[1967 riots paper clippings] 21-30 June 1967 (English)

Left: Slogans painted on the statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, yesterday.//
Right top: Sir David stops to chat with Mr Leung Shing-por (right) and Miss Fung Wong-lui at the Garden Party yesterday. //
Right bottom: Police stand by outside the tramways depot at North Point as tram crews change shifts.

 SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

‘Anti-Persecution Fund’
BUSINESSMEN FORCED TO MAKE DONATIONS

Local businessmen who have dealings with certain leftwing banks are being coerced into making “donations” to the so-called “anti-persecution fund,” a spokesman for the Commerce and Industry Department said yesterday.

These were the “donations’ which the businessmen neither wished to make nor could reasonably afford to make,’ the spokesman said.

Condemning the practice by these banks as “blatant extortions,” the spokesman noted that it had always been the policy of these banks to extend generous credit facilities for the purchase of goods from China.

Those businessmen who had obtained credit in this way were threatened with immediate recall of their credit if they refused to subscribe the sums quoted to them.

“Naturally they face serious financial embarrassment, even bankruptcy, if they persist in their refusal to comply with the terms dictated to them,” the spokesman said.

"The decision as to how much the unwilling “donor “could be coerced into parting with was taken by the staff of the bank concerned, on the basis of a study of his account, he added.

This was a “flagrant abuse” of all accepted principles of banking, the spokesman said. Private accounts were being laid open to examination and exposed to outright extortion.

- Chinese Exports -

“I should think that this practice must be doing considerable harm to our local market for Chinese exports,” he added.

It was also clear “from the extensive evidence we have obtained of their fund-raising tactics” that far from being an “anti-persecution fund,” this was very definitely a “persecution fund,” he said.

The frequency with which left-wing newspapers had been attacking the Police Children’s Education Fund indicated their awareness of how unfavourably their “anti-persecution fund” compared with it, the spokesman went on.

“Where the ‘anti-persecution fund’ is built on extortion for the sole purpose of propaganda, the Police Children's Education Fund is built on spontaneous voluntary subscription for the lasting purpose of education for deserving youngsters,” he remarked.

“The left-wing papers assert that the ‘anti-persecution fund’ is already being put to use, where the Police Education Fund so far remains unemployed.

“The reasons are quite obvious. Their fund is supposed to be supporting --- although in fact it does not even do this effectively --- workers forced to take part in unlawful strikes.

- Long-Term -

“Ours is a seriously organised long-term project which cannot be rushed into hastily, no matter how attractive its ‘propaganda’ possibilities may appear.”

It was not envisaged that the Police Education Fund should start operating until the next academic year, beginning in September. This would leave plenty of time for the careful preparation of administrative details. The composition of the board of managers should, in fact, be announced in the near future, he said.

Meanwhile, anti-British slogans were written with paint on the statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, and on two buildings in North Point yesterday.

The slogans in North Point were found on the walls of the branch of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and at the Post Office.

The Police, who believe the slogans were written during the night, said that, as a temporary measure, black paint had been used to obliterate them.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

CEMENT COMPANY

More than 100 people had recently applied to join the Green Island Cement Co, Ltd, which had announced its intention of re-opening its plant at Hunghom.

A company spokesman said operations were expected to resume soon and dismissed as nonsense reports by left-wing newspapers that the company planned to move to the Philippines.

About 100 former workers of the company continued to sit outside the Hunghom plant yesterday. Many of them, it was learned, were being supported by the left-wing “Struggle Fund.”

(Photo)

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

H.K. UNIVERSITY MAY RUN BUS SERVICE

A committee to look into the possibility of running a bus service for university students was formed at a recent Council meeting of the Students’ Union.

This was reported in the Undergrad, the union’s journal, which said that the idea came about following the success of a special emergency bus service that took students home after examinations during the recent disturbances on the Island.

The committee has already prepared questionnaires to be sent to students.

- Twelve Hours -

According to the provisional plan published in the journal, the bus service would operate 12 hours a day from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm and would be engaged in taking hostel members from their hostels to the University and back, making a total of 36 trips during the operation period.

On weekends, this service would be extended to take students to and from the “Star” Ferry and to and from cinemas on the island at request.

Fares, according to the report, would be paid on a monthly basis at a charge of $5 (16 cents per day).

Mr Jan de Boer, an editor of the journal, has been elected Chairman of the committee.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

(Photo)

Sir David Thanks Loyal Residents At Party

His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, yesterday said a personal “thank you” to 300 representatives of local organisations which had pledged support for Government’s stand during the recent disturbances

He did this at a Government House’ garden party.

It was the first of three receptions to be given by the Governor to thank the organisations for their support and to reassure them of Hongkong's continuing determination to re-create and retain its peace and. stability.

As he moved among the guests, the Governor raised his glass in both hands and toasted them in the traditional Chinese way.

- First Visit -

People from all walks of life attended the party. For many of them it was their first visit to Government House.

Loyal Government workers who have withstood intimidation by left-wing elements were among the guests.

Trade and hawkers’ associations, political and social groups, kaifongs, clansmen's organisations and a host of others were represented.

There were about 35 people representing women’s welfare associations and clubs.

Wearing a black cheongsam with a white embroidered lace jacket was Miss Fung Wong-lui, the Cantonese opera star. She and Mr Leung Shing-por, the actor, represented the Hongkong Artists’ Association.

The Hon Mrs Li Shu-pui, representing the Chinese Women's’ Club, introduced the Governor to the women guests.

Seven members of the Hongkong Council of the Church of Christ in China, were present, including Dr S. C. Leung, Chairman of the Council.

The second garden party will be held tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Yuen Long Forms Security Body

Yuen Long in the New Territories has formed its own Public Security Advancement Association following a similar move on Saturday by Ping Chau residents.

Representatives from 21 trade organisations, clansmen associations and other groups met in Yuen Long yesterday and decided to inaugurate the association on Friday.

Its role would be to safeguard the interests of residents in Yuen Long and, in general, to prevent trouble by leftwing elements, it was announced.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Demonstrators Ignored Police Warnings

Evidence that he was called a ‘running dog’ was given by a police constable at the trial, before Mr P. M. Corfe at Central Court yesterday, of two men on a charge of unlawful assembly in Statue Square.

Chan Hing-sun (39), a building worker, and Cheung Ngar-yee (28), a, factory worker, pleaded not guilty.

The witness, PC Tang Kam-hung, said he was on riot duty in Des Voeux Road Central, near the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, on May 21.

"There was a crowd of more than 1,000 in Statue Square at that time. He heard his sergeant tell the crowd over a hailer to disperse. No one moved. The warning was repeated four times but  the crowd continued to shout and wave their arms, he said.

Tang said the sergeant then ordered the platoon to make arrests. He arrested Chan who was in the crowd.

“As I approached him he pointed his finger at me and shouted ‘running dog’ He did not resist when I arrested him," he said.

Hearing was adjourned to tomorrow to enable Cheung to call a witness.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

DISTRIBUTED POSTERS

Chan Kin-shue, an 18-year-old pupil of 49 Pat Sue Street, first floor, Cheung Chau, pleaded guilty before Mr A. L. Leathlean in Central Court yesterday to three charges of possession of inflammatory posters.

He was granted bail of $300 pending translation of the posters. Policemen saw him distributing some of them in Cheung Chau last Saturday.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

MOB ATTACKED POLICE AT P.W.D. DEPOT, COURT TOLD

A mob of workers attacked the police in the PWD depot in Tokwawan on June 8, a police corporal told Mr T. L. von Pokorny in North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The corporal, Leung Kuen, was testifying at the trial of three workers of the Public Works Department, who are accused of unlawful assembly.

The workers, Wong Hoi (37), Tang Long (40) and Cheung Wai-ling (48), pleaded not guilty.

Cpl Leung said he was with an anti-riot squad which went to the PWD depot that day. The main gate was closed when it arrived.

Later, when the police entered the depot, a mob of PWD workers threw stones, screw drivers and spanners at them and shouted, “Hit them, hit them.”

Cpl Leung said he saw Cheung holding an iron bar about 20 yards from him as the police advanced.

Mr Wong Po, a depot foreman, testified he was in his office when he saw Wong Hoi pick up an iron rod and run into the main road.

A short while later, he saw Tang reverse a car, leaving it in the middle of the roadway.

In his testimony Wong Hoi said he had been in the depot’s welding section during the police raid and did not hold any iron.

Tang said he took cover behind a car when he heard that the police were firing tear gas. Later, he went to a lavatory where he was arrested.

Cheung said he hid in a lavatory when police fired tear gas.

Mr Pokorny reserved judgment until Saturday.

Mr Ross Penlington, Senior Crown Counsel, is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Two Gas Workers To Be Recommended For Deportation

A magistrate said in North Kowloon Court yesterday that he would recommend deportation for two gas company workers “who have shown their violent objection to Hongkong’s peaceful way of life.”

Mr T. L. von Pokorny, the magistrate, sentenced the two men, Lam Kiu (47) and Choi Keung (37), to 12 months’ jail after convicting them of assaulting policemen who were removing inflammatory posters at the gas company’s Tokwawan depot on June 9.

A third defendant, Yip Kam (39) was jailed for four months for a similar offence.

Mr Pokorny said it was beyond doubt that on a tower in the plant, Lam and Yip had told two policemen that if they were to shoot, the gas tank would explode.

“I am certain that both Lam and Yip had also turned on a gas valve from which white-coloured vapour escaped.” Mr Pokorny said.

Lam had also struggled with policemen and had tried to strike a constable with an iron bar. Yip’s verbal threat was tantamount to common assault, the magistrate added.

Choi had also used an iron rod to attack another policeman, Mr Pokorny said.

Mr N. I. Billingham, representing Yip, asked Mr Pokorny to take into consideration the fact that Yip had been with the company for 20 years.

“He has been convicted of an offence which was entirely out of character with his previous behaviour,” Mr Billingham said.

Yip had to support his wife and five children, he added.

***

SCMP, 21 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

Disturbances Here Given Exaggerated Publicity Abroad

Because Hongkong had a world-wide reputation of stability and prosperity, the recent disturbances had received extensive and often exaggerated publicity, Mr J. Carlos-Clarke, Advertising and Public Relations Manager of the Hongkong Tourist Association, said yesterday.

He was addressing members of the YWCA at the Association's headquarters in Macdonnell Road.

He said that certain newspapers in Manila had carried sensational headlines about Hongkong’s problems.

“I went down there ten days ago and got the feeling that many people in the Philippines just wanted someone from Hongkong to come and tell them that things were back to normal,” he said.

Mr Carlos-Clarke added the Tourist Association would soon take similar action in Japan.

“We are still receiving very bad publicity from the Press in Japan which we will try to counteract. Many Japanese papers are still playing up the fact that there is enormous unrest in Hongkong and this will naturally affect the number of tourists coming here from Japan,” he said.

- Few Cancellations -

He noted that the disturbances had resulted in a few tourists cancelling their holidays here.

“Very few large groups have cancelled,” he pointed out.

“Provided there are no serious disturbances within the next few months, there is no reason why Hongkong should not continue to be one of the greatest tourist centres in the world,” he said.

“If, however, there are serious disturbances in the near future, it will take a couple of years before we can settle down again.”

A serious consequence of further trouble would be that overseas tourists, who had been told that the situation here was back to normal, would lose trust.

Mr Carlos-Clarke outlined the work of the Tourist Association and the part it was playing in the International Tourist Year.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

GOVERNOR TO GO ON LEAVE
FOUR Officers Appointed To Top Posts
MESSAGE TO PEOPLE

The Governor, Sir David Trench, will leave the Colony on holiday on Sunday, it was announced from Government House last night. He will be accompanied by Lady Trench and their daughter Kate.

During the Governor's absence, the Hon M. D. I. Gass, the Colonial Secretary, will act as Officer Administering the Government and will take the oath of office at a ceremony in the presence of members of the Executive Council on the evening of the Governor's departure.

(Photos)

The Hon D. R. Holmes is interrupting his leave in the United Kingdom to return on Sunday, and will be appointed Acting Colonial Secretary during the Governor's absence.

Mr G. C. Hamilton will continue as Deputy Colonial Secretary and Mr Jack Cater, at present Personal Assistant to His Excellency, will be appointed an additional Deputy Colonia Secretary with special responsibilities in connection with the current situation in Hongkong.

-Discussions -

Sir David will be flying direct to London to spend a short leave in Britain. While in London, he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State and his advisers on developments in Hongkong.

He will return to the Colony with his family in September.

Before leaving Hongkong, Sir David will broadcast a message over radio and television services to the people of the Colony.

The message will broadcast in English by Radio Hongkong at 7.10pm on Saturday, and by Commercial Radio at 8.02 the same night.

A television film of the broadcast will be shown on the English Channel of Rediffusion  Television immediately after the 9 pm news on Saturday.

A Chinese translation of the Governor's broadcast can be heard simultaneously on the Chinese services of Radio Hongkong, Commercial Radio and Rediffusion’s sound service at 7.15 the same night. The Chinese Channel of Rediffusion Television will carry a film of the broadcast after the news at 8 pm.

Sir David was to have gone on leave earlier in the month but after consultations with Secretary of State, he decided to defer his departure for a week or so because of the recent disturbances in the Colony.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Principal Of College Denounced False Leftist Reports
NO COMMITTEE FORMED BY PUPILS

Mr J. Stokes, Principal of Queen’s College, disclosed yesterday that leftist agitators planted inflammatory handbills in the classrooms and hung posters at the entrance of the College on Tuesday.

He denied as “a pack of lies" leftist press reports that pupils of the College had formed an “anti-persecution” committee.”

He said that on Tuesday during the lunch interval, someone had entered the school, left handbills in several classrooms, hung a banner in one classroom, another in a lavatory and a third in a prominent position in front of the school.

Mr Stokes said the man was later joined by another person who took photographs of the banners.

“When the boys (pupils) returned after the interval, they were not in the least impressed by what they saw,” he said.

The inflammatory handbills and posters were taken down and handed to the police.

He said the head prefects had drafted a letter to be sent to the Chinese press denying the left-wing reports about the College.

Other schools also denied leftwing reports about the formation of similar committees.

- Utter Nonsense -

Mr S. Y. Li, Principal of Clementi Middle School said it was a ‘downright lie” that his pupils “had set up such a committee.

A spokesman for the Perth Street Government School in Kowloon said there was no such thing and called it utter nonsense.

The Northcote Training College Students’ Association also denied that students of the College were responsible for putting up posters attacking Government.

The Association pointed out that these posters were put up by outsiders during the night of June 18.

- Statement -

Meanwhile, three hawkers’ associations issued a joint statement yesterday condemning the "pseudo patriotism” of the trouble-makers “whose actions were, in fact, aimed at creating unrest and disorder.”

The statement by the Hongkong Western District Licensed Hawkers’ Association, the Kowloon Mutual Aid Association and the Hongkong and Kowloon Licensed’ Hawkers’ Association Ltd, whose combined membership totals 10,000, said these trouble-makers must be stopped before they did irreparable damage to the hawking and other trades in Hongkong.

Hawkers’ were asked not to take part in leftist activities and urged to remain strong in the face of intimidation.

The statement stressed the importance of maintaining a flourishing hawking trade in the interest of the hawkers themselves and the community, it added.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Rural Group To Form Security Organisation

Four New Territories Unofficial Justices of the Peace and the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the seven rural committees in Yuen Long met yesterday and unanimously resolved to form a federation of public security advancement.

The objects of the proposed federation are to assist Government in maintaining law and order, to promote the economy and welfare of the district, to ensure food supplies at stable prices and to exchange and distribute information on the current situation.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

U.K. Pledge To Colony Renewed

London, June 21.

