explosives experts in the execution of their duty and is therefore harming the common interest. The risks of even the most casual sightseeing, incidentally, were dramatically and tragically illustrated on Sunday when a Fire Services officer, who had merely been watching dismantling from inside his own dormitory, was struck and killed by a flying bomb fragment.

It is hardly necessary to add that the chief victims of these bomb atrocities are likely to be small children, as witness the incident of a little boy who kicked or picked up an object in Wuhu Street, Hunghom, which turned out to be a bomb that, on exploding, injured several bystanders. Yet an army bomb disposal unit had been operating in the area immediately beforehand — which, however, apparently failed to teach the boy or the bystanders the need for caution. Now that the schools are reassembling instruction on the dangers of investigating unusual objects or parcels, of forming crowds in the streets and of lingering on the way home from. school might profitably be given high priority by teaching staffs, Meanwhile the debate continues as to whether the death penalty should be proposed for. those convicted of bomb terrorism, It should be made clear, of course, that those involved in, say, the death of Lam Bun, if caught and convicted would, as murderers, be liable to the death penalty in any case. What is at issue is the case of the manufacturer and random distributor of bombs whether or not these actually cause injury or death. Every day that passes, public sentiment increasingly favours such a measure.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

THREE GUILTY OF SEDITION: NEWSPAPER SUPPRESSED

Three men were each jailed for three years by Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday when they were found guilty of sedition, attempting to cause disaffection and publication of false news.

The Nam Cheong Printing Company Ltd was fined $12,000.

An order was also made for the suppression of the Hongkong Evening News for six months.

The defendant were Wu Tai-chow (32), publisher and editor of the Hongkong Evening News, Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Company Limited, and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the printing company.

They were found guilty of three counts of sedition, two counts of attempting to cause disaffection among. members of the Police Force and one. count of publication of false news.

The charges arose from publications in the Hongkong Evening News between June 15 and August 6.

- Satisfied -

Before passing sentence, Mr Light said: “I have listened carefully to all the evidence and considered all the points of law. I am quite satisfied that all the charges against each of you has been proved beyond all reasonable doubt and I find each of you guilty as charged.”

The defendants were sentenced to 12 months on each charge, the first three to run consecutively and the second three to run concurrently, with the first three.

The defendants are at present serving three-year terms for similar offences which arose from publications in the Afternoon News.

- Protest -

Wu protested strongly against the suppression of the Hongkong Evening News and said that the suppression order was “equivalent to persecution.”

In making the application for suppression, Mr David Wilcox, Crown Counsel said that when a bomb was placed in a resettlement block a few weeks ago the paper praised the unity of the Chinese people and the ten “brave and bold men who had placed the bomb.”

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Publisher And Editor To Be Tried Today

The publisher and editor of the Tin Fung Yat Po will appear at Central Court today to face charges of sedition and incitement to disaffection among members of the Police Force.

They are Chan Yim-kuen (32), publisher of the newspaper and her husband, Poon Wai-wai (46), its editor. Charged with them are Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing. Company, and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the printing company.

Chak and Li are at present serving three-year sentences for publications which appeared in the Afternoon News and the Hongkong Evening News.

All four have pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sedition and two counts of incitement to disaffection among members of the Police Force.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Woman Had Poster

A 21-years-old woman, found guilty of having an inflammatory poster in her possession, was sentenced to two months in jail by Mr T. L. von Pokorny at North Kowloon Court yesterday when she said. she. had no money to pay a fine of $200. 

On Saturday, Yu Kwai-ying, living at Saumauping resettlement estate, was put on a $600 bond, $300 of. which was to be in surety. 

Yesterday, Mr Pokorny decided to fine Yu $200, or two months in jail when Yu said she could not find a person to sign the surety for her.

Yu was seen carrying the poster on a playground at the resettlement estate on August 23, the court was told.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

LABOURER ACQUITTED 

Mr T. J. van Rees at Central Court yesterday acquitted an elderly labourer of a charge of doing an act calculated prevent the proper use of a road by placing on it a tin suspected to be a bomb. 

The man, Cheng Hoi-leung, was alleged to have placed a tin in Belcher's Street, Western District on August 25. Police suspected the tin to be a bomb. 

Finding Cheng not guilty of the offence, Mr van Rees said that merely placing a tin in the road did not, in his opinion, constitute a criminal act because the act had to be “framed by a criminal intention.”

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Accused Of Having 14 Bombs

A textile worker was accused before Judge E.G. Baber at Kowloon District Court yesterday of having 14 bombs without a licence.

Wan Kam-hung (22), living in a village in Tsun Wan, New Territories, denied possessing the bombs in an unnumbered hut in San Tsuen Pai Village on July 20.

He also pleaded not guilty to another charge of failing to report the possession of ammunition and was remanded until September 19 for trial.

In another case, a worker and his wife, charged jointly with having a bomb in their possession and failing to report the possession of ammunition, were remanded until September 25 for trial.

Wong Yun-chi (28). and his wife Yip Hop-siu (25), of 27 Yau Tak Terrace, first floor, Tsun Wan, New Territories, denied having the bomb in their house on August 12, They also pleaded not guilty to the other charge.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Police Witness Questioned For Five Hours

A prosecution witness was cross-examined for five hours yesterday by five leftwing reporters who are being charged with taking part in an intimidating assembly and making inflammatory speeches.

The witness, Police Constable Sheng Chi-hak, was testifying at the Kowloon District Court trial of Lam Yuk-wo (31), of the New China News Agency; Wong Yat-lau (37), of the Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung (32), of the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing (23), of the Ching Po Daily News, and Wong Ling (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

The defendants questioned Sheng repeatedly on details of the incident — a student demonstration on July 29 at the Wongtauhom resettlement estate which the accused are alleged to have led.

Judge R. O'Connor intervened several times when questions asked by the defendants dealt with the witness's political views,

The day-long cross-examination finished yesterday, and the hearing will continue today with a new prosecution witness.

***

SCMP, 5 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Inflammatory Posters

Yau Yik-tin, of Block D, Southern Building, 11th floor, King's Road, North Point, was jailed for three months by Mr T. H. Van Rees at Central Court yesterday after he was convicted of possession of inflammatory posters.

Denying the charge, Yau claimed that he had bought the posters from a bookshop and that he did not know they were of an inflammatory nature.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

MORE AID FOR RIOT VICTIMS: SUGGESTIONS PUT BEFORE URBAN COUNCIL GOODWILL GESTURE

Urban Councillors were unanimous yesterday that some form of resettlement help should be given, if needed, to. those bereaved, incapacitated or deprived of support by the recent disturbances. 

Mr Woo Po-shing and Mr Brook Bernacchi, of the Reform Club, thought the Council should pass a resolution recommending such resettlement to Government as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for the common people who have carried on despite the disturbances.

Mr Kenneth Lo and Mr D. J. R. Blaker, on the other hand, thought that the proper forum for the question was the Council's Resettlement Policy Select Committee and moved that the question should be referred to that Committee.

The latter motion was carried by a vote of 12 to eight, with two abstaining.

Those who favoured referring Mr Woo's motion to committee agreed that the sentiments and idea of the original motion were commendable but thought they would get quicker, more direct action through the Committee.

Mr A, de O. Sales said the Committee had established a quota of 700 “compassionate cases” for resettlement a year and could increase that quota if necessary to accommodate another category of persons, the ones Mr Woo had in mind in forwarding his motion.

- Quota -

The Hon Alastair Todd, Director of Social Welfare, confirmed that an increase on the 700 quota might be called for next year anyway, because the quota would be filled up this year for the first time.

Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen thought that the whole Council should have passed Mr Woo's motion in principle and then send it to the Committee to define the need that would have to be shown before granting anyone resettlement under it.

Mr. D. C. Barty, Commissioner for Resettlement, said that he found himself a little confused by the differing ideas of members on the question and felt that even if Mr Woo's motion was passed, he would have to ask for clarification in committee to get a sufficiently clear statement of a case to put to Government. 