Britain will continue to give full support and assistance to the Hongkong Government in maintaining peace, order and good government in the Colony, parliament was told yesterday.

Mrs Judith Hart, Minister for Commonwealth Relations, was giving the House of Commons a Progress report on the recent disturbances.

She said that since her statement in Parliament on June 1, the general pattern of Communist activities in Hongkong had been the instigation of short stoppages of work and token strikes, chiefly in Government departments and public utilities.

- Under Control -

“These have not caused any serious disruption of essential services," she said.

The anti-Government propaganda campaign in the Communist press and through the medium of inflammatory posters had continued. Steps were being taken to control the public display of posters.

These activities by the local Communists and the Hongkong Government's counter-measures had led to a few minor incidents, but the Hongkong Government had the situation well under control, Mrs Hart said.

“The' House is aware that although the present troubles had their origin in a genuine labour dispute, they were taken up and exploited for political ends,” she added.---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Accused Say They Only Shouted Slogans

Five men accused of riotous assembly in Garden Road on May 22 claimed in Central Court yesterday that they were only shouting slogans.

 In unsworn statements from the dock, they told Mr N. P. Power, the Magistrate, that they were on their way to make a protest at Government House that day and did not assemble riotously.

Hearing continues today.

The five are Ling Wang-yam (30), Siu Chi (41), Tsang Ho-ming (20), Tam Yue-hwan (21) and Su Kan-lam (21).

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Six Workers Of Dockyard Charged

Six Taikoo Dockyard workers accused in Central Court yesterday of riotous assembly will appear for trial at the Victoria District Court today.

Mr A. L. Leathlean, the Magistrate, granted a police application for transfer of the case to the District Court.

The men are Szeto Wah-chung (28), a carpenter; Tse Tung (56), Tang Kam (47), Lo Ham (48), foundry workers, Lam Kwok-leung (35), a coppersmith, and Cheng Wah (20), an apprentice coppersmith.

They are accused of riotous assembly, at Taikoo Dockyard on June 6.

Szeto is additionally charged with intimidating and assaulting Mr John MacArthur.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Theatre Men Jailed For Obstructing Police

The operator of a theatre projector and a cleaner were each jailed for nine months and recommended for deportation by Mr T. L. von Pokorny in North Kowloon Court yesterday after they were convicted of obstructing the police and possessing two bludgeons fit for an unlawful purpose.

The two men, Cheung Pui (36), and Cheung Wai-keung (36), both living in the staff quarters of the Silver Theatre in Kun Tong, were arrested during a police raid on June 10.

Before passing sentence, Mr Pokorny said the defendants surrendered only when the police had broken down the door of the theatre. The bludgeons they were carrying, Mr Pokorny observed, were offensive. Four feet in length, each were studded with about 50 nails, he pointed out.

Det-Insp B. Thompson said that Cheung Pui was found lying underneath an air-conditioning duct with a bludgeon in his hand.

Mr P. J. Clancy, Superintendent of Police, prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 22 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

THREE DENY PUTTING UP POSTERS

Three men charged with posting inflammatory posters on a building pleaded not guilty before Mr F. de F. Stratton in North Kowloon Court yesterday.

Lo Kam-ching (45),  unemployed, of 8 Cheung Lok Street, ground floor, Yaumati, Yip Yuk-hung, (22), an apprentice worker, of 737, Block 1, Wongtaisin resettlement estate, and Tsang Tim (50), of 127, Block 48, first floor, Tszwanshan, were remanded for three days in jail custody.

Det-Insp W. W. Easy said that the defendants were seen putting up posters on the gas company's building in Tokwawan on June 8.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

CHINA BANS RICE TO TWO FIRMS
‘Wrist Slap’ For Garden Party Guests
STOCKS PLENTIFUL

Two rice merchants who attended a garden party given by the Governor, Sir David Trench, recently, have been told by the official trading agency in China that’ supplies of rice imports by their respective firms would be stopped temporarily as from July 1.

The two merchants involved are the Hon F. S. Li, a director of Nam Wo Hong Ltd, and Mr Chiu Lap-sau, who is absent from the Colony at present. Mr Chiu is a director of the Wing Fung Hong firm.

The Chinese trading agency, China Resources Company, said it had acted, on instructions of the China Foodstuffs and Edible Oils Import and Export Corporation, against the two merchants  because they supported the Hongkong Government during the recent disturbances.

Interviewed yesterday, Mr Li said that his support of the Government for restoration of law and order was his own personal view and not that of Nam Wo Hong Ltd of which he was only a director and a minor shareholder.

- Contract -

Mr Li said the Nam Wo Hong Ltd imported rice from China under contract, and if the threatened suspension was found to constitute a breach of contract, the possibility of legal action might be studied.

Furthermore, Mr Li said, the firm could always find new sources of supply.

Mr Hou Ping-wing, a senior executive of the Nam Wo Hong Ltd, said that the firm had plentiful stocks. However the firm would ask for an explanation of the word “temporary” before taking any further action.

Meanwhile, the China Resources Co informed the leftwing Press yesterday that it would increase the supply of rice to other importers here in order to “satisfy the demand of our Hongkong compatriots.”

Commenting on the left-wing move against the two firms, a Government spokesman said yesterday that it would not have any effect on the supply of rice to Hongkong. He said that the rice import scheme did not specify sources of supply.

A spokesman of the Commerce and Industry Department announced yesterday that the weekly stocktaking of rice in godowns showed that there were 89,200 tons or 892,000 bags.

In addition, there were quite large amounts in retail shops. “This is sufficient to meet demand for over three months. All sections of the rice trade have remained quiet during the week and prices have remained stable,” the spokesman said.

Statistics show that 70.6 per cent of rice imported into the Colony last month came from Thailand, 19 per cent from China, 7.6 per cent from Cambodia and 2.9 per cent from other sources.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Leftists Try To Bribe Workers To Strike

There were reports yesterday that large numbers of transport workers, including taxi drivers, bus drivers and conductors, ferry crews and tramway workers, had been approached by left-wing agents to stage a general transport strike within the next few days.

The workers were said to have been offered bribes up to $500 in cash, with promises of rice and other benefits to follow, if they pledged themselves to strike.

Commenting on this latest attempt the leftists to cause further inconvenience to the general public, Mr A. J. Shephard, the Commissioner of Transport, warned all transport workers, regardless of their political sympathies, that they should be extremely suspicious of these offers. “Often the cash offered will be dependent on their surrendering their Hongkong identity cards or their employment cards,” he said.

“Should these workers give up their identity cards or employment cards, they will find that they have placed’ themselves in the power of unscrupulous agents who will not hesitate to blackmail them into further acts against good order and the interests of the whole community.

“These workers may even find themselves coerced into criminal acts which are punishable by law.

- Appeal -

“I appeal to all transport workers to look beyond the easy money which is being dangled in front of them and to consider, not only the public interest but also the long term interests of themselves and their families,” Mr Shephard said.

A Government spokesman, commenting on reports that there may be further attempts to persuade workers in some utility companies to strike, said that the leftists, having failed to persuade workers to strike willingly, then failed to intimidate them, were now trying to bribe workers into striking.

“It is not surprising that in their desperation our local trouble-makers should resort to this last and most despicable method but we may assume that it will be as unsuccessful as their other attempts. Certainly it is one that workers should readily see through. Indeed it may be regarded as nothing better than a confidence trick,” the spokesman said.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

COLLEGES REFUTE LEFTIST CLAIMS
No ‘Struggle’ Groups

Left-wing claims that “anti-persecution” committees and “fighting regiments” were being formed in various schools and in the Chinese University’s Chung Chi College were strongly denied yesterday.

Dr C. T. Yung, President of Chung Chi College, said the allegations about the College were totally untrue and without foundation.

It was learned that about 600 of the College's total 700 students had pledged their support for the Students’ Union in condemning leftist rumours.

Claims that a committee had been set up in Queen’s College, Causeway Bay, were also refuted.

Sixteen prefects of the College, in a signed letter to the press yesterday, called the reports “absolutely false.”

“Placards hung up and pamphlets distributed in and around the school premises are doings of unscrupulous lawbreakers and have no concern whatsoever with the school,” the letter said.

It pointed out that, in fact, the pupils were at present busily preparing for the coming final examination and had never participated in any political activities.

- Pamphlets -

Leftist agitators planted pamphlets in King’s College, Bonham Road, last week.

The pamphlets, found in lavatories and in the playground, were later disposed of by pupils.

The College denied as completely without foundation left-wing reports that the pupils had set up a “red flag” fighting regiment.”

A Government spokesman said no reports had been received of activities in Government and aided schools which suggested the existence within these schools of any “anti-persecution” committees.

“Any activities by pupils which contravene normal school discipline and school rules will be appropriately dealt with by the school authorities,” the spokesman said.

Pupils had better things to do with their time than indulge in such “pointless” activities,” he added.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

(Photo)

Hawkers Among Guests At Government House

Long, refreshing drinks and colourful fans were very much in evidence as guests gathered on the lawns of Government House yesterday evening to meet His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench.

The occasion was the second of three parties which the Governor is giving to enable him personally to thank local organisations and individuals who had pledged support for Government during the recent troubles.

Workmen, hawkers, stone masons, tailors, seafarers and restaurant workers were among the 400 guests, representing 600 organisations, who attended the party.

As the music of the Police Band added a festive touch to the reception, the Governor moved among the guests, laughing and chatting with them.

He was accompanied by the Hon M. D. I. Gass, the Colonial Secretary.

- Welfare Bodies -

Many local welfare organisations, including the Hongkong Red Cross, the Hongkong Discharged Prisoners Aid Society, the Social Service Group of the University of Hongkong and the Hongkong Federation of Youth Groups, were represented.

The Hongkong Rotary Club, the Lions Club of Hongkong, the Reform Club and the Civic Association were represented too.

Among the 30 women present was Miss Chan Oi-kwong, Headmistress of Sun Tok School.

Sir David thanked the workers present for having withstood intimidation and pressure and for refusing to stop work and thus disrupt public services.

The third and final reception will be held this evening.

A Government spokesman said yesterday that 15 more organisations had added their names to those which had already recorded their support. This brought the total number to 607.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Reinstatement Of Waterworks Employees

A total of 154 workers at the Waterworks depots in Argyle Street and Bullock Lane, who were dismissed for stopping work on June 8, had been reinstated so far, a spokesman for the Waterworks Office said yesterday.

Of the total, 108 returned to work at the Argyle Street depot and 46 at the Bullock Lane depot.

Two hundred and forty-two workers at the Argyle Street depot walked out on June 8 and were subsequently dismissed for failing to report for work. Six other workers failed to report for duty after the walk-out and were sent letters of dismissal.

At the Bullock Lane depot, 115 workers were absent for different periods from June 9.

All the workers who had been reinstated had their pay deducted for the period of absence, the spokesman said.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

DOCKYARD MEN CHARGED
Incident At Yaumati Slipway Recalled

Five workers of the Marine Department stood shoulder to shoulder with more men behind them to prevent Mr C. E. Hulse, Assistant Director of Marine, from leaving the Yaumati Government Slipway on June 1, the Acting Senior Marine Officer told Mr T. L. von Pokorny in North Kowloon Court yesterday.

The Marine Officer, Mr John Gould, was giving evidence at the trial of 18 Government dockyard workers who are charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly. Eight of the workers are additionally charged with false imprisonment.

One of the defendants, Yau Tak (50), who gave himself up to the police on June 18, pleaded guilty to the unlawful assembly charge and was remanded on $100 bail to June 28.

The court was told that Yau had shouted “Strike the Europeans to death,” then danced about and waved an umbrella in the dockyard that day.

- Deputation -

The other defendants are Wong Shek-choi (44), Leung Chi-kuen (25), Ho Chung (53), Kwok Ho-ying (29), Kwan Cheung (40), Ho Chiu (43), Wong Chu (48), Lau Kam-shek (24), Lai Ka-luk (44), Cheuk Kai (34), Chan Moon-tong (27), Leung Chuen (41), Wong Sou-wa (33), Tsang Shing-fook (38), Kan Kai-cho (29), Wong Chi-yiu (42), and Wong Pak (38).

Mr Gould testified that when he went to the dockyard on June 1, he saw workers outside the main office.

Later, a workers’ deputation went to the office and asked him to step outside, and he did, Mr Gould said.

The deputation consisted of Tsang Shing-fook, Ho Chiu, Leung Chuen and three or four others. They wanted to know why the workers had not been consulted before posters were removed from a guard house in the dockyard on May 30, the reason for the removal and who took them down.

“I told them that the authorities had taken them down and that it was illegal to display such posters. My answer was punctuated by shouts,” he said.

Later, Mr Hulse arrived and took charge. The main gate had by then been closed and barred.

Mr Hulse asked Mr Lo Kwong-yee, who acted as interpreter, to write down the words of four posters which the workers wanted to put up. He told the workers that he had to go to Hongkong to show the posters to the Director of Marine.

Mr Hulse then went towards the main gate but four or five workers, including Leung Chuen, formed a line in front of him and shook their heads. More workers were behind them, Mr Gould said.

Mr Hulse went back to the office and the workers dispersed.

Throughout the day, Mr Gould continued, some workers, including Tsang Shing-fook, Leung Chuen and Wong Pak, appeared in front of the main office and addressed the workers, who responded by raising their fists, chanting slogans and shouting.

He said Ho Chung led the shouting and chanting. Ho Chiu at some time also led the shouting and was very much in the forefront of the crowd. Cheuk Kai was also in the crowd, while Wong Sou-wa was most vehement, Mr Gould added.

He said the crowd returned about 4.30 pm and their representative told Mr Hulse that he and other office workers could leave but they must first guarantee the workmen’s personal safety.

Mr Hulse told them he could not guarantee their personal safety, but that he could guarantee they would not be arrested if they left in an orderly manner. After shouting “We protest" several times, the workers left.

Hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

RINGLEADER OF CROWD JAILED

A plastic factory worker, who was convicted of riotous assembly last week, was jailed for six months by Mr P. M. Corfe in Central Court yesterday.

The man, Tse Wuk-loi (33), was the ringleader of a crowd who had thrown stones at two police platoons in Morrison Street near Des Voeux Road Central on May 21, Insp Lam Yim-fat had told the court at an earlier hearing.

Tse had entered Hongkong illegally from China about eight years ago, according to a probation officer's report.

Insp E. Bryant prosecuted.

***

SCMP, 23 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Women Scratched Faces of Policemen

A group of men and women used their fists and feet to assault policemen in an attempt to break through a cordon in Garden Road on May 22, a senior police officer testified before. Mr E. Light in Central Court yesterday.

Some of the women also scratched the policemen’s faces, Mr R. Wilson, Superintendent of Police, said.

He was testifying at the trial of five men and a 16-year-old boy who are accused of riotous assembly outside the Hongkong Hilton on May 22.

The five men are: Chan Po (50), Chan Kwong-lap (25), Wong Sau-tim (20), Lau Wan (35) and Tai Man-sang (17).

Mr Wilson said that day the police blockaded Garden Road to prevent a crowd of about 100 people from going to Government House.

Warnings to disperse, in English and in Chinese, were given several times and the crowd was also told that groups of 20 would be allowed to go to Government House. But they paid no attention, and shouted slogans and waved their arms, Mr Wilson added.

This lasted for some time and then the crowd tried to break through the cordon. Some of the men were eventually arrested and taken to Central Police Station.

Hearing will continue today.

Insp P. C. Yeung is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Two Reporters Hurt By Rampaging Mob

Two reporters of the South China Morning Post were injured by stones thrown at them by a crowd who stopped their vehicle at the junction of Shanghai Street and Waterloo Road in Yaumati about 10.30 pm after they had covered the incident in Canton Road earlier.