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Bomb-Free Day For Colony

Except for five fakes, Hongkong experienced an explosive-free day yesterday — the first for three weeks.

At 7am a report was received that a paper parcel with a red flag was lying on top of 2 basket near a bus terminus in Shaukiwan. The “bomb” was discovered to be false. 

Other faked bombs included two in the vicinity of newspaper offices. One was seen outside: the News Building in King's Road at 7.45 pm. The “bomb” turned out “to be a discarded carburetter.

Shortly after 6.30 pm a parcel was found .outside the Sing Pao Building in King's Road. It was discovered to be some sand wrapped in paper.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Regulations To Cope With Fake Bombs

Government has amended the Emergency Regulations to cope with troublemakers who are using fake bombs as a means to disrupt law and order.

The main purpose of the amendments is to make it an offence for a person to be in possession of a hoax or “simulated” bomb and also to be found in premises in which such bombs are made or stored. The amendments to the Emergency Regulations were published in a special issue of the Government Gazette yesterday.

A simulated bomb is defined in the regulations as any object which if found in a public place would be likely to give rise to a reasonable apprehension that it is a bomb.

A Government spokesman said a wide definition had to be adopted because of the variety of objects which had been used in the current campaign.

- Good Defence -

“However,” he said, “a person charged with possession or with being in premises where objects made up to look like bombs are found, has a good defence if he can show that the objects are in fact innocent and not intended for use as simulated bombs.” The spokesman said that about three or four persons were arrested each week by the police either for carrying hoax bombs or in the act of placing them in the street.

However, the police had not been able, under existing law, to lay satisfactory charges against them, although it was obvious that these people were assisting the terrorist bomb campaign. 

The spokesman pointed out that a very large proportion of reports of bombs received by the police had been concerned with hoax devices.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Judge Stops Reporter’s Questions 

A reporter of the New China News Agency was ordered at Kowloon District Court yesterday to stop cross-examining prosecution witness when he persisted in asking questions which the judge had ruled as not permissible.

The reporter, Lam Yuk-wo, (31), replied: “I protest against my being deprived of the right to cross-examine. This is political persecution.”

Lam and four other left-wing reporters. are alleged to have led an anti-British student demonstration. at Wongtauhom (sic) on July 29, and are charged with taking part in an intimidating assembly and uttering inflammatory speeches. 

The other defendants are Wong Yau-lau, (37), of the Commercial Daily News, Ng Choi-shing, (23), of the Ching Po Daily News, and Wong Ling, (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

Before the hearing opened yesterday, Judge O’Connor visited the scene of the alleged. incident at Wongtauhom, as previous evidence had been vague regarding the geography of the area.

Later, when court resumed, cross-examination of a police witness, Constable Luk Chiu, began and continued throughout the day. On many occasions the judge intervened when questions asked were of a political nature.

Hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Reporter Jailed Two Years

A left-wing newspaper reporter who passed a message to a prisoner in the dock was yesterday jailed for two years by Mr T. J. van Rees at Central Court.

The note, he claimed in his testimony, was a directive from Peking urging those who were “illegally” convicted to protest loudly.

The defendant, Shum Kai-lam (32), a reporter of the Hongkong Commercial Daily, further claimed that he was “viciously assaulted” because he was a “patriotic reporter.”

He pleaded not guilty to conveying an unauthorised article to a prisoner and obstructing the police but he admitted that he had passed the message to Li Siu-hung who was in the dock on August 29.

Li, manager of the Hongkong Commercial Daily, was one of three newspaper executives on trial for sedition before Mr E. Light at Central Court at that time.

Shum was jailed for six months on the first charge and 18 months on the second charge.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

INFLAMMATORY POSTER

A 32-year-old unemployed man was jailed for 18 months by Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday for possession of an inflammatory poster.

Wong Chi-keung of 466 Hennessy Road, third floor, pleaded guilty to possession of the poster outside 450 Hennessy Road on Monday. 

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Newspaper ‘Sought To Incite Violence’: OPENING OF THIRD SEDITION TRIAL

Articles published in a now suspended newspaper, the Tin Fung Yat Pao, sought to pit Chinese against Europeans and one class of Chinese against another, a Crown Counsel told. Mr E. Light at Central Court. yesterday.

Mr David Wilcox, the Counsel (49), described the newspaper as “a gospel of violence depicting the queen of hate.”

He said that on June 29, the newspaper exhorted workers to sacrifice their lives and “crush the vicious British imperialists and make them stink.”

The defendants in fe case are Chan Yim-kuen (32), woman publisher of the Tin Fung Yat Pao, her husband, Poon Wai-wai (46), editor of the newspaper, Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Co, which prints the newspaper; and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of a printing company.

Chak and Li have already been sentenced to two three-year jail terms which are to be served concurrently for seditious publications which appeared in the Afternoon News send Hongkong Evening News.

- Serious Offence -

Yesterday, the defendants were charged with seven counts of sedition and two counts of attempting to cause disaffection among members of the Police Force. They pleaded not guilty.

Mr Wilcox said that inciting police constables to turn: against their superiors was perhaps the most serious offence which could be committed in the Colony at this time.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 8)

Tram Worker Dragged Out And Beaten

A tram regulator told Judge N. R. Wylie at Victoria District Court yesterday how he was dragged from his shelter at the North Point terminus and beaten up by about 20 people on July 11.

Mr Cheung Shui-por, the regulator, was giving evidence against Lau Cheung-chuen (19), of 96A Chun Yeung Street, third floor, and a 15-year-old. youth who are charged with rioting, forming part of an intimidating assembly and assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Mr Cheung testified that he was dragged out of his shelter on July 11 after three youths had demanded to know who had given him the order to run the tram.

Mr Cheung said he was beaten by the youths who were joined by a crowd of about 20 people. He, however, managed to run away later.

On August 4, while a search was being carried out at the Kiu Koon Building in North Point, he recognised Lau as one of the three youths who had dragged him out of the shelter and the 15-year-old youth as being a member of the crowd who had beaten him.

A report was made to the police and Lau and the youth were arrested.

Hearing continues today.

***

SCMP, 6 Sep 1967 (Page 9)

(photo)

Superintendent E. Blackburn addressing the luncheon gathering. Other police officers from left Mr H. J. Rumblow, Divisional Supt, Western District, and Mr W. C. Trotter, Asst Div Supt, Western District.

Kaifongs Pay Tribute To Policemen

A senior Police officer yesterday pledged that the Colony's police would do their best to restore normal conditions.

Superintendent E. Blackburn gave this pledge when he addressed representatives of Kaifong Associations who were giving a luncheon party in honour of 120 police officers of Western District.

The Kaifong leaders were told that one policeman had died and nine had been injured recently in the Western District.

“All ranks have faced dangers from rioting mobs, missiles and, recently, from explosive devices,” Supt Blackburn observed. “I feel you must be proud of them,” he added.

Urging members of the public to co-operate wholeheartedly with the Police in their efforts to restore law and order, Supt Blackburn emphasised: “It is only by purging the terrorists from our midst that we can once again go about our daily tasks in safety.”

Mr Chan Ling-fang, Chairman of the Kennedy Town Kaifong Association, praised the policemen for what they are doing to maintain peace.

The. luncheon was jointly given by the Western District Kaifong Association, Aberdeen Kaifong Association, Sai Wan Kaifong Association, Mount Davies Kaifong Association and Aplichau Kaifong Association.

***

7 Sep 1967 [FBIS]

BRITISH CONTINUE TO TRY HONG KONG JOURNALISTS

Peking NCNA International Service in English 1930 GMT 6 Sep 67 W

[Text] Hong Kong--Ignoring the serious protest of the CPR Foreign Ministry and the patriotic Chinese in Hong Kong, the British imperialists have carried out new political persecution against the patriotic Chinese press in Hong Kong, The British authorities conducted an illegal trial on 4 September of Hu Ti-chou, chairman of the board of directors of the AFTERNOON NEWS and concurrently director of the Hong Kong EVENING NEWS, Li Shao-hsiung, publisher of the HONG KONG COMMERCIAL DAILY and chairman of the board of directors of the Nam Cheung Printing Company Ltd.; and Chai Nuan-hui, the company's manager.