The car was also carrying two photographers. They had left Canton Road before the police withdrew.

The car was travelling behind a dual-purpose van which was first stopped by a small crowd at the road junction.

The crowd later let the van go and some people in the crowd shouted that the driver of S.C.M. Post car was a “European”. They stopped the car, opened the window and tried to force the passengers out.

The reporters tried to talk their way out but a man from the crowd opened the car door and tried to force them out.”

Another man threw and smashed the windscreen of the car. By that time, the van in front had been driven away and the press car shot after it.

Another man picked up a larger stone and threw it into the car, injuring the two reporters. They sustained cuts from broken glass and one was struck on the face by a second stone.

The four managed to get away.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

UTILITY WORKERS URGED TO IGNORE LEFT-WING THREATS

The managements of the Colony’s main public transport and utility companies last night told their workers in a joint appeal to disregard any threats made against them by left-wing agents.

They promised the workers maximum protection for themselves and their families with the co-operation of Government.

The appeal which was broadcast followed a walkout by Kowloon Motor Bus workers shortly after 4.30 pm.

Kowloon Motor Bus drivers and crew abandoned their vehicles at the "Star" Ferry Tsimshatsui concourse just as office workers were starting to return home.

All buses in Kowloon stopped running afire 9 pm as a number of night-shift drivers and conductors failed to report for duty.

A spokesman for the Kowloon Motor Bus Company said that, as a safety measure, the buses that were still running after 5 pm were recalled to the depot.

He said some buses were left abandoned in side streets and at bus stops and termini but were later taken back to the depot.

The spokesman said it was difficult to say at the time how many workers had failed to report for work.

Bus services on the Island were not running at full strength last night.

Some buses returned to the depot at 8 pm when bus workers living in Kowloon were reported to have left their jobs on learning of the stoppage of bus services on the peninsula.

- Island Buses -

Services on routes Nos 10, 19, 23, and 8A were suspended about 9 pm, while only a reduced number of buses was operating on other routes. All services ceased by midnight.

Mr Ngan Kit-Keung, Personnel Manager of the China Motor Bus Company, said about 50 night shift workers, including drivers and conductors, did not report for work. Some of them had asked for sick leave.

He said he was not aware of any indication that leftist workers of his company would go on strike today.

The China Light and Power Co Ltd reported last night that a number of workers who operate the company’s power plants failed to report for duty at 4 pm yesterday.

But Mr C. F. Wood, Manager of the company, said the workers’ action in not turning up to man the plants had not affected power supply to consumers as a number of the senior engineers were on hand to help maintain the supply.

He added that many day shift workers responsible for maintenance, repair and erection of generators, left their jobs at 4 pm.

The workers who failed to report for work were mainly from the Hunghom Generating Station, Mr Wood said.

- Intimidation -

Mr C. A. Britton, Manager of the Hongkong Electric Company, said yesterday he believed that some of his staff were being intimidated and coerced into taking part in the general strike today.

He said, however, there was a large number of the company's staff who were loyal and they would be given help in every possible way.

He assured consumers that power supply would be maintained although some inconvenience might be caused.

Mr A. D, Learmonth, General Manager of the China Provident Co, Ltd, yesterday was confident that his company’s workers would continue their jobs normally today and would ignore a call to strike.

There was no indication from the godown staff and other groups of employees that they would go on strike, he said.

Interviews were conducted with most of the “Number Ones” of the company's lighter crews, Mr Learmonth said. They had expressed, verbally in this case, that they would disassociate themselves with any left-wing activities, he said.

Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, General Manager of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co, Ltd, and of the “Star” Ferry Co, Ltd, said if there were a strike, he strongly believed that would be largely due to intimidation.

Guards from a security service were still maintained on board ferries, he said.

Referring to security measures at Kowloon Wharf, Mr Forsgate said the wharf had its own police force and there was no need to engage more guards at present.

When asked what precautionary measure had been taken against a possible strike, he said steps to be taken would depend on what happened.

A spokesman for the Taikoo Dockyard said the yard had received no official news of an impending strike, and was “preparing for a normal working day” today.

A spokesman for the Kowloon Docks said he had no comment, when “advised” by a reporter that a report calling for a strike was published in an extra edition jointly issued by two left-wing Chinese newspapers.

The Trade Union Council, with a membership of 150,000, yesterday issued notices to their members, calling on them, to resist left-wing pressure and money for a general strike.

Mr Fung Hoi-chiu, Secretary-General of the TUC, said that about 2,500 free workers were members of their transport workers unions, and would assist in providing necessary services.

Meanwhile, left-wing workers received distributions of rice and cash out of their “Struggle Funds.” "They were asked to sign receipts and many were reported to have been given post-dated cheques. The latter measure was taken following their failure in organising a general strike two weeks ago as many workers pocketed the cash but carried on their work as usual. The new measure was taken so that they would have the cheques dishonoured in case of failure to carry out the strike.

Owners of many shops and private premises also took precautionary measures to protect their property against possible rioters.

Many newspaper vendors in the North Point district had been paid by leftist elements not to sell or deliver right-wing newspapers in the area, it was learned from a reliable source yesterday.

The same source said that some newspaper hawkers, who refused to accept the money, had been intimidated.

Another source said that leftwing elements had told newspaper hawkers not to sell English language newspapers, but this could not be confirmed last night. The source said that some of the hawkers had been paid $100 not to sell the English newspapers.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

VIOLENCE IN KOWLOON
Man Shot Dead Following Attack On Police
FORTY-TWO ARRESTED

Violence erupted in Kowloon yesterday when two detectives, taking pictures of inflammatory posters outside a left-wing union headquarters, were suddenly attacked by a gang of workers armed with iron bars, knives and other weapons.

The incident which started shortly after 3 pm, at the Hongkong and Kowloon Rubber and Plastics Union, Canton Road, resulted in the death of one man, and injuries to a number of civilians and policemen, including three European Inspectors, one of whom had a finger severed.

(Photo)

At the height of the attack on the two detectives, two uniformed constables happened to be in the area and went to their aid. They were also set upon. The four policemen ran into a rice shop, hotly pursued by the mob.

The two uniformed constables had to draw their revolvers to stop the menacing crowd from following them into the shop. The constables fired several shots. One man was hit and later died in hospital.

Another man was injured but he managed to escape.

The crowd then dispersed and about 5.30 pm the riot squad arrived to take up a siege of the union premises which lasted until about 11 pm when nearly 45 people, including two teenaged girls, a young woman and the chairman of the union, were arrested.

Police made several attempts to gain entry into the union premises, which is situated on the third floor of the house. The leftist trouble-makers made a determined stand and stopped the officers from entering the floor. Two European Inspectors, who led small parties trying to force their way in, were forced back by iron bars and acid which the unionists squirted with rubber toy pistols.

Police, in trying to force their way into the union premises, had to use crowbars and axes to hack at the closed door.

- Surrender Call -

Just before 9 pm, police used loudhailers to call on the men in the union premises to surrender. They were given warning that the police would whatever force was necessary to flush them out and would not be responsible for any injuries caused them.

In another attempt to enter the union premises, two European officers donned plastic clothes for protection against an acid attack. However, they failed to gaily entrance.

Eventually, about 9 pm police made their final attempt to enter the premises to make arrests. The party ascended the adjoining house which is a new building and punctured a hole in the wall separating the union premises. They then crawled through the hole to the union premises but discovered the floor was empty. The raiding party descended to the floor below which was also part of the union premises and found the wanted men hidden in dark corners. All the electric lights on the premises had been switched off and the only light came from searchlights placed in the street by the police.

(Photo)

Inspector M. F. Quinn felt his way to the kitchen and as he made to open the door, someone attacked him with what appeared to be an axe or some sharp instrument. The blow severed one of Inspector Quinn's fingers. However, he made a determined attack on his assailant and arrested him before he could do any more harm with his weapon.

By 10.30 pm, 42 people who were in the union premises were brought down singly and in pairs and it was not until about 11 pm that the last of the trouble-makers was brought down with his hands on the back of his head.

Meanwhile, as the police were planning to flush out the leftists in a siege which lasted nearly six hours, other trouble-makers gathered in Mongkok Road, Reclamation Street and Shanghai Street started to stone the police. Bottles were thrown at them and the police kept them at bay with baton shots and tear-gas shells.

It was towards the end of the operation that a small unit of the riot squad made a determined charge and cleared the streets of the stone throwers.

As trouble was going on in this area, fire engines going to small fires in the district were also stoned.

A car was set alight outside Mayfair Theatre in Taikoktsui Road near Anchor Street, Another vehicle was set on fire near Shanghai Street. Both these fires were put out by the Fire Services.

At the same time a European couple in a car was stopped by a crowd in Nathan Road near Mongkok. The couple managed to escape but the European man received injuries to his arms, believed to have been caused by acid.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

BODIES ‘CAN BE CLAIMED ANY TIME’

The bodies of three men who had died recently were available for collection at any time, a Government spokesman said yesterday.

He denied left-wing newspaper reports that Government had refused to hand over the bodies.

He said the bodies were still at the Kowloon Public Mortuary and no one had so far come forward to claim them.

The spokesman said: “In each of the three cases, relatives were personally informed that burial certificates were available and they could take away the bodies immediately after post-mortem examinations had been conducted."

In the case of Lai Chung, who was found in a coke hopper at-the Hongkong and China Gas Co in Tokwawan on June 11, his relatives were informed that they could take away the body on June 12.

In the case of Tsang Ming, who was found in a gas holder of the gas company on June 18, the relatives were informed the following day.

The third man, Tsui Tin-por, arrested on June 9 at the Public Works Department depot in Kowloon, died in his cell in the Wongtaisin Police Station the following day.

His relatives were immediately informed.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Transport Workers At Garden Party

(Photo at right)

Bus, tram and ferry workers who attended a garden party at Government House yesterday were commended by His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, for remaining at their jobs in spite of intimidation and pressure during the recent troubles.

The workers---drivers, conductors and coxswains were praised for their public-spiritedness.

The garden party, which is the last of a series of three receptions at Government House, was given by the Governor to enable him to personally thank local organisations and individuals who had pledged support for Government during the disturbances.

Rural leaders in the New Territories, farm hands, Government mechanics, industrialists and businessmen were among the 200 guests.

- Reaffirmed -

The Governor, accompanied by the Hon M. D. I. Gass, the Colonial Secretary, spent an hour chatting with the guests.

Many of them reaffirmed their support for Government in maintaining law and order.

Nearly 100 of the guests represented various rural organisations.

Government artisans, mechanics and coxswains, farm foremen and telephone engineers were also present.

Other guests included industrialists, businessmen and bankers, building contractors, rice dealers, jewellers, garment manufacturers, journalists and headmasters of schools.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

‘Scale Of Sentences’ For Riot Offenders Criticised

A solicitor yesterday criticised the adoption of a “scale” of sentences for riot and curfew offenders.

Mr D. B. Gunston argued that each case should be considered on its own merits and it was “quite irrelevant” whether or not a scale of sentences generally meted out had emerged from magistracy trials following the recent disturbances.

Addressing Mr Justice N. R. Wylie in the Appeals Court, Mr Gunston urged that justice should be tempered with mercy, instead of making the sentence on his client, convicted of riotous assembly, part of a scale to be confirmed as with a rubber stamp.

The appellant, Chan Wai-wah (23), a seaman, had been jailed for 12 months.

Mr D. R. Boy, Crown Counsel, said that for riotous assembly the general level or scale of sentence for the offence had been 12 to 18 months.

- Another Appeal -

Mr Justice Wylie reserved his decision on this and another appeal. The other involved a six months’ prison sentence for curfew breaking.

In the latter appeal, by Yuen Chi-hoi (26), an advertising employee, Mr Gunston opposed the “three months’ scale” of sentence which Mr Boy said had emerged, in such cases, from reviews of sentence by magistrates.

Mr Gunston said he knew of magistrates who, on review of sentence, had given curfew breakers the option of a fine.

Mr Justice Wylie extended Yuen’s bail, pending his decision on the appeal.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Accused Of Giving An Anti-British Lecture

The works manager of a shoe shop said in South Kowloon Court yesterday that a man went to his shop on Tuesday afternoon and gave an anti-British and anti-Government lecture to his workers.

Mr Wu Cheung-wo, of the Peninsula Shoe Shop, was giving evidence against two cobblers charged with uttering an inflammatory speech and possession of inflammatory posters.

They are Liu Hon-cheung (22), of 167 Portland Street, second floor, and Lung Kwong-fat (38), of 108 Soy Streets, third floor, Mongkok.

Liu admitted having made a speech and possessing sheets of paper but denied they were inflammatory while Lung said that a sheet he had on him was given to him by his union.

The magistrate, Mr J. J. Rhind, entered pleas of not guilty for both men.

Mr Wu said that five persons, one of them Liu, went to his shop at 7A Lock Road, second floor, Tsimshatsui, on Tuesday afternoon.

He said Lin gave an anti-British and anti-Government lecture to his workers.

 Detective Constable Chow Jo-yen said he went to the Peninsula Shoe Shop to investigate after receiving a report. He found 19 posters in Liu’s shirt pocket.

Det-Insp Lee Wan-sau is prosecuting.

Hearing continues this morning.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

WOMEN JAILED ON RIOT CHARGE

Two women and a man were each sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday when they were convicted of riotous assembly outside the Hongkong Hilton on May 22.

Mr Light said that a fine, bond or probation was not appropriate in dealing with the defendants who had shown no contrition for what they had done.

The three are To Tim-li (19), Wong Leun-ying (21) and Lam Ping (21).

Mr Light acquitted another woman, Kwan Po-ying (19), of the charge.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Workers Demanded Posters Be Put Back -- Witness

A representative of about 150 Government dockyard workers told Mr C. E. Hulse, Assistant Director of Marine, on June 1 that they would not work until posters which had been removed from walls were put back, a Marine Officer said yesterday.

The officer, Mr D. A. Sandison, was testifying before Mr T. L. von Pokorny in North Kowloon Court in a case in which 17 workers of the dockyard are charged with unlawful assembly. Eight of them are additionally charged with imprisoning Mr Hulse on June 1.

They have pleaded not guilty.

Mr Sandison said that a “shouting, chanting and jeering” crowd of workers were gathered in front of the main office of the dockyard by 9 am on June 1. Later, they demanded that Mr Hulse allow them to put back the posters.

A representative of the workers told: Mr Hulse and other members of the staff in the office that they were not allowed to leave the dockyard. Mr Hulse tried to go to the main gate but was prevented by workers, Mr Sandison said.

Tsang Shing-fook (38), and Leung Chuen (41) were among the men’s representatives, Mr Sandison said.

Mr Sandison said the defendants Leung Chi-kuen (25), Ho Chung (53), Kwok Ho-ying (29), Ho Chiu (43), Wong Chu (48), Lau Kam-shek (24) and Wong Sou-wa (33) were among the shouting crowd.

He added that Lai Ka-luk (44) was one of the ringleaders and had incited the crowd to chant slogans.

Another ringleader, Wong Pak (38), had addressed the crowd twice, Mr Sandison said.

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, is prosecuting. He is assisted by Mr A Leung, Assistant Crown Counsel, and Det Insp M. F. Quinn.

Hearing will continue on Monday.

***

SCMP, 24 Jun 1967 (Page 10)

Extracts From The Chinese Press
Student infiltration deplored

THE war of words between the Colony’s independent and leftist Chinese newspaper's over the current situation in Hongkong continued at full intensity this week.

The independents accused the left-wing papers of being “mere propaganda sheets” and the leftist papers persisted in their vitriolic attack on “U.S.-Chiang” papers. The leftists, this week too, also launched a sharp attack on English papers on the question of closure of seditious journals.

Several papers drew attention to the current leftist move of making use of schoolchildren and called on education circles to shoulder their common responsibility of “thoroughly crushing agitation of students.”

- Trump Card -

The Kung Sheung Daily News said that the leftists had failed in practically every move and “student agitation” appeared to be their last trump card. “If this trump card is over-trumped again, this would mean their complete finish," the Kung Sheung added.

The Truth Daily, in a feature article, said that the left-wing elements were split into three factions and they differed in opinion as to what they should do.

The first faction, the paper said, advocated withdrawal from the protracted struggle. The second favoured escalation and still had the “illusion about intervention by the People’s Liberation Army.”

The third faction, the Truth went on, advocated staking their future on one single chance and carrying the “struggle” to the end. This faction was led by diehards of the labour movement.

- War Of Tongues -

Truth also said that the so called “anti-persecution struggle committee” was now shifting its tactics by launching a “paper struggle” and a “war of tongues.”

They were now using the kind of language which was similar to the abusive words which Mao Tse-tung had branded as most reactionary “old thoughts” and labelled “as among the “four olds,” the Truth said.

This showed that the struggle committee” was muddle-headed and it appeared that the more the committee “struggled” the more it would wither away, the paper concluded.

The Kung Sheung held the so-called “donations” to the struggle committee in ridicule and said the leftists had made “a muddle of the accounts.”

The left-wing newspapers attacked an editorial in the South China Sunday Post-Herald which raised the question of closing down the left-wing newspapers.

The Wen Wei Pao claimed that “cries of closing down leftist newspapers and prosecuting leftwing newspapermen" had appeared in the S.C.M Post and China Mail and all U.S.-Chiang reactionary papers.”

The paper said as early as May 20, it had said that it was not afraid of closure and deportation. It also claimed that the leftists had made better preparations than a month ago. “We are in battle array now and the unanimity of purpose is like a fenced city,” it added.

The other left-wing papers reprinted the Wen Wei editorial.

Another left-wing newspaper, the Ching Pao, introduced a new word. The Hongkong British authorities, it said, were practising “Churchillism.”

- Churchillism -

Churchill, the paper said, had opposed the return of Hongkong to China. “Thanks to Churchill,” the paper went on, “we are now given the opportunity to struggle against ‘Churchillism’ here."

The Tin Tin Yat Po said the leftist press were no longer newspapers in their true sense but had made themselves a “propaganda weapon.”

As a matter of fact, the Tin Tin went on, leftist papers had made it clear by their collective withdrawal from the Newspaper Society that they had drawn a line between themselves and all other newspapers.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Another warning from Peking

London, June 24.

Peking gave warning today that the Chinese were prepared to reply to violence with violence in denouncing “barbarous suppression and brutality” against Chinese by the British authorities in Hongkong.

It applauded the general strike of 20 trades in the Colony as “a powerful fist of the Chinese working class directed against the Hongkong British imperialists,” and  a ”punitive expedition.”

In a commentary quoted by Radio Peking, the People’s Daily said “outrageous suppression will arouse fierce opposition” in referring to the police raid on the Rubber and Plastics Union in Kowloon yesterday.

It said in their raid on the union the Hongkong Police anti-riot squads “committed murder.”

“As imperialists were unlikely to lay down their butchers’ knives but plot more sanguinary suppression, Chinese people all over the country have been alerted,” it added.

The Chinese Communist Party organ said the “British executioners of Chinese compatriots will not have their way. They have chosen the wrong people to attack.”

It added that Hongkong Chinese would “organise mammoth columns in the anti-British struggle by resorting to all the means at their disposal so as to let the British taste the iron fist of Chinese workers.”---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Chou condemns H.K. ‘crimes’

Peking, June 24.

The Prime Minister, Mr Chou En-lai, today condemned the “crimes” of the Hongkong British authorities and said that the Chinese compatriots in the Colony would continue their struggle “until final victory,” Radio Peking reported.

Speaking at a banquet in the capital given by President Kenneth Kuanda of Zambia, Mr Chou said the Chinese compatriots in Hongkong, including workers and students, were closing their ranks for a “greater struggle.” -- Reuter.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

DEMONSTRATION HELD AT SHATAUKOK

Several policemen, including a corporal, were injured and 12 people arrested when violence erupted in Shataukok Village near the Sino-British border yesterday following a demonstration organised by some members of the Shataukok Rural Committee.

Two car-loads of riot police sent to the scene were stoned when police tried to remove inflammatory posters on Government offices in the area. A police Landrover was set on fire by the mobs.

The injured police officers were not identified as their injuries were not serious, it was learned.

Eye-witnesses reported that the demonstrations, organised by the Shataukok Rural Committee, began shortly after 11 am when a crowd of more than 800 people in a procession shouted slogans.

The slogans were in support of China’s H-bomb blast and a protest against the District Office's decision to cancel a $600 subsidy due to the Shataukok Rural Committee.

The eye-witnesses added that some of the demonstrators were from the Chinese side of the border.

Some of the demonstrators were armed with iron bars and the police had to use tear-gas to disperse the mob after a five-hour struggle.

During the arrest of the demonstrators, a man jumped off the roof of the Rural Committee building and was injured.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was detained for treatment.

The area was reported quiet last night.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

LEFTISTS’  ‘GENERAL STRIKES’ FAILS TO PARALYSE SERVICES

Hongkong weathered yesterday’s bid by leftists to stage a general strike without undue stress.

(2 Photos at right)

If it was their intention to paralyse public transport and the essential services, the pro-Communists’ undoubtedly failed -- despite financial “incentives” and when these were refused, intimidation.

Although in some cases many workers heeded the leftists’ call to stay away from work, all public transport services and the essential services continued operations.

However, in the transport field, operations were restricted. The Kowloon Motor Bus Company was the hardest hit and ran only an emergency service on six routes with about 120 buses. The service slopped at 8 pm.

In another development, Government yesterday promulgated new regulations to deal with intimidation and before the day was out a man had been arrested under them.

The man was overheard as he spoke to a bus conductor at the Chaiwan bus terminus at 3pm. Apparently realising this, the man ran away but was caught by the bus conductor and two members of the public.

Several of the companies concerned countered the strike call by warning employers that they could consider themselves liable to dismissal if they could not give a satisfactory explanation for their absence.

Management spokesmen said it appeared that there had been considerable intimidation---but even this was not enough to stop loyal workers from carrying out their duties.

Kowloon Motor Bus had to begin the day with restricted services on three routes. But by noon 98 buses were in operation, including 13 on New Territories routes. The number eventually rose to 120.

- Roaring trade -

On the Island, the China Motor Bus Company also had about 120 buses in operation at the most. Fewer busmen turned up for the afternoon shift.

With the bus services disrupted, taxis, public hire cars and “pak pais”, did their usual roaring trade. However, taxis were hard to come by as many drivers employed by companies did not show up for work.

The Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry Company's services were affected when fewer than 20 percent of its employees failed to show up for work.

But by the afternoon, the Wanchai-Kowloon City service was not operating. It has been suspended temporarily.

There were a considerable number of absentees on the waterfront.

Perhaps the service hardest hit by the strike was the power industry.

But despite considerable staff shortages, production at the plants of both the China Light and Power Company and the Hongkong Electric Company was not affected.

Be on guard, says Sir David

The Governor, Sir David Trench, last night urged the people of Hongkong to remain on their guard and be ready to stand up to any threats or pressures put on them, either individually or as a community.

He said they must not, above all, allow any fears, public, or private, to get the better of them.

In a television and radio broadcast before leaving for Britain on leave today, Sic, David said, “a minority, particularly a very small minority, however determined, cannot impose its will on the great majority of the people unless the majority let it.

“If we keep on our courage and help others to do the same, we need not be too concerned about the activities of the minority here.”

Referring to yesterday’s Communist attempt to paralyse Hongkong’s transport services and essential services, Sir David said: “We must be careful to disrupt our lives in proportion.”

- Brutal -

“It has been a major effort to organise this stoppage, and workers have only been persuaded to stop work not by gaining their goodwill but by a combination of brutal intimidation and the expenditure of very large sums of money---much of it obtained,” as we all know, by most questionable means.”

Sir David said that residents must accept irritations of this nature “or a time and learn to withstand them “by mutual co-operation and an acceptance of such of the difficulties caused us as we cannot overcome by our own ingenuity.”

Sir David said that he would be consulting again with the British Government in London on Hongkong’s present problems.

Looking back at the events of the last two months, he said he had the feeling that it had all been so unnecessary.

“We here in Hongkong have lived in reasonable harmony and amity with our great neighbour for some 17 or more years now; and as I have said before, we have never at anytime, now or in the past, had any desire to disturb that relationship.

“Nevertheless, to my profound sorrow and regret, it has been disturbed; and the most extravagant language and behaviour has been---and is being---employed against us.

“It is, of course, difficult for us, brought up to value reason and fairness, and to respect the views of others, to understand what makes people speak and act in the way this minority our midst has done,” he said.

“Deliberately to substitute blind invective for reason and violence for moderation, seems such a childish way of using our human energies and talent.”

The Governor expressed his sincere hope that government would return in time to complete normality. Enough damage had been done to Hongkong in recent weeks already.

- Informal -

The Governor and Lady Trench, accompanied by their daughter, Kate, will depart from Kai Tak.

They will arrive at Queen's Pier at 3.55 pm. There will be no formal departure at Queen’s Pier but the Service Commanders, the Bishops, members of Executive and Legislative Councils, Vice-Chancellors of the universities, and other invited guests will be present to say goodbye to the Governor and his family.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Men arrested in siege die

Two of the men who were arrested during Friday night's siege of premises at 1093 Canton Road, Kowloon, died in hospital yesterday.

Police said preliminary inquiries showed that one man was injured when he tried to avoid arrest by jumping down the steep stairs leading from the cockloft.

The other man died after complaining at Mongkok Police Station that he felt unwell. The man, Chau Chung-shing, aged 36, had earlier appeared in the North Kowloon Court and been remanded until tomorrow.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

Allegation refuted

Another educational establishment has added its denial to the many statements refuting the claims of left-wing papers that so-called ‘struggle committees’ have been set up in Hongkong schools.

The Supervisor of Ying Wa College, Mr Hedley Bunton, said -yesterday that there was no truth whatsoever in the allegation that such a committee has been established in the college.

“Ying Wa College is one of the institutions of the Hongkong Council of the Church of Christ in China, which body has already sent a letter of support for Government in its actions during the recent troubles,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for St Stephen's College, described as totally untrue and without foundation, left-wing press reports that a “Yenan” first military unit has been set up at the College.

“There is no such unit or “anti-persecution” committee at the College,” he said.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

Charged with rioting

Twenty-four people, who were arrested in connection with the disturbances in Mongkok on Friday evening, appeared before Mr F. de F. Stratton in North Kowloon Court yesterday.

Three 16-year-old youths were among the 24 who were charged with rioting, unlawful assembly and possession of inflammatory posters at the Hongkong and Kowloon Rubber and Plastics Union premises in Canton Road, on Friday.

They were remanded for two days in police custody for further enquiries. No pleas were taken.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

Emergency law to fight intimidation

Government yesterday announced the introduction with immediate effect of new legal measures designed to prevent intimidation.

The legislation contained in the Emergency (Prevention of Intimidation) Regulations, 1967, which received the assent of the Governor-in-Council under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance and was published in a special issue of the Government Gazette.

A Government spokesman said these regulations strengthened the law so as to enable Government to combat intimidation more effectively. “They take account of the diverse ways in which this insidious menace may manifest itself.”

The regulations introduced much more comprehensive offence of intimidation and a new offence which was intended to discourage assemblies of people one or more of whom behaved In an intimidating manner, he said.

“An important aspect of the latter offence is that a crowd will constitute an intimidating assembly although only some of the participants are behaving in an intimidating manner. In addition, any person who forms part of the assembly will be guilty of an offence whether or not he is participating in the conduct which makes the assembly intimidating. This is intended to deter passive association with assemblies of this kind.

“Any person who directs, organises, arranges, encourages, counsels, causes, procures or commands an assembly of three or more persons which is or becomes an intimidating assembly under these regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall be able on summary conviction in a magistrate’s court to a fine of $5,000 and to imprisonment for two years, and on conviction on indictment in a district court to imprisonment for five years,” the spokesman said.

The Gazette also published the Emergency (Closed Areas) Regulations, which are designed primarily to enable steps to be taken to protect the security of premises used in the provision of essential services, such as the supply of electricity and gas, the telephone service and the waterworks, and thus to ensure the maintenance of such services in the public interest.

“The regulations empower the Governor to declare any building or area to be a closed area,” the spokesman said. “The effect of this is that no-one may enter or be in the building or area without permission or authority. Police officers are afforded power to remove any person who is unlawfully In a closed area and to detain him In the meantime.”

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

Five jailed

Five men, who were convicted of riotous assembly in Garden Road on May 22, were given jail terms ranging from 11 to 14 by N. P. Power in Central Court yesterday.

Ting Wang-yam (30) and Siu Chi (41) were each given 14 months, while Tsang Ho-ming (20), Tam Yue-hwan (21) and Su Kan0lam (21) were given 11 months. They had all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 2)

Praise for D. C. & I. staff

The Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr T. D. Sorby, has complimented his staff on their rejection of insidious attempts by left-wing agitators to divide loyalties in the Department.

In a personal message to the departmental clerical staff, Mr Sorby said: “Having failed in a number of ways to disrupt the economic life of Hongkong, the leftists are now concentrating on several Government Departments which have large numbers of staff and which have a vital part to play in the wellbeing of everybody In Hongkong. The Commerce and Industry Department is one of these departments.

- Frighten -

“The leftists have recently sent letters to clerical officers in the Department attempting to intimidate them and to frighten them into either leaving their posts in Government or in other ways acting against the real wishes of the people. They are attempting to influence Chinese officers against expatriate staff and to divide the loyalty of the Department.

“I am very pleased to note that these attempts have been rejected and that the leftists letters have been handed to the Secretary for destruction. This is the right course of action.

“The Government has already stated many times that it will maintain law and order in Hongkong. This is what the people want. This is what the Government can and will do. Each of you can help by assuring your families and friends that the Government has the interests of all the people at heart.”

***

SCMP, 25 JUN 1967 (Page 2)

‘WORK STOPPAGE WILL NOT AFFECT PUBLICATIONS’

Despite the left-wing newspapers’ claim that workers in the printing department of three Chinese papers had stopped work as from yesterday, the management of the papers said confidently that these stoppages would not affect the publications.

The papers are Wah Sing Pao, Ming Pao and the Hongkong Daily News.

The proprietor of the Wah Sing Pao said that the company had been well-prepared for this type of stoppage. Although the electrical wiring of the printing machinery had been damaged, the newspaper would maintain its six-page edition, he said.

He explained that this was made possible because of the assistance given by another press plant.

The damage would take one to two days to repair, he added.

A spokesman for the Ming Pao Daily News said that the paper would make every effort to maintain their six-page edition.

He added that they were fortunate enough to have the support and assistance given by another printer at present.

The Hongkong Daily News will appear as usual today, despite a walkout of its printing department staff which affected its publication.

The paper will be printed by the Hongkong Times in Gloucester Road, Wanchai. The printing staff numbering about ten, have been dismissed.

- Leftist claims -

Meanwhile, the left-wing press claimed that their call for a Colony-wide strike yesterday had virtually affected Hongkong’s life line.

All left-wing organs carried banner headlines calling on all “anti-persecution” committees to go on strike.

The papers warned that “the black sheep among the Chinese people will be severely punished if they dare sabotage the general strike.”

They also called on all who had not taken part in the strike to prepare themselves to join in the “struggle” at any time.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 3)

Cobbler made inflammatory speech

A cobbler was jailed for four months by Mr J. J. Rhind in South Kowloon Court yesterday after he was found guilty of giving an anti-Government lecture.