Each was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, and the HONGKONG EVENING NEWS was ordered to suspend publication for six months, The Nam Cheung Printing Company Ltd. was sentenced to a fine of 12,000 Hong Kong dollars, The three patriotic journalists were tried and illegally sentenced by the British fascists’ so-called court on different charges on 29 August.

Hu Ti-chou, Li Shao-hsiung and Chai Luan-hui were unflinching in the face of the enemy at their phoney trial. They strongly protested against the illegal trial and unjustifiable sentences by the Hong Kong fascist authorities and denounced them as invalid. In their tit for tat struggle with the British imperialists, the Chinese journalists used the enemy's court to expose their outrages and repudiated the "two China" absurdity created by the British authorities’ stooges who served as witnesses.

Fourteen patriotic journalistic establishments in Hong Kong and the struggle committees of the HONG KONG EVENING NEWS, THE AFTERNOON NEWS and the TIN FUNG DAILY NEWS issued statements on 4 September strongly condemning the vicious persecution by the fascist British authorities against patriotic Chinese newspapers and journalists and declaring that the illegal sentences were null and void.

The joint statement of the 14 journalistic establishments in Hong Kong said: "To be patriotic is no crime! To fight against violence is justified! No matter how frantic the persecution of the British fascist Hong Kong authorities, we will carry our struggle against British imperialist violence to the end. We will love more deeply our socialist motherland, our great leader Chairman Mao and the invincible thought of Mao Tse-tung.”

The joint statement lodged the strongest protest against the British Hong Kong authorities’ "Two China” plot and sternly warned them that their frantic anti-China plot, which followed in the wake of the U.S. imperialists, would only bring them trouble and they would be severely punished by the Chinese people,

The joint statement of the three newspapers firmly supported the courageous struggle of their responsible members in court, The statement said: "Our great leader Chairman Mao teaches us: ‘Ours is a righteous cause. A righteous cause is invulnerable to any enemy'. We are determined to march forward victoriously in holding aloft the great red banner of Mao Tse-tung's thought.”

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Reward Of $50,000 For ‘Bomber’

Police are offering a $50,000 reward for information about the bomb explosion in Hennessy Road last Sunday evening, causing the death of a fire officer and injuries to ten other people.

The reward, which is valid for six months from yesterday, is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offender or offenders responsible for the explosion.

Any person, who has information that can assist the police in their enquiries, is asked. to contact the Superintendent, C.I.D. Headquarters, Hongkong Island, telephone H-234011 extension 321, or make a report to any police station or police officer.

For the second day in succession, the Colony was bomb-free yesterday. However, police received more than ten reports of fake bombs.

A man and a girl were arrested by a plainclothes police party in Pitt Street near Shanghai Street, Yaumati, at 6.17 pm in possession of a genuine bomb. Police carried out a pre-dawn raid on, three huts at Kau Man Village on Mt Parker, Shaukiwan, suspected to be bomb-making factories.

No seizures were made, but as a result of the search, police detained six men for enquiries.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

BORDER POLICE POST

The initial phase of constructing the new Police Post at Mankamto had been completed, a Government spokesman said yesterday. 

The previous police post was demolished as part of the plan for improved defence of the area. The new post is being constructed on a ridge 200 yards away from the old post.

It was reported last week that construction had been interrupted because Chinese villagers had threatened the workers.

The spokesman said the police post was part of a contract involving three projects in the area.

Consideration was now being given to re-alignment of the approach road to the police post before further work was carried out, he added.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

(photo)

Top: Mourners at the funeral of Mr Lam Bun and Mr Lam Kwong-hoi at the Roman Catholic Cemetery. Above: Pallbearers escorting the cortege of Mr Lam Bun (inset) to the graveyard.

VICTIMS OF BRUTAL TERRORIST ATTACK BURIED

The late Mr Lam Bun and the late Mr Lam Kwong-hoi were buried at the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, yesterday morning.

The widow of Mr Lam Bun and her three daughters wept bitterly. Miss Lam Kwai-fong, younger sister of Mr Lam Kwong-hoi, collapsed as the two coffins were lowered side by side into the graves.

Mr Lam Bun, 37, and his cousin, Mr Lam Kwong-hoi, 21, who worked for Commercial Radio, were doused with petrol and set alight by four terrorists who stopped their car near their home in Waterloo Hill, Kowloon, on August 24. They later died of extensive burns.

Mr Lam Bun is survived by his widow, Anna and three daughters.

Mr Lam Kwong-hoi is survived by his parents and brothers and sisters.

The funeral, held under strict security measures, took place at 11 am. The Rev Fr L. Columbo, parish priest of St Teresa's Church, officiated.

Only relatives and close friends of the two men were informed of the funeral.

The two coffins were taken from the Hongkong Funeral Home in North Point to the public stand of the Royal Hongkong Club under heavy police guard.

Police had earlier taken up positions in the Jockey Club and at the cemetery, and had cordoned off the two ends of Wongneichong Road—from the Hongkong Sanatorium to Morrison Hill Road.

Pall-bearers were Mr George Ho, Managing Director of Hongkong Commercial Radio, and senior officials of the radio station.

Those at the funeral included Inspector Richard Smallshaw, representing the Officer Administering the Government; Captain M. T. Cook, representing the Commander British Forces, Hongkong; the Hon Paul K. C. Tsui, Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs; and Superintendent. K. E. Wellburn, representing the Commissioner of Police.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Shouted Slogans At Border

A man yesterday crossed over to the British sector of the border from Lo Fong Bridge in Takwuling and shouted slogans with a loudhailer in heavy rain outside the Vegetable Marketing Board's Office. 

After half an hour of slogan-shouting, he saw that people in the market place were paying no attention to him and he returned to Chinese territory. He was accompanied by two men who appeared to be his body guards.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Police Offer Reward Of $30,000

The police have offered a reward of $30,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who attacked Probationary Inspector Choi Yiu-cheong, in Yaumati last Sunday morning.

Inspector Choi, 26, attached to the Mongkok Police Station, was stabbed 15 times on the back and legs by four unidentified. men in Ferry Street, near Man Yuen Street, about 9.45 am on September 3. His service revolver was stolen from him after the attack. 

Any person, who has any information that can assist the police in their enquiries, is asked to contact the Divisional Detective Inspector, Yaumati Police Station, Tel K-800331 ext 520, or make a report to any police station or police officer.

The condition of Inspector Choi was described as satisfactory by a hospital. spokesman last night.

No arrest has so far been made. 

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 17)

Sedition Trial: ‘NEWSPAPER FINANCED WITH WINNINGS FROM HORSE-RACING’

The newspaper Tin Fung Yat Pao, which has been temporarily suspended, was financed with money won on horse-racing, its editor, Poon Wai-wai, Court yesterday.

“This can be easily proved,” he added, “because after each horse race, I deposited the money into a bank account.” 

In an unsworn statement from the dock, Poon said a lot of people had claimed that the newspaper had received allowances.

“This sort of rumour was still circulating at the time of my detention,” he said. “But I was solely responsible for its finances. For several months after the first publication of my newspaper I suffered a loss of several tens of thousands of dollars.”

In the dock with Poon are his wife, Chan Yim-kuen (32), woman publisher of the Tin Fung Yat Pao; Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Co; and Li Siu-hung (44), a director of the printing company which printed the newspaper.

- Sole Responsibility -

They are each facing seven counts of sedition and two counts of attempting to cause disaffection among police. All have pleaded not guilty.

Poon said he was solely responsible for everything that went into the newspaper, because he read all of the copy. Poon told Mr E. Light, the magistrate, that he ran the paper from his own point of view. “It can only be said that my newspaper was dedicated to the love of my country,” he said.