The cobbler, Liu Hon-cheung (22), of 167 Portland Street, second floor, Mongkok, and four others went to the Peninsula Shoe Shop at 7A Lock Road, second floor, Tsimshatsui, on Tuesday. There he made a speech to several shoemakers. Police arrived and arrested Liu.

Another cobbler, arrested with Liu at the same time, was found to have two inflammatory posters with him.

Lung Kwong (38), of 108 Soy Street, third floor, Mongkok, claimed that his union had given him the posters. He was bound over in $500 for 12 months.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 3)

Police witnesses not available: hearing adjourned

Hearing of a charge against a hawer(sic) of making an inflammatory speech was postponed yesterday because no police witnesses were available to testify.

Insp. G. A. A. Murphy, prosecuting, told Mr E. in Central Court that “there was trouble in the Colony last night. The police are in a state of readiness to be called out. Police witness are not available.”

The man, Auyeung Yuk-yiu (37), a crab hawker, pleaded not guilty to making an inflammatory speck in Kam Hong Street on Wednesday.

His wife told Mr Light that Auyeung was mentally ill and had tuberculosis. Mr Light remanded Auyeung till July 3 for a psychiatric report.

He also recommended that Auyeung’s wife and their five children be interviewed by the Social Welfare Department for relief.

Mr Light also sentences five men to terms of imprisonment ranging from four to 15 months for riotous assembly outside the Hongkong Hilton on May 22.

The defendants were Lui Siu (34), Lo Kwok-hung (17), Tsang Tin-ping (19), Lui Ming-lin (35) and Chun Pui (18).

A sixth defendant, a 16-year-old boy, was remanded for seven days for a probation officer’s report.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 3)

Report stone throwers to police

The Acting Director of Fire Services, Mr E. L. Hanlon, yesterday appealed to law-abiding citizens to report immediately to the police of they saw anyone throwing stones at firemen and ambulance personnel.

Mr Hanlon said: “The conduct of a few cowardly hooligans sickens and disgusts this service, all members of which stand ready to risk life and limb every minute of every hour in order to save life and property from fire.

“These hooligans have once again resorted to stoning the firemen while carrying out their duties, and my remarks equally apply to ambulance personnel who are being subjected to missile throwing when responding to give aid to the sick and injured. Theirs is a mission of mercy for each and every member of the public.

“I now appeal to you, the law-abiding citizens, that when you see stones or other missiles being thrown at the members of this service while carrying out their duty you report immediately to the police pointing out the culprits,” he added.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 3)

STERN WARNING BY GOVT
Acid throwing dangers

The Government yesterday issued a stern warning to the public on the dangers of acid throwing.

Local Communist troublemakers on Friday night hurled acid indiscriminately in their violent attack on police personnel in various parts of Kowloon.

A police spokesman said innocent members of the public might suffer severe acid burns through unwittingly becoming involved in possible disturbances. They took the risk of falling victim to their own curiosity if they hung around as onlookers at potential trouble spots.

The surest way of averting the danger was to stay away from such areas if trouble should develop.

A police officer who took part in the action to arrest those who assaulted and seriously injured two detectives in Canton Road, Kowloon on Friday, said that the liquid thrown was a corrosive fluid resembling an acid solution.

It was flung in bottles which exploded on impact, splashing the liquid in all directions. It was also squirted through spray devices resembling water pistols.

Several people were splashed with this corrosive fluid but the police were equipped to treat these cases. As a result, no serious injuries through acid burns were sustained.

A spokesman for the Medical and Health Department advised that plenty of water was the best readily available antidote for acid burns.

“Anyone struck with acid, whether diluted or otherwise, could do nothing better than plunge into the nearest available water,” he said. “Don't waste time removing clothing. Speed is essential.”

- Do not care -

Even better than water was a mild solution of sodium bicarbonate, most readily available in the form of baking soda.

He reiterated that the best precaution was to stay away from likely trouble spots.

Another Government spokesman added this final comment:

“The Communist troublemakers have repeatedly shown their complete disregard for the safety of innocent members of the public, and have made it clear that they do not care who gets hurt as long as they can exploit any opportunity to strike at the fabric of our society.”

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 3)

Taxi-driver jailed

A taxi driver was jailed for six months when he pleaded guilty to possessing two inflammatory posters on Friday in the Hongkong and Kowloon Taxi Co, Prince Edward Road, Kowloon.

Chan Kin-shing (43), of 108 Argyle Street, fourth floor, Mongkok, pleaded with the magistrate to give him a chance. He said he had a family to support.

The court was told that Chan had a previous conviction for larceny by servant.

A young woman, who cried after the sentence was imposed, was subsequently led out of the court room, by a detective.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 5)

Unreserved support for Government

The unreserved support of South Lantao villagers for Government's policy of maintaining peace and order was conveyed in a letter handed to Mr J. C. C. Walden, the Deputy District Commissioner, New Territories yesterday.

The letter was handed in by Mr Lo Chun-wing, the Chairman of the South Lantao Rural Committee.

Mr Lo accompanied by the Vice-Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, Mr Lam Shu-chun, yesterday called on Mr E. B. Wiggham, District Officer (South).

- Thanks -

He and Mr Lam later went to the headquarters of the New Territories Administration where they were interviewed by Mr Walden.

During the interview, “Mr Lo handed the letter to Mr Walden.

On behalf of Government, Mr Walden expressed sincere thanks to Mr Lo for the unwavering support which the villagers of South Lantao have given to the policy of preserving order, stability and progress in Hongkong.

***

SCMP, 25 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Jailed for unlawful assembly

In North Kowloon Court yesterday the magistrate, Mr T. L. von Pokorny, reviewed the disturbance at the Public Works Department Depot in Tokwawan, on June 8, before passing judgment on three men charged with unlawful assembly at the depot.

One of the three men was acquitted; the other two were given prison sentences.

Wong Hor (37), was acquitted as Mr Pokorny said that although he had been seen to pick up an iron bar, the prosecution's evidence stopped at this. He added, however, that Hor's actions “were open to the gravest suspicions.”

The magistrate said that the stories of the other two defendants could not be credited and that they did not “ring true.”

- Both guilty -

Mr Pokorny, said that he found the police evidence satisfactory and found both Tang Long (40), and Cheung Wai-ling (48), guilty on a charge of unlawful assembly.

Mr Pokorny sentenced Tang to six months’ imprisonment, adding that the defendant had used no physical violence. Cheung, who was armed with an iron bar, however, was sent to jail for 15 months.

Cheung, who was also inciting others to violence, was told by the magistrate, “You are the sort of person who will make others commit crimes.”

Mr Pokorny also put each man on a $500 bond for two years, and ordered each to pay $300 court costs.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

GOVERNOR GOES ON LEAVE
To Discuss Important Matters In London
FUTURE PLANS FOR H.K.

(Photo on right)

The Governor, Sir David Trench, who left for London yesterday on a three-month “busman’s holiday,” said he would discuss important matters pertaining to the Colony with the Commonwealth Office, besides the recent disturbances.

Speaking at a press conference before boarding a BOAC flight for London, Sir David said that although he was going to the United Kingdom primarily on holiday, he would hold official and ministerial talks with the Commonwealth Office, and would certainly consider cutting short his leave if there were fresh outbreaks of serious trouble in the Colony.

“A bit of a rest would be welcome right now. But I will be having official and ministerial talks with the Commonwealth Office---not only about Hongkong’s recent troubles, but also many other things like the labour problems of Hongkong,” he said.

Sir David disclosed that he had another 18 months of governorship to serve before his five-year term was completed, adding that there were many things he had “set my heart on” which he hoped to accomplish before his term expired.

Outlining the Government future policy, Sir David said: “We will continue with our established policy in housing, health and education.”

He said the Government would be getting on with its housing programme with small changes, like, perhaps, a “swing away from the resettlement housing and towards low cost housing,” with the eventual aim of housing 1.9m people in ten years’ time.

- Medical Services -

Turning to the medical services, Sir David said Government would be going ahead with its hospital-building scheme---“which is quite fantastic when you come to think of it”---providing special treatment to people with special disabilities.

As far as education went, the Government had well-established programmes, such as providing aided primary education by 1970 for all children who wanted it, the Governor said.

Sir David then turned to the Colony's water supply, which he said the Government was constantly trying to improve.

“Plover Cove should be finished by 1968 and that is one good thing we can look forward to,” he said.

Apart from these, there were three things he would like to see more progress made with, he continued.

These were:

---Some improvement in the labour legislation, which would include some system of settling labour disputes.

---The question of local authority. Some progress had been made in that respect despite the recent events, he said.

----Some kind of a start on the study of the possibility of social security here.

These three fields, he said, were all very complex subjects, and it was not easy to ascertain what was the best thing to be done.

 Sir David said he was not sure that this was the only major difficulty in making progress on them.

The major difficulty, he said, might turn out to be the unfamiliarity to the minds of Hongkong people of the concept the proposals dealt with.

- Social Security -

The people might not really understand that social security was not “manna from heaven,” but a form of insurance.

He said he was not sure that the people of Hongkong really understood the limitations and difficulties of local authority which was all “quite new to Hongkong.”

“However, making progress in social plans depends on the economic flourishing of Hong kong. And to gather money and financial strength, there must be peace and stability in the Colony,” Sir David concluded.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Loyalty Pledge By Fishermen

More than 100,000 fishing folk in the Colony have formed a security group among themselves and will give their fullest support to the Hongkong Government to maintain law and order.

This was disclosed yesterday by Mr Ng Lam-wai, Chairman of the Hongkong Fishing Industry and Commercial General Association, who added that all members of the association from the 22 fishing areas in the Colony were willing to sacrifice everything, including their lives and their properties, to thwart the aims of the leftist elements.

He was speaking at a dinner party in celebration of Fishermen Day and the 11th anniversary of the association.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

A WARM SEND-OFF FOR SIR DAVID AND FAMILY

(Photo at right)

A large crowd of people yesterday gathered round Queen’s Pier and the vicinity of the City Hall to give His Excellency the Governor, Sir David Trench, and his family a warm send-off to Britain on three months’ leave.

Shortly before 4 pm Sir David and his family, escorted by three police motor-cyclists, arrived at the pier.

Loud applause broke out as Sir David began to shake hands with the assembled people.

Among those present were Service Chiefs, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and community leaders.

The Police Band was playing from the “walkaway” of the City Hall.

There was much applause as the Governor waved to the crowds before he and Lady Trench and their daughter, Kate, bearded the waiting launch, the Lady Maurine.

- Security -

Earlier, police officers of the Special Branch, led by Senior Superintendent D. G. Lloyd, were posted in various parts of the pier.

They also conducted a search of the under-side of the pier as the Lady Maurine drew alongside.

Two Marine police launches escorted the Lady Maurine to the airport.

Strict security precautions were also taken inside and outside Kai Tak Airport.

Scores of plainclothes detectives and security officers and uniformed policemen were in the main building. The BOAC airliner, which took Sir David and his family to London, was also closely watched.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (page 6)

Anti-Hongkong Demonstration in Canton

Paris, June 25.

Tens of thousands of revolutionary workers, young Red Guards and cadres in Canton held meetings and demonstrations last night in support of the “big joint strike of Chinese compatriots" in’ Hongkong, the New China News Agency reported today.

Holding huge portraits of Chairman Mao and red flags, the demonstrators repeatedly shouted: “Resolutely support the big joint strike of the Hongkong workers,” “Firmly rebuff the provocations by British imperialists” and “Death to the British Hongkong authorities.”

They pledged that Chinese workers and other people in Canton would resolutely back their compatriots in Hongkong and firmly support their strike and their struggle against British persecution through to the end, the agency added.

More than 10,000 revolutionaries in Shanghai yesterday held a rally in support of the Hongkong workers’ “anti-British persecution” struggle, Peking reported tonight---AFP.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Bribe To Set Newspaper Building On Fire Alleged

Police were yesterday investigating a report that left-wingers beat up a young hawker on Saturday when they failed to bribe him to set fire to the Hongkong Times, a right-wing newspaper.

According to the report, the hawker went to the newspaper on Saturday, saying that he had been promised $2,000 to set fire to the premises. He handed over to the management a letter, which instructed him to carry out the mission and promised a reward of $2,000. He said he had found the letter at his home.

Later, the hawker stumbled back to the newspaper office with bruises on his body. He said he had been assaulted by four men in a rear lane nearby.

A report was later made to the police.

Confirming the report, an official spokesman said yesterday that the police were now looking for the assailants.

- Given Letter -

He added that the hawker had also claimed that he attended a meeting sponsored by left-wing organisations in the Nam Wah Theatre in Portland Street on June 18, where he was given a letter with $50, thanking him for his support and attendance.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman confirmed yesterday that nine wanted men were among those arrested in Kowloon on Friday night following the attack on police officers in Canton Road.

The spokesman said that altogether 78 arrests were made that night. Eight people were released later that night without having been charged. Twenty-eight have already been charged with various offences.

The spokesman added that nine of the arrested men were found to be wanted on warrants issued after they failed to answer to their bail on May 16 in South Kowloon Court.

Eleven men and a woman have so far been arrested by the police in connection with the demonstration at Shataukok on Saturday.

This included two men who were arrested yesterday near a roadblock in Shataukok by detectives who recognised them as having taken part in the demonstration.

All of them have been charged with rioting and will appear at the Fanling Magistracy today.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Money Fails To Induce Workers To Play Leftists’ Game

Money failed to persuade Hongkong workers to play the trouble-makers’ game. More and more reports were being received by Police from bus and utility company workers, rejecting bribes and returning to work.

In some cases workers have even taken their cheques to the police. In Kun Tong, two Kowloon Motor Bus employees took to the police cheques for $400 and $300 drawn on Communist banks.

One of these men described how he had been approached last week by fellow-workers. One said; “You must co-operate. If you report for work you will be assaulted.”

The busman received a cheque for $400 after he had filled up a paper.

The second busman took a cheque for $300 to the police station. He told the police that he had been “ordered” to join a “struggle committee.” “You will be dead if you don't join,” he was told.

Later he was ordered to attend a meeting. This time the threat was that his family would suffer if he did not report.

Both men told the police they now wished to return this money and go back to work.

In another case, a 60-year-old worker from the Hongkong Electric Company reported to Bay View Police Station.

He told the duty officer, Police Corporal Sun Hung, that he did a foolish thing for which he was now very sorry. He said that he attended a union meeting the night before and that someone at this meeting placed $300 in his hand and told him not to report to the Hongkong Electric for work the next day. He said that he accepted the money.

After that he began to worry about the fact that he would lose his job if he obeyed the union bosses. His wife was equally concerned and they stayed awake all night discussing the matter. They finally agreed that they should report it to the police in the morning.

Commenting on this situation a police spokesman said: "A problem that faces workers in these circumstances is how to hand back the money. There is no doubt that the troublemakers chose the cheque system because they might use it to check on people who accepted their money.

“The problem is quite simple. Cash the cheque and send the cash back to the union. It may seem a bit odd to give these people back their money, but it will show them what decent people think of their bribes and it will free the conscience of workers who mistakenly accepted them.”

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Sabotaged, Ming Pao Claims

The Ming Pao, an independent but right-leaning vernacular, has come out with an explanation of how its edition was sabotaged by leftists last Friday.

The Ming Pao denied that “an anti-persecution struggle committee existed among its linotype workers because it had no linotype department. It said its printing was entrusted to an outside printing firm.

That was how leftists had access to the plant where they removed a double-column block showing the Governor’s garden party of the previous day and substituted another with an anti-Hongkong announcement, it said.

The paper further denied that Mr Louis Cha Liang-chao, the proprietor, whom the leftists dubbed “a traitor” and “a running dog,” “fled Hongkong with his wealth.”

It said Mr Cha was now attending an international press conference in Geneva and would be back soon.

***

SCMP, 26 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

Mr Gass Speaks On H.K. Problems

(Photo at top)

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, Mr M. D. I. Gass, said he was disappointed with the number of local people who volunteered to start a career in the Civil Service.

Mr Gass, in an informal discussion with Mr Donald Brooks, Director of Broadcasting, Radio Hongkong, recorded last week when he was Colonial Secretary, said there were not enough people who did so and would like to see many more.

“Some people feel that you've only got to become a Civil Servant and in a year or two you ought to be at the top of the tree, but it doesn't work that way,” he said.

“We've got now quite a large number of senior local officers in the Administrative Service and I can only hope that they will go tight to the top.”

Although the situation should improve as the university output increased, there was still so far a disappointing number of applicants that had joined the general Civil Service.

Speaking of the breakdown of the conciliation machinery during the labour disputes, Mr Gass pointed out that. Government had worked on the basis of voluntary conciliation.

“That works until politics enter in too much, and they ceased to be industrial disputes,” he added.

On the educational field, Mr Gass said, there was still a need for technological skill in the Colony. “We must probably switch the emphasis to technological and technical training for the benefit of industry," he said.

Another problem was the 14 to 16-year-old which had to be looked at to see if training could be provided for them, he added.

Mr Gass said Government was thinking of expanding the Public Enquiry Service as a means of getting Government policies down to the man in the street.

The Information Services, Radio Hongkong and the Press could be extremely helpful and powerful in this respect, he said.

The Urban Council, he said, could also be very helpful --- “the Ward system does pick up a number of grouses and complaints which we do our best to sort out” he added.

People would benefit more if they were to go to the Office of the Unofficial and Members of the Executive and Legislative more often, he said.

- Career -

Mr Gass’s colonial career, which has spanned almost 30 years, began when he joined the Colonial administration service in the Gold Coast in 1939 and came here as, Colonial Secretary in 1965.

Hongkong, he said, “was the first time I had been into a territory which was highly urban and highly industrialised.”

His present impressions, he said, were of a highly busy city, with people working at their own speed but very fast, keen to get on with whatever they were doing without any more interference than was necessary.

“It's most impressive the speed with which things are done here. If you watch the port as I do from up here in the evenings, find see the ‘Star” ferry scuttling backwards and forwards full of people --- it is an impression of speed and busyness, that I get most.”

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

GOVERNOR TO REPORT ON SITUATION IN HONGKONG
Leftist Plans A ‘Flop’

London, June 26.

The Governor of Hongkong, Sir David Trench, arrived today from the troubled Colony ready to give the Government a first-hand report on the pro-Peking Chinese campaign there against the British administration.

He is to have an early meeting, probably tomorrow, with the Commonwealth Secretary, Mr Herbert Bowden, and senior officials specialising in Hongkong affairs.

New legislation aimed at improving labour conditions, which leftist agitators seek to exploit in their anti-government campaign, would also be discussed.

The Governor was accompanied by his wife and ten-year-old daughter, Katherine.

When they left Hongkong, Sir David said, the situation was very encouraging.

He added: “Of course, the stoppages which had been planned for about a month or more, were accompanied by intimidation and bribery on a large scale, and were timed to coincide with the news that I was going to go away for a while.

- Pretty Smooth -

“As it turned out, they were pretty much a flop. They have had some effect on certain industries and social services, but they have by no means paralysed the city, as they were intended to do.

“In fact, everything is going pretty smoothly. Enormous sectors of our industry were not affected at all.”

Sir David was asked if, during the disturbances, the Hongkong authorities were at any time near to losing control of the situation, as the Portuguese did in nearby Macao.

He said: "No. People make an awful fuss about these disturbances. In Hongkong because we have so few of them, but may I remind you that on the same day the police shot 30 people in the streets of Manila and nobody said(?) a word. There have been riots in Singapore and all round the area.”

Asked if there were genuine social and industrial grievances in Hongkong, Sir David said the disturbances were entirely political.

- Local Initiative -

It was impossible to say how much of the violence was directed from Peking, but “I think it was largely the local initiative.” he said.

Sir David added: “The majority of the Hongkong population support the British administration. They are very much on our side, 98 per cent are behind us all the way.”

The Governor was asked if he thought the recent rioting was linked with the cultural revolution inside China.

“I’m sure it is,“ he said. “China is in a very curious state and we happen to be in the unfortunate position of being right next door to her. And some of the disturbances that are going on in China are spilling over to us.”---Reuter.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

PEKING NOTE REJECTED
More Allegations Of ‘Atrocities’ In H.K.
SHATAUKOK INCIDENT

Peking, June 26.

China today made “a most serious and most vehement protest” to Britain about the treatment of Chinese in Hongkong, but the protest Note was rejected by the British Charge d’Affaires here, Mr Donald Hopson.

British sources said Mr Hopson refused to accept the Note because of its “grossly undiplomatic language.”

The Note, the first Government - to - Government protest by the Chinese since disturbances began in the British Colony two months ago, accused Britain of frenzied provocations and fascist atrocities against Chinese workers in Hongkong.

The Hongkong situation had now reached a grave stage and the demands of workers there must be met, it said.

British sources said Mr Lo Kuey-po, the Deputy Foreign Minister, read the protest Note to Mr Hopson at the Ministry, saying the British authorities in Hongkong had suppressed the masses on June 23 and 24 and two arrested Chinese had been “cruelly murdered in prison.”

The Minister said seven workers had been “barbarously murdered.”

The Note demanded that the British Government immediately instruct the British authorities in Hongkong to accept “the just demands” of patriotic Chinese there and fulfil the five-point demand made by the Chinese Government on May 15 after the first outbreak of rioting in the Colony.

- Demands -

This called on the Hongkong authorities to stop all “fascist measures,” free those arrested, punish the culprits responsible for “sanguinary atrocities,” apologise to victims and compensate them for losses, and guarantee against the occurrence of future incidents.

In a reference to an incident at the Hongkong Federation of Rubber and Plastic Trade Unions last Friday, the Chinese Minister said “armed aggression” had been carried out against patriotic Chinese.

The next day, tear-gas was thrown on China's side of the border with Hongkong during  demonstration, he added.

In London, a Foreign Office spokesman said the Ministry had not yet received any official report on the Chinese protest Note and therefore reserved comment.---Reuter and UPI.

A Hongkong Government spokesman said last night that he could not comment on the protest Note.

Asked about an incident in Shataukok on June 24, the spokesman said that tear-smoke was used against a mob who were setting fire to a police vehicle outside the police post. It was used again to disperse people liberally armed with iron bars, wooden clubs and bottles.

These people were all well on the Hongkong side of the border when tear-smoke was used.

The spokesman said that the only possibility was that one or two spent cartridges which hit a vehicle might have ricochetted into Chinese territory. Certainly no tear-smoke was fired at anyone in Chinese territory.

- Justification -

He added that there could be no doubt of the justification for the use of tear-smoke, although the police had been most restrained and had not used it earlier despite vicious physical attacks.

This incident had led to a number of arrests on charges of rioting and cases were now before the courts. It could be assumed that the true facts would be amply demonstrated in court, he said.

The “All-Circle Struggle Committee” in Hongkong, in a statement cited by Radio Canton last night, threatened to “use violence against violence” against the Hongkong authorities, AFP reports.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Assistant Director Of Marine Testifies

Mr C. E. Hulse, Assistant Director of Marine, described in North Kowloon Court yesterday how he was imprisoned by workers in the Government Dockyard in Yaumati on June 1.

Mr Hulse was giving evidence at the trial of 17 dockyard workers charged with unlawful assembly at the Marine Department yard on June 1. Eight of the defendants, appearing before Mr T. L. von Pokorny, are also charged with the false imprisonment of Mr Hulse.

When he arrived at the dockyard about 9 am on June 1, Mr Hulse said, there was an assembly of about 250 men in front of the yard’s offices. He had to force his way through a “milling crowd” raising their fists and shouting slogans.

He said he asked the men: “Who is your representative?” but this only led to more shouting and jeering. At the same time, he noticed that the main gate to the yard was being barred. He was then informed that no-one could leave the enclosure until posters, removed the day before, were replaced.

Tsang Shing-fook, (38), who was acting as spokesman for the workers, was told by Mr Hulse that the posters were illegal, but the workers insisted that Mr Hulse communicate with his superiors.

Mr Hulse, after telephoning the Director of Marine, told the men that the posters would have to be taken to the Marine Department headquarters, Hongkong, before they could be displayed.

When the men said this was impossible, Mr Hulse started to walk towards the main gate, and instructed some men to open it. However, the crowd linked arms and “in a militant attitude” pressed in on him. One of the defendants, Leung Chuen, (41), shouted “Beat the Europeans to death,” Mr Hulse said.

He informed the police. The situation was then quiet until about 4pm when, he said, a deputation of workers, led by Tsang, told him, “The men are now off work.”

- Personal Safety -

Mr Hulse added that the men also demanded that he be responsible for their personal safety and he told them: “If you leave now you will not be arrested.” Soon afterwards the workers left en masse.

Mr Hulse said he was concerned for his personal safety, and that, at the height of the disturbance, the clerical staff “were absolutely terrified.”

Mr A. J. Corrigan, Crown Counsel, told Mr Pokorny that he had no evidence against Wong Shek-choi (44), when he closed the case for the prosecution.

Mr Pokorny told Wong he had no case to answer, and discharged, him.

Of the remaining 16 defendants 14 have elected to give unsworn statements in their own defence.

The hearing will continue today.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Defendant Collapses And Dies

Lee On (42), an employee of Shaw Brothers, collapsed during a hearing at North Kowloon Court yesterday afternoon and died shortly after admission to hospital.

Lee was arrested on a charge of possession of inflammatory posters at the Shaw Brothers Studio on Saturday and had been detained at the Wongtaisin Police Station, a Government spokesman said.

He complained of cramps in the stomach about 1.30 am on Sunday. He was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for examination but was discharged into police custody after treatment.

Lee appeared in court yesterday but collapsed about 4 pm. He was immediately sent to hospital but died shortly after 5 pm.

Enquiries would be made into Lee's death, the spokesman said.

Another employee of Shaw Brothers was remanded for three days by Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court on a charge of criminal intimidation.

Wong Yuk-sum (36), was charged with intimidating a fellow worker, Fong Yu-tam, on June 24. He was alleged to have urged Fong to join a general strike.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Eleven Accused Of Riotous Assembly

Extra policemen were posted in the precincts of Fanling Court yesterday when ten of the 11 people arrested last Saturday in Shataukok, were remanded for one week by, Mr H. S. Danfell on charges of riotous assembly.

The 11th person, Ho Chuen-tin (62), who had jumped from a building and was injured, was remanded for one week in hospital.

The other defendants are: Lee Yuen-yuen (65), a labourer living at the Shataukok Rural Committee premises; Wong Mou-hung (50), a farmer; Wong Hoi-fu (50), a farmer; Liu Tung-sang(18), a rattanware worker; Wong Pang-chun (23), a woman unlicensed hawker; Wong Ting-choi (21), a shop assistant; Chau Lee-ping (22), unemployed; Law Kwai (54), a farmer and village representative; and two 15-year-old boys.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

INTIMIDATION ALLEGED

A coolie was charged before Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday under the new Emergency (Prevention of Intimidation) Regulations.

Lau Shuen (44), living at the Chaiwan resettlement estate, is alleged to have told Mr Chan Yat-yin something which was likely to compel or induce Mr Chan to refrain from doing his duty as a bus conductor.

The offence is alleged to have been committed at the Chaiwan bus terminal on Saturday.

Lau was remanded for two days on $500 bail.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Move To Stamp Out Intimidation Of Port Workers

Mr K. Milburn, the Director of Marine, yesterday set up a committee to help stamp out intimidation of port workers.

It will seek greater police presence in the harbour to encourage launch and lighter crews to keep working.

The committee consists of representatives of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co, Ltd, Holt’s Wharf, China Provident Co, Ltd, Wang Kee and Co, Ltd, the Motor Cargo Traders’ Association, the Marine Police, the Marine Department and the shipping industry.

Until further notice, the committee will meet every two days to review the situation.

A spokesman for the China Provident Company said the port would not return to normal unless intimidation was stopped.

He said that yesterday about 130 out of 241 members of the lighter fleet of 38 returned to work.

The crews of the company’s four tugs stopped work, but the entire godown staff and shore labourers reported for duty, he added.

At the Kowloon Wharf Company, 70 per cent of the crews of the lighter fleet of 75 and 80 percent of the crews of eight launches did not go to work.

- Dismissal -

The majority of the other labourers, including mechanical equipment operators, returned, according to Mr H. M. G. Forsgate, the General Manager.

The efforts of the strikers failed to hinder work at the wharf, he said.

Mr Forsgate said letters of dismissal were being sent to a minor group of absentees who were the “hard core” of the troublemakers.

At Kowloon Docks, 65 per cent of the workers turned up yesterday, an increase of 600 men over the number on Saturday, a spokesman for the dockyard said.

He said all those who were required to work on Sunday did so.

A survey yesterday showed that stevedores were not on strike and that about two to three per cent of tally clerks had stopped work.

Several ships in the harbour were affected, but this was largely due to the lack of lighters and towing launches or tugs.

The sailings of some of the affected ships were delayed by a few hours.

Some companies made arrangements to maintain the schedules of their vessels. Among them was the British ship Aeneas which left port for the United Kingdom after loading cargo on Sunday.

Another British ship, the Fortune Wind, will leave for Singapore today without discharging her cargo of over 1,200 tons for Hongkong, according to a spokesman. The cargo would be transferred to another ship later he added.

The Fortune Wind arrived from Hsinkang, China, on Sunday.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

No Disruption Of Life In H.K.

Government said yesterday that the strike attempt by left-wing elements had failed in its short-term aim and had no effect at all on the general commercial and industrial life of Hongkong.

“People are still manufacturing, building, investing and trading as they always do,” a Government spokesman said.

He denied a New China News Agency report that the strikes were affecting the social, political and economic life of the Colony.

- Fictitious -

He said: “Claims like this will not surprise people in Hongkong who have become accustomed in recent weeks to a stream of entirely fictitious reports from this agency. Like all their previous reports, this one bears no relation at all to reality and anyone with a pair of eyes can see.”

The spokesman added as far as the political situation was concerned, the fact that local trouble-makers found it necessary to invent inflated accounts of their own success was significant in itself.

On the economic front, he said their attempts to disrupt various services to the public must have been a bitter disappointment to them.

Having failed long ago to persuade workers to support them of their own free will, they resorted to various forms of intimidation. Firm action by the authorities and private employers scotched those attempts.

- Bribery -

He said more recently, the trouble-makers tried bribery in an attempt to bring about a stoppage in various public services. Once again this elaborate and costly stunt disappointed them.

“Electricity supplies are normal. One ferry service is untouched by their efforts and the other only slightly despite some ugly intimidation attempts,” he said.

“Tram and bus services are being maintained on a reduced scale despite every attempt to bring them a standstill.

“The strike attempt, having failed in its short-term aim, has not therefore had any effect on the general commercial and industrial life of Hongkong which goes on as usual.”

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Petition To Governor

Four men and a woman, representing the leftist Wen Wei Pao and New Evening Post, called at Government House yesterday morning to deliver a verbal petition but were told to send it by post.

The petition, published in the New Evening Post last night, asked Government to stop “sabotaging” the freedom of the Press and persecution of “patriotic reporters.”