Earlier, Poon's wife, Chan, said that her husband ran the paper. She assisted him because she believed it was her duty to do so. She performed the duties of a messenger and delivered said at Central material to the printers.

In her opinion, the newspaper did not contain sedition, she said.

Hearing will continue tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 17)

Court Not ‘A Political Forum’

A woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao was ordered by Judge R. O Connor at Kowloon District Court yesterday to stop cross-examining a prosecution witness when she persisted in making political statements.

Judge O'Connor acted after Wong Ling (34), said: “This whole case is political persecution; ever since May 6, the Government has persecuted the Chinese.”

The Judge replied: “This is not a political forum. I will not take political speeches from you.”

For the second day, Police Constable Luk Chiu was cross-examined by the defendants, who are charged with taking part in an intimidating assembly and making inflammatory speeches. 

Tt is alleged: that the five leftwing reporters led an anti-British student demonstration at Wongtauhom on July 29.

The other four defendants are Lam Yuk-wo (31) of the New China News Agency; Wong Yat-lau (37), of the Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung (32), of. the Commercial Daily News, and Ng Choi-shing (23), of the Ching Po Daily News.

The hearing will continue tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 17)

No Evidence Offered

An unemployed man, who allegedly claimed he had information concerning the murder of Mr Lam Bun and his cousin, Mr Lam Kwong-hoi, was discharged by Mr T. C. Chan at North Kowloon Court yesterday when. the prosecution offered no evidence against him.

Ng Kwok-leung (30), of Room 106, Block 2, Tai Hang Tung resettlement estate, fourth floor, denied charges of. supplying false information. to the police and causing a public mischief.

He was alleged to have falsely told the police on August 22 that on the following day a left-wing organisation, of which he was a member, would blow up the railway bridge in Argyle Street and that the organisation would deliver a quantity of arms to the left-wing Heung To Middle School.

Ng was also alleged to have given false information about the murder of the Lam cousins and about an explosion in North Point which killed two children.

***

SCMP, 7 Sep 1967 (Page 17)

Hotel Waiter Had Inflammatory Posters

Hung Wor-ping (23), a waiter of the Hongkong Hilton, pleaded guilty at Central yesterday to a charge of possession of two inflammatory posters. and. was remanded for seven days for a probation officer’s report.

A second defendant, Lai Tat-ming (20), also a waiter of the hotel, denied. the charge and was remanded for a week in jail custody. 

Insp B. L. Coak told Mr A. L. Leathlean, the magistrate, that the posters were discovered in the staff lockers when the police were investigating .a bombing incident in the hotel on August 22.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Court's Comments In Sedition Case:
FOUR PEOPLE JAILED FOR THREE YEARS

A Magistrate, in jailing four people for sedition, said yesterday that although the court had extended every facility to the defendants, they sought still “to confound the issues and the court relentlessly and vigorously in a manner which could not have been excelled by the Prince of Darkness himself.”

He added that judging by the demeanour of the accused and others his comments on the case were “hardly likely to contribute to restoration of peace in the Colony. That can only be done by those courageous enough to combat it by lawful means.”

The comments were made by Mr E. Light in Central Court yesterday in sentencing the publisher and editor of the Tin Fung Yat Pao and the owner and licensee of a printing company to three years jail when they were found guilty of sedition and incitement to disaffection.

- Similar -

The accused were Chan Yim-kuen (32), woman publisher of the Tin Fung Yat Pao, and her husband, Poon Wai-wai (46), editor of the paper, who were found guilty on seven counts of sedition and two counts of incitement to disaffection.

Charged with them were Chak Nuen-fai (49), owner and licensee of the Nam Cheong Printing Company which printed the newspaper, and Li Sin-hung (44), one of the directors of the printing company.

Both. Chak and Li are serving three-year sentences for similar offences concerning the Afternoon News and the Hongkong Evening News. The sentences were to run concurrently. The Nam Cheong Printing Company was also fined a total of $18,000.

Mr Light also granted an application by Mr David Wilcox, Crown Counsel, for the suppression of the Tin Fung Yat Pao for a period of six months beginning yesterday.

In finding the defendants guilty, Mr Light said he had considered all: the evidence carefully and was satisfied that each of the nine charges brought against each of the accused and the defendant company had been proved.

- Depressing -

“This depressing case has followed the pattern of cases already heard. This court bas extended every facility to the defendants including a clear explanation, of the law of sedition, yet they sought still to confound the issues and this court relentlessly and vigorously in a manner which could net have been excelled by the Prince of Darkness himself. “The court takes judicial notice of the recent events in the Colony. The publications which the defendants seek to justify on grounds of patriotism are founded on falsity and deception and not the truth.

- Comments In Sedition Case -

“The articles were openly written not with the view to elucidate the truth but clearly to bring Government into. contempt, to raise discontent among the people in this Colony and create ill-will among the different classes, ” Mr Light said.

Mr Light went on to say that a man may lawfully express his opinion on matters of state, policy and even morals, provided he did not make use of language calculated to make others resort to. violence.

“Subject to this, a man may state his opinion freely, may argue and try to persuade others to share his view. He may attack politicians, and government in his publications and may seek to show that rebellion and assassination may result from what he. is attacking provided he does so without arousing others to. violence. “If his publications result in violence, insurrections and assassinations, then whatever his motives, he is guilty of sedition, under the law.” Mr Light said.

“The court in considering whether something is seditious or not, must not only consider the publication but also to whom it is addressed the state of public feeling and their state and mood at the time.

“I see fit to speak on the law of sedition to indicate that it undoubtedly protects all sections of the community regardless of race or creed.

“Nevertheless, I am subtly aware that in spite of what I have said, the demeanour of the accused, the others, is such that whatever I say is hardly likely to contribute to restoration of peace in the Colony. That can only be done by those courageous enough to combat it by lawful means,” Mr Light said.

Earlier in an unsworn statement, Chak said that yesterday's trial was the third time he had been alleged to have aided and abetted the printing of seditious articles.

As a Chinese national armed with Mao's thoughts he was “not a bit scared of the fascist steps taken by the British authorities, who will never be able to escape liquidation.”.

Li said in his unsworn statement that the officials in Hongkong were the ones causing the pressing disturbances every day and. everywhere in the Colony.

If a journalist reported true news he found himself facing charges of sedition. In short it appeared, under the present circumstances, anyone who reported anything was guilty of sedition or reporting false news.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Case Of Mistaken Identity

A group of seven villagers from Chinese territory, who crossed the border at the Lo Fong Bridge yesterday afternoon, hustled a Government driver into a tea-house at Takwuling market and accused him of being a radio reporter.

The case of mistaken identity occurred about 3.45 pm when the driver, who had just driven a party of firemen to Takwuling fire station, wandered down to the market place, carrying a transistor radio.

The villagers, one of whom had earlier been shouting slogans through a loud-hailer, claimed that the radio was a tape recorder. The argument was settled at the tea-house within ten minutes when the driver demonstrated that the object was in fact a radio. 

They let him go with his transistor radio intact.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Raided Hut Was Bomb Factory

The police have obtained strong evidence that one of the three huts in Kau Man Village, Shaukiwan, which were searched by the police on Wednesday morning, had been used as a bomb factory some time ago.

In an interview last night, Detective-Inspector H. M. Whitton revealed that the search party found blood stains on the floor of the hut and metal fragments on the walls and roof, proving that bombs had been made and that an explosion had occurred in the hut some time ago,

Mr Whitton added that Wednesday's search followed information received that a number of people had been injured in an explosion in the area about a month ago.

He commented: “The manufacturing of bombs is not only an offence against the law but is also a grave danger to the lives of the persons concerned and others living in the vicinity.”

Mr Whitton urged the public to inform the police if they knew of any place suspected to be a bomb factory.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Three Arrested In Police Search

A man and two women were arrested early yesterday morning when police searched three premises in Tsun Wan. A quantity of inflammatory material was seized.