It demanded that apologies be made to those reporters who had suffered “bodily insults” and called for a guarantee that such action will not be repeated.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

SHOEMAKER JAILED FOR 18 MONTHS
Unlawful Assembly Near Workers Union

A shoemaker was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in jail by Mr F. de F. Stratton at North Kowloon Court yesterday when he admitted shouting “Beat up the police” twice on June 23 near the Hongkong and Kowloon Rubber and Plastic Workers’ General Trade Union in Canton Road, Mongkok.

Ng Tak (52), was one of 54 people appearing in court in connection with an incident in Canton Road on June 23. He pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful assembly and inciting people to riot.

A 16-year-old boy, charged with possession of an inflammatory poster, also pleaded guilty. He was remanded to this morning.

Forty-one persons, who pleaded not guilty, were remanded in jail custody for four days. Of these, 39 were charged with unlawful assembly.

Among them were Fung Kam-sui (42), Chairman of the Hongkong and Kowloon Rubber and Plastic Workers’ General Trade Union, and three women, Siu Pui-fong (30), Chan Suk-hing (18), and Cheng Fung-yu (58).

Wong Kam-ling was charged with riotous assembly and assaulting a policeman. Another defendant, Ho Fook-loi, was charged with wounding Senior Insp M. Quinn.

- In Hospital -

Six of the defendants were represented by Mr Lawrence Leong. They are Ho Sau-kei (30), Ho Dun (32), Ho Fat-kuen (30), Ho Hing (27), Yim Chong-hong (43), and Ho Chow (26).

Yim is in hospital and was remanded for seven days.

Ho Chow was charged with rioting and two counts of assaulting a policeman and the others were charged with unlawful assembly. They were remanded for seven days in jail custody.

Four other defendants were remanded in hospital for seven days. They are Ho Lap-chun, Koo Yuk-kam, Chu Wing-sun, and Lor Kui.

Mak Charn-sum, Cheung Chi-man, and a 16-year-old boy, who were charged with riotous assembly, were remanded in jail custody pending hearing of the case in South Kowloon Court on July 3.

The court was informed that another defendant, Chau Chung-sing (36), had died in hospital.

In the Juvenile: Court, a 15-year-old girl, who pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly, was remanded to July 7 on $200 bail.

Detective Insp H. Aitkens is prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 27 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

PEKING NOTE REJECTED

Sympathy will be felt for the Governor, Sir David Trench, pursued on the first day of his leave by a Peking Note which, although it has been refused by the British Charge d’Affaires on the grounds of its “grossly undiplomatic language” and not yet officially reported in London, will obviously have to be considered. What such consideration can accomplish is another question. To put things into perspective, about all that can be said is that there has been a change of tune in so far as this last communication was a Note, not a statement. In one sense therefore it may be regarded as a more determined effort than previously on the part of Peking to take matters out of the hands of the local agitators and deal with them at Foreign Office level. This would be all to the good were it not that the terms of the Note still seem to have been dictated largely by those local initiators (of the troubles) to whom the Governor referred yesterday in London. Secondly, the notorious “five demands” have been repeated after an interval the length of which might have suggested that, because of their manifest unreason, they had been allowed to lapse.

To answer the accusations contained in the latest communication, as in its predecessors whether diplomatic or editorial or in local petition form, would not be difficult were it not for the problem of discussing anything with those who are apparently stone deaf. One may repeatedly deny that “frenzied provocations and fascist atrocities” have occurred --- or point out that if they have occurred it is the agitators who have perpetrated them. One may ask for one scintilla of evidence of the “barbarous murder” of seven workers. One may ask how it is possible for the authorities to give a guarantee against the “occurrence of future incidents” when, once again, every untoward incident so far---including the “martyrdoms” --- has been engineered with undisguisedly political-racialist motives by those same agitators. But alas, the reaction to any attempt at logical argument of this kind will be only the blank uncomprehending stare of the unhearing. The whole affair, then, seems to boil down to a most stern test of patience. Yet it is as well to remember that those who weave the tangled web of deceit are usually the first to be caught in it.

***

27 Jun 1967 [FBIS]

BRITISH SUPPRESSION IN HONG KONG CONDEMNED 

Hanoi VNA International Service in English 1451 GMT 27 June 1967--B 

(Text) Hanoi, 27 June--In a commentary today NHAN DAN strongly condemned the British authorities in Hong Kong for their new repressive acts against the Chinese workers and people there and expressed full support for the Chinese Government's correct stand on this issue. 

Recalling the new barbarous acts of repression against the Chinese workers and their organization in Hong Kong on 8, 9, and 23 June, the paper said: These acts have further laid bare the odious colonialist nature of the British authorities who are deliberately ignoring the legitimate demands of the Chinese people there and sticking to their dirty interests by force of arms.

***

27 Jun 1967 [FBIS]

Foreign Ministry Note 

Peking NCNA International Service in English 1001 GMT 26 June 1967--W 

(Text) Peking, 26 June--This morning, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Lo Kuei-po summoned British Charge d'Affaires in China Donald C. Hopson and handed to the office of the British charge d'affaires in China a note from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, lodging the most serious and vehement protest with the British Government against the new bloody persecution of Chinese nationals in Hong Kong on 23 and 24 June.

The note, dated 25 June, reads in full as follows:

Tae Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China asks the office of the British charge d'affaires immediately to transmit the following to the British Government.

On 23 June, the British authorities in Hong Kong set loose large numbers of troops and police, "riot police," and plainclothesmen to raid the Kowloon Federation of Rubber and Plastic Trade Unions, thus committing yet another armed suppression against the patriotic Chinese workers and residents, In this suppression, the troops and police of the British authorities in Hong Kong went so far as to blatantly open fire, killing a Chinese worker Chu Yung-shan on the spot and wounding several others, and unwarrantedly arresting scores of persons, It has now been verified that two of the arrested were cruelly murdered in prison, This is a new crime committed against and a new debt of blood incurred to the Chinese people by the British authorities in Hong Kong following their murder of our patriotic countrymen Hsu Tien-po, Li Sung, and Tseng Ming on 8 June.

Again, on 24 June, the "riot police" of the British authorities in Hong Kong suppressed the demonstrating masses in Sha Tau Kok, Kowloon, injuring and arresting more than a dozen of them, and even threw teargas over to our side, injuring more than 30 persons.

The Chinese Government and people strongly condemn the British authorities in Hong Kong for these frenzied provocations and fascist atrocities and hereby lodge the most serious and vehement protest with the British Government.

In disregard of the repeated warnings from the Chinese Government and people, the British authorities in Hong Kong have again and again resorted to sanguinary. suppression of our patriotic countrymen in Hong Kong since last May. To date, seven or our patriotic countrymen have been barbarously murdered by the troops and police of the British authorities in Hong Kong and more than 1,400 have been unwarrantedly arrested or sentences, among whom many were most savagely tortured by the police of the British authorities in Hong Kong, Even now, the British Government and the British authorities in Hong Kong ave still clamoring for a further expansion of their fascist Suppression of our patriotic countrymen,

Faced with the flagrant provocation and ruthless persecution by the British authorities in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong workers are at the end of their forebearance, ‘They have solemnly declared a big joint strike starting from 24 June to defend national dignity end to hit back at the suppression carried out by the British authorities in Hong Kong. Their action is just and has the firm support of the people of the whole country. The Chinese Government demands that the British Government immediately instruct the British authorities in Hong Kong to accept in good faith ail the just demands of our patriotic workers and patriotic countrymen of all circles in Hong Kong, and immediately fulfill the five solemn and just demands raised by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement of 15 May.

The situation in Hong Kong has developed to a grave stage now. This has wholly been created by the British Government and the British authorities in Hong Kong. If the British authorities in Hong Kong pay no heed to the warnings from the Chinese government and people and continue to persecute our patriotic countrymen in Hong Kong, they will only aggravate their crimes. The Chinese Government must seriously warn the British Government: The debts of blood you owe to the Chinese residents in Hong Kong must be repaid. ‘The greater the debt, the heavier the repayment. And there is absolutely no escape from it.

***

27 Jun 1967 [FBIS]

PEOPLE'S DAILY Commentator 

Peking NCNA Domestic Service in Chinese 2326 GMT 26 June 1967--B 

(Text) Peking, 26 June--At a time when the songs of triumph of the great victory of the great proletarian cultural revolution in our country are ringing out and with the happy tidings of the successful explosion of our country's first hydrogen bomb only 10 days old, from the south sea front of the fatherland again comes another exciting news report on victory. On 26 June a certain heroic air unit of the navy shot down a U.S. F-4C fighter over the southeastern area of Hainan Island when it intruded into our airspace on war provocations. 

This magnificent victory resulted from the efforts made by the air unit of our navy in the course of the great proletarian cultural revolution in the creative study and application of Chairman Mao's works and in grasping the revolution and strengthening combat readiness. It was a victory for the great proletarian cultural revolution and for Mao Tse-tung's thought.

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 1)

Wants Kuk Members Censured

The Heung Yee-Kuk, the body that, forms the bridge between Government and the people of the New Territories, wants Government to censure two members of its Executive Committee for “unconstitutional” behaviour in their attack on the Chairman and the Kuk for supporting Government in the recent disturbances.

Mr Tang Nei-man, who tabled the motion, referred, to the attack by Mr Lee Bing-lei, Chairman of the Saikung Rural Committee, and Mr Chan Wing-fat, Chairman of the Tsun Wan Rural Committee, and remarked that what these two members had said in May was inciting and inflammatory and being so they must be censured.

The motion was passed unanimously.

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Bid To Organise Strike By Textile Workers Fail

Attempts by left-wing elements to call a general strike of textile workers over the weekend failed miserably, said Mr Pang Cheng-hoi, Chairman of the Cotton Industry Workers’ General Union, yesterday.

They could not even muster more than one per cent of cotton industry workers to strike in spite of their “very liberal" bribes, he said.

Mr Pang said that not more than 600 workers out of a total work force of about 60,000 had been absent from their mills during the weekend.

- No Disruption -

There was no disruption of the industry at all, he said.

Mr Pang disclosed that a middle-aged woman, representing the left-wing Hongkong and Kowloon Spinning, Weaving and Dyeing Workers’ Union, had solicited workers to join in a general strike.

He said some of the workers were given $200 or promised payments of $200 next week in addition to offer of rice.

He said the woman, an influential member of the “Workers’ Struggle Committee,” failed in her efforts.”

Two of the workers who had accepted the money approached his union but were advised to report to the police, Mr Pang said.

Meanwhile, a number of bus drivers who had accepted cash and post-dated cheques from leftists were seen driving taxis and “pak pais” during the past few days.

The new “taxi drivers,” who hold licences for both buses and taxis, said that they had accepted $50 in cash and $500 in cheque each to go on strike against the bus companies but was never asked not to drive other vehicles.

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

DOCKYARD INCIDENT
Worker Claims He Was Asleep At Home

A man, charged with unlawful assembly at the Government Dockyard in Yaumati on June 1, said in North Kowloon Court yesterday that he was asleep in his home in Shatin on the day of the alleged offence.

Lam Kam-shek (24), was one of 16 men who appeared before Mr T. L. von Pokorny. All the defendants are charged with unlawful assembly at the yard on June 1 while eight of them, are additionally charged with the false imprisonment of C. E. Hulse, Assistant Director of Marine.

Fourteen of the men gave unsworn statements in their own defence.

- Telephone Call -

Lam testified that he finished work at 7.45 am on June 1 after having worked all night. When he got to his home in Shatin, he had breakfast and then slept all day.

The coxswain of Lam’s launch, Mr Wan Kai, confirmed that Lam had finished work at 7 am but he did not know if he had left the dockyard.

Three other defendants, Chan Moon-tong (27), Kan Kai-cho (29), and Wong Chi-yui (42), who were employed at the nearby Old Dockyard, said that at 10 am on June 1 they received a telephone call telling them that they were required at the main dockyard to see Mr Hulse.

When they arrived the crowd was so thick they could not move. The crowd later dispersed.

Five other defendants said that the launches they worked on were not in use that day, and because of this they had to wait in the yard all day.

Tsang Shing-fook, (38), another defendant, said he went to the yard on June 1 to get a doctor's chit although he was on leaves.

When he arrived, he was asked by the other men to complain about some posters which had been taken down the previous night.

Tsang said that the men were told to wait throughout the day. Eventually, about 4.45 pm, he and a group of workers went to see Mr Hulse to tell him that “we would finish work at five.’’

Another defendant, Cheuk Kai (34), said that he went to work normally in the fitter’s workshop on June 1. As he was unwell he went to the office to get a doctor's chit at 9 am but owing to the crowd, he was unsuccessful.

Mr Pokorny reserved judgement until Friday.

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

Boy Had Letter For Editor

A 16-year-old boy, who pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge of possession of an inflammatory poster, was remanded in jail again for one day in North Kowloon Court yesterday when a letter was found in his notebook.

Questioned about it the boy told Mr F. de F. Stratton, the Magistrate, that it was a rough copy of a letter he intended to send to the editor of Commercial Daily.

Mr Stratton ordered the one-day adjournment so that an investigation could be made on the contents of the letter.

Insp T. K. Wong was prosecuting.

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

Film Star Not Afraid Of Being Black-listed By Leftists

Lily Ho, the Mandarin film star, who will rotate the drums at the draw of the 16th Government Lottery on July 8, said yesterday she was not afraid of being black-listed by local leftists.

She declared she was prepared “to do anything” to help sell more lottery tickets.

In an appeal to the public, Miss Ho said: “For those of us who live and work in Hongkong this is good opportunity to help our fellowmen.”

“In buying a ticket, we not only help the less fortunate members of the community, but we also have the chance of winning a prize.”

Mr Shum Choi-sang, Chairman of the Government Lotteries Management Committee, said that 40 per cent of the proceeds would go to charity.

(Photo)

***

SCMP, 28 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

Inflammatory Posters

An 18-year-old pupil, Chan Kin-hue, was put on probation for three years by Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday for possession of inflammatory posters in Cheung Chau.

Chan was also ordered to sign a $75 bond to ensure his good behaviour for the next three years.

His mother was ordered to sign a bond of $150 to ensure her son’s good behaviour during the three years.

***

28 June 1967 [FBIS]

BRITISH SUPPRESSION IN HONG KONG CONDEMNED

Hanoi VNA International Service in English 1451 GMT 27 June 1967--B

(Text) Hanoi, 27 June--In a commentary today NHAN DAN strongly condemned the British authorities in Hong Kong for their new repressive acts against the Chinese workers and people there and expressed full support for the Chinese Government's correct stand on this issue.

Recalling the new barbarous acts of repression against the Chinese workers and their organization in Hong Kong on &, 9, and 23 June, the paper said: These acts have further laid bare the odious colonialist nature of the British authorities who are deliberately ignoring the legitimate demands of the Chinese people there and sticking to their dirty interests by force of arms.

On the other hand, the British Government has taken no measures to stop the repression, but instead has ordered the authorities in Hong Kong to take more reckless actions and commit heavier crimes against the Chinese people…

The odious and sinister acts of the British authorities only deepen the hatred of the Chinese people in Hong Kong for them and heighten their determination to struggle against them,

Hailing the ever more resolute struggle of the Chinese workers and people in Hong Kong against the British imperialists, particularly the general strike staged 24 June by 50,000 Chinese workers in Hong Kong, the paper said this strike shows the strength of Chinese workers and people in Hong Kong who have the support of their 700 million compatriots throughout the country.

The paper voiced the Vietnamese people's support for the correct stand of the Chinese Government as expounded in the 5 May statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the stern warning served to the British imperialists by Premier Chou En-lai 24 June and concluded: We firmly support the correct stand of the Chinese Government and people and demand that the British Government stop forthwith its persecution of the Chinese workers and people in Hong Kong, We sternly condemn the bloody crimes and the perfidious and obstinate attitude of the British authorities in Hong Kong. The Vietnamese people completely side with the Chinese workers and people in Hong Kong who are valiantly struggling for their legitimate interests.