The places searched were Room 427 Wing Hing House, fourth floor, Fuk Loi Estate, and Rooms 643. and 544, Block 19, Taiwohau resettlement estate.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

BORDER SITUATION RELATIVELY QUIET

The situation on the Hongkong-China border at Takwuling was relatively quiet yesterday except for minor incidents, a Police officer said yesterday.

Mr M. J. Harris, Senior Inspector in charge of Takwuling Police Station, told a visiting party of journalists that apart from such incidents as the chanting of Mao slogans the border had been quiet for some time. 

The press party was shown round the second wire fence, being put up south of the existing one in the New Territories border with China, to prevent illegal entry of people from the mainland.

Mr Harris told reporters that they had no direct contact with the PLA personnel on the other side of the border.

“As a matter of fact, we do not talk to each other but sometimes they help us maintain law and order among the villagers crossing the border to plough the fields.”

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Ex-Headmaster In China

Wan Kuo-hang, formerly headmaster of the Shataukok Public School, is now in China, a Government spokesman disclosed yesterday.

Wan disappeared on June 24 following a demonstration by leftist elements in Shataukok He was said to be a member of the struggle committee 

A spokesman for the Education Department said that Wan’s post at the public school had been taken up by a new headmaster, assisted by a teacher.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Bomb Disrupts Train service

Train service was disrupted for more than two hours yesterday morning when a homemade time bomb was discovered in the Taipo market, opposite the Taipo railway station.

The bomb, a beer bottle filled with white powder, was found shortly after 6 am, It was later detonated by Army ballistic experts.

Shortly afternoon, a suspected bomb was found in a litter bin in Bowen Road. It was a fake.

A petrol bomb was found outside the Public Works compound in Matauchung Road about 2.10 pm, and another one was found in Cheungshawan Road near Poplar Street, Shamshuipo, about 9.15 pm Both these bombs were detonated by Army ballistic experts.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

Bomb And Weapons In Premises Of Union

Two 19-year-old youths were remanded at Kowloon District Court yesterday for three weeks in jail custody after they were convicted of possession of a bomb, 15 triangular scrapers, a file with sharpened edges and 37 lengths of sharpened tubing.

Tsui Shiu-lan and Liu Yin-fan had pleaded not guilty to seven charges of having under their control offensive weapons, a bomb, two carboys of hydrochloric acid, failing to report to the police offences of possession of arms and explosives, and being found on premises where the weapons and the bomb were found.

The court was told that a police party raided the Weaving and Dyeing Union at 343 Ngautaukok Road, second floor, on the morning of July 29, and found the weapons, acid, a bomb, posters and leaflets. Tsui and Liu were there.

Mr Norman Hill, Police Ballistics Officer, testified that he detonated the bomb at a nearby construction site after the police raid. He said that if the string which was tied to the bomb had been pulled it would have caused an explosion.

The defendants claimed they had been framed by the police.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

H.K.U. STUDENTS UNION TO IGNORE LETTERS FROM LEFTISTS

A spokesman for the Hongkong University Students Union said yesterday that its members were ignoring letters received from leftists in the Colony describing as a “filthy party” a carnival and dinner dance which the Union has scheduled for September 23. 

The letters called for a boycott of this function during carnival as which a “Miss University” will be selected.

The spokesman confirmed that 400 students, about 60 per cent freshmen, had received identical letters addressed to their homes.

“Most of the students whom I have contacted have ignored the letters,” the spokesman pointed out.

The Union's spokesman denied allegations made in the letters.

“They are completely untrue and the facts have been twisted, “ he added.

The leftists described the carnival as “the best evidence of crime to propagate the American way of life.”

The letters also urged freshmen to boycott the various clubs operated by the Students Union.

At the same time, the leftists accused the University of carrying out “relentless economic persecution” of students during registration periods by “compelling them to push the sale of raffle tickets.”

- Lie Campaign -

The Union's spokesman emphasised that the leftists campaign of lies would not “undermine the spirit” of the students and that the dinner-dance and carnival would go on as planned.

There was nothing improper in this kind of social function, the spokesman noted.

Regarding the selection of a “Miss University of Hongkong” at the carnival, the spokesman pointed out this was not being staged for “the fun of it.”

The person selected would represent the average HKU girl, and would have the “sacred mission of promoting goodwill and better understanding between the HKU and other universities in Asia.”

The leftists’ letters had further claimed that a loan scheme operated by the Union was designed to exclude poor students and that it was a “Hongkong British gimmick to whitewash things.” It did not elaborate.

Commenting on this, the Union's spokesman explained that the loan scheme had proved to be very satisfactory and successful during the past years. He said about $20,000 had been loaned annually to students in financial difficulties, especially those finishing their final year courses. In the past three years, more than 100 students had benefited from the scheme, he added.

The carnival, he said, would be open to the public and admission was free.

The spokesman denied that the students were forced to buy raffle tickets or coupons. In fact, he added, freshmen were more than willing to buy because they realised they had an obligation to make the carnival a success.

Most of the freshmen interviewed confirmed they had received letters from the leftists, but emphasised that they would ignore them.

“These letters are not going to stop us from attending the carnival or the dinner-dance,” said one girl.

A spokesman for the University itself said he had no comment to make.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

JUDGMENT TO BE GIVEN 

Judgment in the case in which five reporters of a Communist news agency and four newspapers, charged with taking part in an intimidating assembly and making inflammatory speeches, was yesterday reserved by. Judge R. O'Connor at Kowloon District Court until.this morning. The reporters are Lam Yuk-wo (31), of the New China News Agency; Wong Yat-lau (37), of the Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung: (32), of the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing (23), of the Ching Po Daily News; and Wong Ling (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

It is alleged that they led an anti-British student demonstration in Wangtauhom on July 29.

Ng was additionally charged with -possession of an inflammatory. poster.

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

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

BOMB OFFENCES: Housewife Found Not Guilty

A 32-year-old housewife was acquitted at Victoria District Court yesterday of failure to report an offence of possession of bombs.

Judge Derek Cons found that the woman, Lam Mei-chun, of the Chaiwan resettlement estate, had no case to answer.

He held that a statement the police said she had given to them was not admissible as evidence against her since it had been given without any caution having been administered by the police.

The police had not used the usual formula “You are not obliged to answer but, if you do, anything you say will be taken down and may be used in evidence against you,” the judge pointed out.

Still on trial for carrying offensive weapons and accompanying each other in doing so are Ma Shu-keung (20), of the Chaiwan resettlement estate, and a 16-year-old youth.

- Tails -

Mr Norman Hill, Government ballistics expert, testified that the seven bombs involved in the trial were capable of inflicting serious injury or death at close range.

Some were made with fire fuses, others with impact detonators. Two of them, made of gunpowder and shrapnel stuffed inside flashlight dry cells, were made to explode on impact and had shuttlecock “tails” on them to aid throwing, he said.

Police Cpl Wong Fai said he found the bombs on the two accused men when he and other officers stopped them in a lonely Chaiwan road on the night of July 23.

The youth had told him $20 had been paid to deliver the packages containing the bombs to a rendezvous where they would be taken over, Cpl Wong testified.

The hearing will continue Mr D. G. Willis. appears for the youth, instructed by Hastings and Co.

Mr Charles Ching. appeared for Lam, instructed by Gunston and Smart.

Ma was not legally represented.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

School Bag Full Of Posters

An 18-year-old youth who pleaded guilty to possession of 270 inflammatory posters was jailed for six months by Mr P. M. Corfe at Central Court yesterday.

The court was told that Lam Ying-chung was stopped and searched in King's Road, in the Bayview district, on August 29.

He was carrying a black school bag with the posters.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

DISTURBANCES IN COURTS ‘WILL NOT BE TOLERATED’

A magistrate gave warning at Central Court yesterday. that disturbances in or near courts would no longer be tolerated.

“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated at all,” said. Mr T. J. van Rees, the magistrate. “Anyone causing a disturbance in or near a court is interfering with the cause of justice.”

Mr van Rees made this statement when he fined one man and three women $500 each or three months in jail for causing a disturbance outside Central Court on August 31.

- Disorderly -

Charged with disorderly con duct were Chan Ping-kui, (27), a seaman, of Third Street, ground floor, Luk Po-chun (27), a housewife, of 16 Tokwawan Road, fifth floor; Kwong Siu-ying (40), a housewife, living in an unnumbered hut in Diamond Hill; and Wan Ying (24) a housewife, of 6 Wong Chuk Street, sixth floor.

Chan, Kwong and Wan were also found guilty of resisting arrest.

Chan was additionally jailed for eight months while Kwong and Wan were given an additional six months in prison.

***

SCMP, 8 Sep 1967 (Page 10)

'TRAVELLERS FROM CHINA'

“RECENT arrivals from Canton” have become a familiar source of news items about China in the last few months, rivalling the more familiar news agencies. Many people ask why this should be so and what credence is to be given to such reports. The reason is simple enough. Normal sources of news from China are practically non-existent. The official agency is almost entirely a propaganda vehicle (just as Tass used to be from Moscow). Other reports, such as those emanating from Tokyo and provided by Japanese correspondents in Peking, are more helpful because most of the Japanese correspondents can read the wall posters in the capital and are probably inconspicuous enough in appearance to move fairly freely about the city. But they are restricted in their source material, and subject to the form of voluntary self-censorship current there which means that if a correspondent transmits a dispatch sufficiently distasteful to the authorities, his posting is likely to be quickly terminated. Further, with Red Guards in part control of communication centres, there is always the chance that a dispatch will be rendered useless simply by bureaucratic delays.

This being the case, it is probable that the news obtained from our “travellers” is more accurate than any thing else at present coming out of China, and the level of accuracy has been assessed by an expert at about, 60 per cent. Who are these travellers? They are more or less the same people who have been journeying between Hongkong and Kwangtung since long before the recent troubles began. Some have families, some business interests on both sides of the border. There are sailors, housewives, and farmers among them. Many have pronounced political views and have no fear of expressing them in a variety of dialects. Their educational level is, on the whole, high. The information they provide is likely to be based mainly on word of mouth and wall posters (the ultimate, in some ways, in freedom of the press) rather than newspapers. And they come from communes they will also have enjoyed the advantages of a sort of Rediffusion radio system' supplying the weather in, formation vital to farmers, plenty of music and some. (official) news. Their movements, unless they are permanent residents in China, will have been restricted. But on the whole they speak freely and accurately, and the proportion of baseless rumour and gossip in what they say is certainly no more than would emanate from any predominantly rural community anywhere else. 

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

THREE BOMB FINDS

There were three reports of bomb finds on the Island yesterday.

One was found outside the Maryknoll Sisters' School in Blue Pool Road about 9.30 pm and was detonated by an Army ammuntion expert.

A suspected bomb was found on the staircase of 561 Hennessy. Road, Causeway Bay, about 11.20 pm. It was also detonated. 

Another suspected bomb was: found on the staircase of 5 King Kwong Street, Happy Valley, shortly after midnight, and was later detonated by ammunition expert.

There were no bomb reports in Kowloon.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

TOTAL BAN ON FIREWORKS: TO STOP BOMB-MAKING

Government introduced an emergency regulation yesterday banning the public from carrying or storing fireworks. Immediate action was taken to withdraw fireworks from shops.

This move is another step by Government to stop the manufacture of unlawful bombs. The regulation aims to completely public possession of fireworks.

More than 200 known dealers were visited by teams from the Department of Mines, Police, Labour Department and Civil Aid Services in a Colony-wide operation to withdraw fireworks from shops.

Altogether, about 30 tons of fireworks were removed.

Previously, no licence was needed to store any amount of fireworks under 50 Ibs. All dealers who held licences and had fireworks in their possession automatically had their licences revoked. Compensation is to be paid to authorised dealers affected by the new regulation.

Penalties for carrying or storing fireworks unlawfully have been increased. Before yesterday, to be in possession of more than 50 lbs of fireworks without a licence rendered a person liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and six months jail. Under the new regulation, the fine is increased to $8,000 and the jail term to three years.

- Injury Risk -

The Hon R. M. Hetherington, Commissioner of Mines, said that Government realised the new measure would deny the traditional use of fireworks to the public. But Government was confident that the vast majority of the people would rather surrender their fireworks than continue to run the risk of injury or death from homemade bombs.

Mr Hetherington appealed to small dealers who were not licensed and to the general public to report or hand over their stocks of fireworks to the authorities. Any delay, he said, could have serious consequences. He pointed out that the regulation did not prohibit the movement of fireworks by sea.

“The re-export trade in fireworks carried by vessels will, consequently, not be disrupted. Trans-shipment will continue to take place in dangerous goods anchorages under the supervision of the Marine Department,” he said.

(photos on right)

Police and members of the Civil Aid Services carry fireworks from a shop. Below, boxes of fireworks stacked on the counter of a shop which is also displaying lamps for the Mid-autumn festival later this month.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Police And Gurkhas In Exercise

(Photo)

Two companies of the 1st Battalion, 6th Queen Elizabeth Own Gurkha Rifles and 50 policemen took part in an operation at the remote village of Wu Kau Tang, just north of Plover Cove reservoir, yesterday morning. The object of the exercise was to check on reported left-wing activities in the area and to provide useful training for the Gurkhas, Picture shows Gurkha troops operating a mobile radio unit on a hill overlooking Wu Kai Tang village while a Hakka villager walks past leading her cow to pasture.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 6)

Surprise Search Of Remote Village

The remote village of Wu Kau Tang, north of the Plover Cove reservoir, was searched in a surprise police military operation early yesterday morning.

Nine premises, including the village store, were the primary targets of search parties. However, no arrests or seizures were made. 

A Government spokesman said that one object of the exercise was to check on reported left-wing activities in the area.

“Having done so, we are satisfied that the scale of these activities was not serious,” he said. “At the same time liaison has been established with the friendly villagers, who appeared to be quite amenable to our presence there,” he said.

He added that the operation was also partly intended to provide training for the Gurkha troops who took part.

The operation began at midnight but the actual search of the village did not take place until dawn. About 50 policemen and two companies of the 1st Battalion, 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles, three Army helicopters and a landing craft participated.

The troops and police were divided into two groups, and they approached from opposite ends of the peninsula, which lies south of Starling Inlet and. the border town of Shataukok.

One party set out in the landing craft from Tolo Harbour, turning north at the end of the peninsula and disembarking in a bay, near Sam A Tsuen, situated in the sheltered harbour of Double Haven. This party waded ashore waist-deep in water and then made a three-mile cross-country hike to the village.

The police party was commanded by Mr D. I. Pearce, Divisional Superintendent, Frontier Division, Major J. Lys commanded the Gurkhas.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

RADIO & TV COMMENTARY: Praise — With A Touch Of Blame
BY PETER GYNT

SINCE May, when our local little spot of bother began, I have lent an earnest ear to the news bulletins and information features broadcast over Radio Hongkong and Commercial Radio.

Concerning our local news bulletins, I have nothing but praise. Avoiding sensationalism on one hand and despair, on the other, they have presented the news in an objective manner.

I have, however, been frustrated to the point of exasperation by the official attitude towards propaganda. Government Information Services are always on the defensive, always, to use boxing terminology, counter-punching, never leading, never calling a spade a spade. To dignify the minority perverted primitive murderous rabble in our midst by calling them “leftists” or “Communists”, is an insult to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

On the other hand, I applauded our Financial Secretary's radio manner. Mr J. J. Cowperthwaite's statement was British diplomacy at its best, official terminology mixed with idiomatic statement. He brought down our terrorists and deflated — their conceit with the three-pronged barb of truth, aggression, and satire.

However, every time the Water Works officials stand before the microphone, we get the civil service at its worst, Listening to them, one gains an impression of Moses standing before the rock, about to strike and deliver water, or to abstain, and leave us parched. After all, Iet us give credit where it is due. It was Heaven that sent the rains, not the local Water Works.