***

SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

DON’T PLAY POLITICS, WORKERS TOLD

The Hon Li Fook-shu yesterday called on the Colony’s workers to assure their future by work, skill and industry and not through “playing politics.”

He gave warning against the signing of any undertaking or accepting money from the Communists. By doing so, he said, workers would be giving up their freedom to act according to their own wishes and might be carrying out illegal acts, such as putting up inflammatory posters.

The Hon R. M. Hetherington, Commissioner of Labour, deplored “all incidents which led to loss of employment with the consequent disruption of an individual’s livelihood, the cessation of a regular income, the disturbance of family life, the frustration of plans and the thwarting of ambitions for the future.

He urged all to resist bribing and intimidation and assured them of continued Government protection.

“Government is confident that, with the continued support of the vast majority of the peace-loving people of Hongkong, these tactics will be frustrated,” Mr Hetherington said.

***

SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

POLICE LOOKING FOR RURAL LEADER

Police said yesterday they were looking for Mr Wan Kuo-hang, Vice-Chairman of the Shataukok Rural Committee, in connection with the disturbances at Shataukok last Saturday.

According to right-wing Chinese newspapers; Mr Wan, who was also Chairman of the “Shataukok Anti-Persecution Struggle Committee,” and 100 others had fled to the Chinese side of Shataukok town.

***

SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Students Deny Letters

The Student Union of Chung Chi College, the Chinese University of Hongkong, yesterday dissociated itself from the pseudonymous letters in left-wing newspapers bearing the signatures of some students.

The Union said in a statement: “It has never been necessary for us to publish articles in outside newspapers and to hide our identities under the cover of pseudonyms. We strongly believe that such pseudonymous letters, with such distorted facts and criticisms, are attempts by certain groups of people to create false impressions for propaganda purposes.”

***

SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

TALKS IN U.K. ON HONGKONG DISTURBANCES

London, June 28.

Mrs Judith Hart, Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs, said last night she was having talks with Sir David Trench, the Governor of Hongkong, who is now in London to report on the disturbances in the Colony.

When asked how far known supporters of the Nationalist Chinese supported the Hongkong Government in efforts to stop the spread of Communism, she said the Government did not inquire into the political affiliations of those supporting the Government.

She added that Chinese travellers from Hongkong to Taiwan in February, March, April and May of this year were 1,440, 2,770, 2,376 and 1,684 respectively.---Reuter and UPI.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Defendant Not Feeling Well

Hearing of the case in which a gas company worker was charged with making an inflammatory speech and putting up an inflammatory -poster, was adjourned to July 4 when the worker complained that he was not feeling well.

Yip Chi-hung (41), of 1005, ninth floor, Geranium House, Matauwei Estate, made the complaint through Mr N. I. Billingham, his solicitor, shortly after hearing began. He was immediately sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Yip was alleged to have made an inflammatory speech and put up an inflammatory poster on the premises of the Hongkong and China Gas Co Ltd in Tokwawan, on June 8.

Mr David Wilcox, Crown Counsel, assisted by Mr Wong, Assistant Crown Counsel, prosecuted.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Ferry Concourse Incident: Three Charged

A clerk and two office boys of the Nanyang Commercial Bank appeared before Mr A. L. Leathlean at Central Court yesterday on charges arising out of an incident at the Vehicular Ferry Pier concourse on Monday.

Ngan Man-kwong (20), clerk, Li Kai-click(sic) (21), and Chan Kwan (17), were charged with unlawful assembly and obstructing police officers at the concourse.

Ngan, who is in hospital, was additionally charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer. He was remanded for two days.

Li and Chan were remanded for seven days.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

INTIMIDATION
Man jailed Under New Regulation

The first man to be charged and convicted under the new Emergency (Prevention of Intimidation) Regulations was jailed for 12 months by Mr E. Light at Central Court yesterday.

Lau Shun (44), a coolie, was, convicted of saying something last Saturday to Chan Yat-yin, a China Motor Bus conductor, which might have compelled or induced him to stay away from work.

Lau was also found guilty of having behaved in a manner which was likely to make Chan apprehensive of what might happen to him.

- ‘Very Angry’ -

Chan testified that there was a partial strike at the China Motor Bus Company last Saturday. He was not one of the strikers and reported for work at the Chaiwan terminus at 5 am.

About 3:15 pm that day, when he was at the same terminus, he heard someone behind him use foul language. He turned and saw Lau pointing at him.

“His eyes were wide open and he appeared to be very angry,” Chan said.

Lau asked Chan why he was working and who had told him to work. He waved his hands as he approached, Chan added,

Chan said he was frightened. Saturday was the first day of the strike. There were not many buses at the terminus but there were many people. If some one had started shouting, there might have been chaos, he said.

At the close of the prosecution’s case Mr Light ruled that Lau had a case to answer.

Lau indicated he did not wish to say anything.

Before passing sentence, Mr Light said the new regulations were enacted to protect law-abiding citizens from insidious intimidation. He said what Lau had said did not contain any violent threat or violence, but it was uttered in such a manner as to make any reasonable person refrain from doing his work. Lau's behaviour, too, was enough to make any reasonable person apprehensive, Mr Light added.

Mr M. Sandor, Crown Counsel, prosecuted. He was assisted by Det-Insp F. S. Kavanagh.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 8)

Policemen Kicked By Mob

Three men, found guilty of riotous assembly in Garden Road on May 22, were each sentenced to 11 months in jail by Mr N. P. Power at Central Court yesterday.

The three, Chan Kwong-lap (23), Wong Sau-tim (20) and Lau Wan (35), were among a large group of people who were on their way to Government House to make a protest, the court was told.

- Stopped -

They were stopped by the police in Garden Road and told to regroup into parties of 20. They refused, and kicked and spat at the policemen. After repeated warnings, the police charged and the men were arrested.

Two other men, Chan Bor (50) and Tai Man-sang (17), who were found guilty of a similar charge, were remanded for seven days.

A 16-year-old boy was acquitted of a charge of riotous assembly.

A 29-year-old wig worker, Pang Sung-chat, was sentenced to five months’ jail by Mr P.M. Corfe for unlawful assembly.

Sze Ching-sun (20), a bank employee, was bound over in $500 for three years on a similar charge.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 9)

FEWER PEOPLE AT LEFTIST CINEMAS

There had been a sharp drop in attendance at the five left wing cinemas in the Colony in the past seven weeks, a Government spokesman said yesterday.

Average attendance at performances in the cinemas, which had been showing Communist films, had dropped from 66.7 per cent to 17 per cent of all available seats.

The spokesman said the drop in attendance was due possibly to the public’s dislike of the recent practices of local Communist elements and their reluctance to be seen patronising these cinemas.

He said residents who went to the performances had been handed leaflets of an inflammatory nature.

The spokesman said the drop was also significant in view of the fact that admission prices for the cheapest seats had been reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

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SCMP, 29 Jun 1967 (Page 10)

SO MUCH FOR RUMOUR

In an editorial on Hongkong’s riots and strikes the other day the Guardian commented that labour conditions here are not such as “to produce a contented work force.” It might have been more accurate to say such “as might have been expected to produce a contented work force.” In fact, although conditions under some more backward managements are deplorable by Western, or indeed any standards, the labour force here is, by and large, a contented one, if the incidence of genuine strikes in the recent past was any criterion. If further proof were needed, it surely lies in the fact, referred to yesterday by the Hon F. S. Li in Legislative Council, that Communist agitators have found it necessary to offer sums ranging from $300 to $500 to persuade workers to partake even in token stoppages. The worst blot on the escutcheon is probably the working hours for women and some young persons, and it was in this connection that the Commissioner of Labour introduced an enabling Bill which would permit him, among other things, to regulate these hours more strictly. The proposals went into the pipeline long before the present troubles were created.

That these troubles were and are indeed being “created” evidence continues to mount. The bribery referred to above has never been denied. The aim of sabotaging the economy is openly stated. Malicious rumours have multiplied. One of these related to the “flight of capital” from Hongkong. Leftists laid claim to a figure of $1,500m leaving the Colony. “A member of the board of the Stock Exchange,” who should have known better, was quoted by a news agency as calculating that the figure was in the region of $800m for May alone. Whence, if anywhere, these figures were derived is impossible to tell. The Financial Secretary yesterday based his reply to the Hon Dhun Ruttonjee on this subject on the monthly returns from the banks for May (which could not have been available when the allegations were made). Taking various factors into account, Mr Cowperthwaite’s estimate of the total adverse balance of payments for May was $175m to $200m --- at most 1.9 per cent of the total money in Hongkong. For June, despite the Middle East crisis, he doubted an outflow, if there was one, “on any significant scale.” So much for rumour.

***

29 June 1967 [The Daily Telegraph]

Food strike called in Hongkong

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

HONGKONG, Wednesday.

COMMUNISTS in Hongkong have called for a four-day strike - starting tomorrow-by dealers handling food from China. This latest agitation against the Government follows a one-day attempt to disrupt food supplies which had little effect.

Tomorrow also sees the start of stringent water rationing – four hours' supply on alternate days. This was made necessary when China stopped pumping water on Sunday. The Crown Colony has already asked China to sell an additional 2,000 million gallons.

The usual long, dry period in May has resulted in water reserves dwindling to a point where the Colony has less than a month's supply. The new restrictions, halving the ration, are aimed at stretching out the reserves until the reservoirs are replenished.

- Public services -

The new strike instigation also follows strike calls by the Communists aimed at paralysing transport services and public utilities and creating trouble in the textile industry.

Some bus and tram services have been curtailed with consequent inconvenience to the public. but business, commerce and industry have continued to function without serious difficulty.

A food strike, however, could have repercussions in the markets which supply most of Hongkong's nearly four million people. China's producers have a practical monopoly on sales of fresh meat and vegetables because of low prices charged.

Local producers have sufficient supplies of these items to keep markets operating for several days but prices are likely to rise.

Any increase would first be felt by the average worker.

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SCMP, 30 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Dead Men Called ‘Martyrs’

Portraits of three men who died earlier this month after disturbances in Kowloon are being used by leftists in their anti-British campaign.

Portraits of the three men, Tsui Tin-por, Lai Chung and Tsang Ming, are being displayed in many leftist banks and stores.

Wreaths and eulogies are placed beside the portraits, which have replaced pictures of Chairman Mao and books of his quotations.

The leftists are reported to have planned a mass funeral service for the three men, who are described as “martyrs”. in the local Communist press, but no date has been fixed.

The bodies of the men are still lying unclaimed in the Kowloon Public Mortuary.

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SCMP, 30 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Hidden Agitators Attack Policemen

Leftist agitators were now trying to create incidents in which a lone policeman would be provoked into taking action and then find himself being attacked by a group of men rushing out from some hiding place, a senior police officer said yesterday.

The officer, Mr D. R. Harris, said policemen had been meeting increasing violence when arresting law-breakers.

Seven policemen had been injured in five incidents during the past two weeks.

“It is becoming apparent that some of these incidents are being staged deliberately." he said.

“I think the Communists have realised that any direct challenge to law and order in the Colony will be met with firmness and resolve. Therefore, they have changed their tactics and are now assaulting individual policemen.”

He said that hidden groups which came out to attack policemen, taking action against some unlawful activity, were usually armed with weapons such as iron bars, knives, and other sharp instruments.

Mr Harris emphasised that the ugliness behind this new trend in tactics had not lessened the morale of the Police Force.

Policemen were exercising greater caution when faced with such situations. They were ready to defend themselves if required.

However, he added, “we go to great pains to ensure that our policemen use no more force than is absolutely necessary in making arrests."

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SCMP, 30 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

Leftists ‘Twist’ Mao’s Thought
MR TSUI’S VIEWS

Trouble makers in Hongkong had misinterpreted and twisted the meaning of Mr Mao Tse-tung’s thoughts and had invented rumours in the hope of gaining support from the Peking authorities, the Hon. Paul K. C. Tsui, the Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs, said yesterday.

But, he said, the disorderly conduct of a small number of opportunists surely could not convince, by mere words, a country as large as China and with so many wise men.

Speaking at United College, the Chinese University of Hongkong, Mr Tsui said every one in Hongkong had recently expressed their desire to live in a peaceful community of law and order---a community in which they could live and work happily, and help each other.

“Rabble-rousers,” and those who blindly followed them, were being dishonest with themselves.

They had said and had done all they could in vain but they still would not admit defeat, he added.

The actions of this small minority, Mr Tsui continued, were against the interests of the Colony’s 4m people.

Another speaker at United College yesterday was the Hon Mrs Ellen Li Shu-pui, an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, who called for more security for workers.

- Difficult -

She said that a worker who had worked in a factory for more than ten years could still be hired and paid on a day-to-day basis.

The need for Hongkong industries to shift their attention from one product to another made things difficult for workers, she said.

One moment plastic products would be in demand and then the emphasis might switch to wigs, she explained. Therefore, the demand for workers also varied amid this made their jobs insecure.

“Now is the time for us to ponder and think, to consider what measures to take in future reform, and to review the past before going on with development,” she said.

Mrs Li said that the possibility of establishing a welfare Community Chest was being considered.

This would mean that all welfare agencies could work together and exchange ideas, she said.

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SCMP, 30 Jun 1967 (Page 6)

SIX MORE SECURITY GROUPS

Six more districts in the New Territories have formed their own Public Security Advancement Association to combat the activities of leftist trouble-makers and to safeguard the interests of the communities in those areas.

Representatives of five of the new groups: reported to the Hon K. S. Kinghorn, District Commissioner for the New Territories, yesterday morning.

These five groups belong to Tai O, Lantao Island South, Mui Wor and Tung Chun (on Lantao Island) and Saikung.

Tai-O responded particularly well to the security idea, 75 per cent of its 10,000 people electing to co-operate with Government in stabilising food prices, maintaining law and order and dispelling malicious rumours.

The sixth group is in Fanling. It will be inaugurated on Sunday afternoon.

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SCMP, 30 Jun 1967 (Page 7)

Comment by Judge On Disturbances Cases

Magistrates who were dealing with disturbances cases had no obligation to soft-pedal their sentences with later, quieter times in mind, an Appeals Court judge ruled yesterday.

Mr Justice N. R. Wylie was dealing with a solicitor’s submission that a man, who had admitted breach of a curfew order, should be shown leniency by the Appeals Court, because it was considering the man’s pleas during quieter times, whereas he had been sentenced under tense circumstances both inside and outside a magistracy.

The Judge held:

“It is not incumbent on the trial magistrate when passing sentence to ‘project’ his mind into the future and say himself. ‘It may well be that these disturbances will not last, so there is no need for me to pass a sentence that will deter others from doing what the accused has done.’”

Magistrates, he added, “cannot and should not be expected to divorce themselves from the realities of a situation which brings these offences, such as the present one, into being the occurrences of riots.”

- ‘All Quiet’ -

The judge noted that there were further disturbances in Kowloon on the eve of the very day when Mr Gunston had appeared before him and appealed for leniency for Wong on the basis that “all’s now quiet.”

However, the judge reduced the sentence passed on the appellant, Wong Hoi-to (26) from six months’ jail to three months, noting that the magistrates themselves, on reviewing sentences they had passed for curfew breaking, had been reducing them to three months.

Wong was represented by Mr D. B. Gunston.

In another appeal, Mr Justice Wylie refused to reduce the year’s jail sentence passed on Chan Wai-wah (23), a seaman convicted of riotous assembly.

“When riots occur and when in consequence conditions are unsettled, it would be unrealistic not to expect a court to consider and apply deterrent punishment,” Mr Justice Wylie said.

Mr D. R. Boy, Crown Counsel, appeared for the Attorney-General.