I think that all in official capacity who use our broadcasting systems to speak to us during the present diminishing unease, should remember. that the local people have demonstrated that Hongkong can take it.

So our local patricians who perform for us under the collective sobriquet “Focus on the Arts,” are about to broadcast to tis under the patronage of Hongkong Radio under a new title — Movie Reviewers — or something meaning just that. Our chief complaint is that this will limit their artistic intelligence to films only.

We shall, therefore, miss their comments on old has-beens such as Sir Arthur Sullivan and Sir William Gilbert, and make-learn playwrights like J. B. Priestley, Noel Coward and Oscar Wilde. Their new status comes into effect tomorrow at luncheon time.

TELEVISION “penny plain” or “tuppence coloured” seems to be the local question of the moment. I have had no opportunity of viewing the colour programmes of the new Station. I have, however, seen colour television in the United States.

I did not care for the latter; it was too picture-postcardish, But this is the main point. Not all the colours of the rainbow can make a bad feature a good one. Colour, as Hollywood discovered to its cost, is no substitute for a poorly-made production.

THERE was, for my taste, only one feature worthy of comment televised this past week. I refer to the ABC documentary of Westminster Abbey. I applaud the local sponsor who appreciates that there are a few in Hongkong who have not yet bowed the knee to Western gunfights, monsters and soppy kids in sloppy families, which seem our main television diet these days.

James Mason was just the right person for commentator. One could see he was moved as he recited Wordsworth's beautiful sonnet on Westminster Bridge. The tour of the Poets Corner was wonderful, even when one has seen it in person many times, Drama was Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, their bloody quarrel hushed in death. Beauty was the procession of Benedictine monks in procession through the ancient cloisters. My Sunday-nightish reaction was, what a wonderful day it will be when Westminster Abbey no longer stands as a symbol of Christianity divided.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 7)

Tension Fails To Hurt Hongkong's Image As Tourism Centre

American mass media had recently pictured Hongkong as a “crumbling” city, Mr Lorenzo Lo, North American Information Director for the Hongkong Tourist Association, said at a press conference yesterday.

“If you read the headlines you’d think there was very little left of this place,” Mr Lo said. “The excessive publicity has been out of all proportion.” 

But Mr Lo was not completely pessimistic, adding that “Americans don’t believe: everything they read in the newspapers.” As proof he cited the visitor figures for August which showed a total of 13,050 Americans, excluding Vietnam servicemen, arriving in the Colony. This was a 29.95 per cent increase over the figure for August 1966.

Mr Lo said that one reason for the continued heavy influx of American and other tourists was that Hongkong's image as a holiday and shopping haven had not been damaged.

The Colony's political image, on the other hand, needed the support of every person and organisation in Hongkong to bring it back to normal, Mr Lo said.

He pointed out that the local currency had fluctuated very little during the disturbances. This small fluctuation had been a “tremendous positive factor,” he said, adding that this and similar stories had not been publicised sufficiently.

Asked if Government should make a special appropriation for an emergency information campaign, Mr Lo. said: “It needs money but more than money.”

- Trying -

For his part, Mr Lo said he was trying to. get. ordinary tourists who visited the Colony to talk about their Hongkong experiences in press or television interviews. in the U.S.

Looking at the tourist picture in general, Mr Lo said Hongkong should add 750 hotel rooms — or one large hotel — per year to the available facilities. 

“The travel explosion is so immense it is difficult for any body even in the industry to conceive,” he said.

Mr Lo also called for increased convention facilities, including hotels, restaurants, transport and other amenities to cater for up to 5,000 people at a time. Hongkong had many of the necessary requirements, but not a “highly organised basis.”

Stressing that his visit was prompted by “wanting to get back to Hongkong” and not by the disturbances, Mr Lo said he would be here for another ten days, holding talks with Government officials and travel industry representatives.

In other figures released by the HKTA yesterday it was disclosed that Hongkong had 38,069 visitors in August, a 9.07 per cent increase over August 1966. The overall total for 1967 was 329,816 at the end of August, a 15.58 per cent increase over 1966.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

JUDGMENT POSTPONED

Judgment in the case in which five reporters of a Communist news agency and four Communist newspapers, charged with taking part an intimidating assembly and making inflammatory speeches, was postponed yesterday until next Wednesday due. to. the indisposition of the judge.

The accused, who appear ed at. Kowloon District Court, are Lam Yuk-wo (31), of the New China News Agency; Wong Yap-lau (37), of Wen Wei Pao; Chan Chi-fung (32), the Commercial Daily News; Ng Choi-shing (23), of the Ching Po Daily News; and Wong Ling (34), a woman reporter of the Ta Kung Pao.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

For Having Bombs Eight Years

Fung Moon and So Bun, both of 229 Hoi Tan Street, Shamshuipo, were jailed for eight years by Judge T.L. Yang at Kowloon District Court yesterday for possession of two bombs and two knives.

So was given an additional sentence of two years for possession of a quantity of gun powder and two lengths of fuse, the sentence to run concurrently with his first one.

Detective lnsp Chan Tak hing said he and a party of police raided 229 Hoi Tan Street on the night of July 31. The accused were found at the rear section of the: ground floor.

On. searching the premises, Insp Chan said, police found a fuse hidden behind the mirror of a dressing table and a tin with a fuse inside a box. He added that the police later found another tin, which was suspected to be a bomb inside another box, and two knives under a bed.

The bombs were dismantled by an Army ballistics officer on the spot and the parts taken to the Shamshuipo Police Station.

Mr D. R. Boy, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, assisted by Mr Arthur Leung, Crown Counsel, prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Took Bombs To Cemetery For Burial

A 16-year-old youth charged with carrying bombs for an unlawful purpose claimed yesterday that he was talking them to a cemetery for burial.

He thought they could do no harm there, he told Judge Derek Cons at Victoria District Court. He denied knowing at the time that the packages he took for burial contained bombs, but said he suspected they might contain explosives. A housewife had given them to him, he said.

Lam Mei-chun, a 32-year-old housewife from the estate, said she gave the packages to the boy for burial after she had dug them up near her brother-in-law's flower stand while getting sand to pot flowers.

Judge Cons reserved judgment until Tuesday on the youth and also on Ma Shu-keung (20), of Chaiwan resettlement estate who, the youth said, had merely helped him carry the bombs for burial.

***

SCMP, 9 Sep 1967 (Page 13)

Memorial Service For Lam Bun In Taipei

Taipei, Sept. 8.

A memorial service was held in Taipei today for the two Chinese staff members of the Hongkong Commercial Radio fatally injured by terrorists in Hongkong on August 24.

They were Mr Lam Bun, 37, and his cousin, Mr Lam Kwong-hoi, 26.

Representatives of all newspapers and radio stations attended the service.

So did many Government. officials, including President Chiang Kai-shek's elder son, General Chiang Ching-kuo, Defence Minister, and Mr James Wei, Director of the Government Information Office —AP.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Police to pay out $330,000 for dues

Police have set aside $330,000 as payments for information. leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the murders of six persons, including two children, in recent weeks.

In addition, handsome rewards would be paid to anyone giving information about bombs and terrorist activities, a police spokesman said yesterday.

Police were particularly anxious to contact any person who might have information relating to the manufacture, storage or distribution of explosives of any kind.

- Inquiries -

The police spokesman said recent inquiries by the police had revealed that explosives were being. manufactured in various parts of the Colony.

The six persons for whom police have offered $330,000 for information were Lam Bun and his cousin Lam Kwong-hoi who were killed following: an attack on them on August 24; Wong Yee-man and her two-year-old brother who were killed by a bomb explosion on August 20; Police Inspector Choi Yiu-cheung who was stabbed to death on September 3 and Fire Officer, Aslam Khan, who was. killed in a bomb explosion on September 3.

Anyone who has information should write in to P.O. Box 999. or telephone the nearest police station. 

The police spokesman said the anonymity of all: informants would be closely guarded.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Police open fire disperse menacing crowd

Police had to open fire last night to disperse a menacing crowd which had earlier hurled bombs at panes officers in Tin Kwong Road, Hunghom.

A bomb exploded but none of the police officers was injured.

A constable fired three shots at a man, who threw a bomb but no one was injured The demonstrators, numbering about 40, then dispersed into a crowd of cinema-goers.

Eight bombs were later found in the vicinity. Seven were real and were detonated.

At about the same time—9.20 pm—a police patrol which went to nearby Gillies Avenue to investigate a bomb report was met on arrival by a hail of stones from about 50 people.

- A hoax -

Police had to fire one gas shell to disperse the crowd. The suspected bomb turned out to be a hoax.

Earlier in the evening, a right-wing newspaper photographer was assaulted in Mongkok during charges, a Communist-inspired demonstration.

Mr Li Chung-kit, of the Four Seas Weekly, was covering the demonstration shortly after it had begun in Nathan Road cat its junction with Shantung Street at about 7.30 pm when he was set upon: by a mob and beaten up. outside the King Wah Restaurant.

- Camera snatched -

His camera was taken away from him. 

The crowd then proceeded down Nathan Road and assembled in the middle of the road at its junction with Soy Street They were joined by another crowd. of about 100 people.

The crowd then shouted leftist slogans.

Police rushed to the scene and dispersed the crowd with baton charges.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Govt man to sue Red newspapers

Legal proceedings have been started by a senior civil servant against two Communist newspapers.

Two articles — one in the Wen Wei Pao and another in the Ta Kung Pao — attacking the Senior Government Engineer, Mr A. W. Olivier, drew angry letters from his solicitors.

“We demanded they retract their statements with suitable damages,” said Mr Olivier. “But as the letters received no response my solicitors are now instructing counsel.” 

“The articles are totally. a true and I took exceptionally of them, ” he added.

Yesterday's edition of the two newspapers said they would completely ignore Mr Olivier’s demands.

Mr Olivier, in charge. of the PWD Electrical and Mechanical Workshops in Sung Won Toi, Kowloon, had obtained permission from Government to go ahead with the action.

“The reason I decided to take. action against the newspapers is because I think Government should protect the good name of its servants against libellous attacks,” he said.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 1)

Bomb scare in taxi: ‘explosive device’ was tin of oil

A half-gallon tin of cooking oil kept a curious crowd of about 100 occupied in Pedder Street, Central, for more than an hour yesterday afternoon.

A taxi driver had spotted the “mysterious” tin neatly tucked under the back scat of his vehicle while waiting for a fare at the taxi stand opposite the Gloucester Arcade.

Being a bomb-conscious citizen he called the police. A contingent kept curious Saturday shoppers and pedestrians at bay while army experts were notified.

As time passed the crowd increased and when two grim-faced army experts arrived, together with blast goggles and bomb disposal equipment, the crowd surged forward for a better view.

A tall army expert gingerly opened the taxi door and investigated for booby-trap connections. He left the taxi and dug into his kit for a pair of pliers, The crowd gasped and moved backs a step.

Into the back seat went the army man again. Minutes later he emerged wearing a broad grin and carrying an opened tin of cooking oil.

Spectators sighed and chuckled with relief. The taxi driver, meanwhile, figured the tin was his property, replaced it on the back seat and drove off.

The mysterious circumstances in which the tin was placed in the taxi had not been solved, but to be sure the taxi driver had a “bonus” supply of cooking oil — a surprise for the wife and family.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 2)

Police seek 7 for 'interviews'

The police are believed to be seeking seven prominent Hongkong Communists, including Yeung Kwong, chairman of the “All-circle Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee” and chairman of the Hongkong and Kowloon Federation of Trade Unions.

According to a report in the Chinese press, police are anxious to “interview” the men, all “All-circle Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee” members.

Yesterday the police declined to comment on the report, but a Government spokesman said that no warrant had been issued for the arrest of Yeung, although the police would like to interview him.

The report claims that Yeung, 41, believed to be one of the most aggressive and active of local Communists, might be in Macao. 

The report, quoting “reliable sources,” says the other six men. wanted for interviews by the police are Kwok Tim-hoi, chairman of the Motor Transport Workers’ Union, Lau Him, chairman of the Kowloon Motor Bus branch of the MTWU, Ng Yee, Kwong Leung-chor (alias Ng Chor), Lam Yuen and (Chan Yat-sum.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 2)

Waiter fined for having poster

Lai Tat-ming (30), a waiter at the Hongkong Hilton Hotel, who was found guilty of possession of an inflammatory poster, was fined $200 by Mr E. Light in Central Court yesterday.

The court was told that a printed paper, entitled “Vanguard of Anti-British Atrocities,” was found in Lai's locker during police investigations following a bomb incident in the hotel on August 22.

Mr Marios Barros, personnel manager of the Hilton, who was called to give evidence on Lai's character, told the court that Lai joined the Hilton four years ago as a bus boy. Seven months later he was promoted to the position of waiter. Lai's work was satisfactory.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 2)

Bombs tossed into police compound

An auxiliary policeman was injured when one of three bombs hurled into the Police Headquarters in Nathan Road shortly after 5.20 pm yesterday exploded.

The other two bombs were later detonated by ammunition. experts. The injured policeman, Tam Chor-choi, aged 25, was sent to hospital. 

Earlier in the day, three bombs were found on Hongkong Island — outside 316 Des Voeux Road  Central, the Chartered Bank in Shaukiwan and 45 Caine Road.

All three bombs were detonated.

***

SCMP, 10 Sep 1967 (Page 10)

Failure of the unions

MOST of the lessons learned as a result of the troubles that have wracked the Colony since May have been negative ones — the imperfections of our society have stood revealed in the baleful glare of stress (together, it should be added, with some notable strengths).

One of the most fundamental of these flaws — in terms of future stability and wellbeing, particularly in the industrial] and essential services sectors — has been the utter failure of the union system as it operated in Hongkong.

It is a matter to which Government will have to, give priority, and soon. In view of some of his remarks shortly before going on leave, the Governor has the problem to the forefront of his mind and doubtless will get down to work on it soon after he gets back.

An effective union system is urgently needed and would be of benefit to employees, employers and to Government. However, it is unlikely that one will come into being for some considerable time, and in the absence of any alternative, Government must step into the breach.

The Labour Department will simply have to take a bigger share in initiating, conducting and settling industrial negotiations, as well as its enforcement of Government regulations.

This will pose severe headaches for Government; its role will be unusual, and onerous. But where else can the average wage-earner look for advice, protection and help to improve his earnings and working conditions?

The fact that there are unscrupulous employers, whose every aim seems to be to squeeze as much out of their workers for as little reward as is possible, as well as those who wear the guise of sweet reasonableness while cold-bloodedly exploiting — their employees, will not make the job an easy one.

The Labour Department will need a top-to-bottom reorganisation. It will need vigorous and imaginative leadership. It will have to be strong and fearless in its actions. (whether it is dealing on its own, or on the behalf of employees) and it must be scrupulously honest in all its dealings.

This is not to impute dishonesty among present officers — but the integrity of Labour officers in their dealings with all parties must be considered of paramount importance if the department is to win the full confidence of the parties it has to deal with. 

It would be hard to operate effectively without the confidence of employees and employers, and the Knowledge that the concern of Government was that both sides should receive a fair deal. 

This is a tall order and the gravity of the situation is heightened by the urgency of getting things moving as quickly as possible. 

Even these measures will not necessarily lead to complete industrial harmony and end all discontent. But they should provide an atmosphere of reason in which future differences can be discussed rationally without recourse to the streets and mob violence and punitive actions.

It might even prove a fertile ground for sowing the seeds of genuine industrial unionism, and while the crop might be frail, it might be nurtured into a healthy, vigorous growth that could in time stand on its own.

***

10 Sep 1967 [The Sunday Telegraph]

KOWLOON BOMBS

Three bombs were hurled at the Kowloon, Hong Kong, police headquarters yesterday by a man who later disappeared. Only one exploded, causing slight injuries —Reuter.