§ Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the circumstances in which 73-year-old Mr. Li Chung-kun and 78-year-old Mr. Ma Ching-lung were arrested in Hong Kong; what were the charges preferred against them and the lengths of their sentences; and whether, in view of their age, he will arrange for a remission to permit their release.
§ Mr. WhitlockThe names given do not exactly correspond with any to be found in the Hong Kong records, but the following information is believed to be relevant.
A Mr. Li Chung-Kwan aged 71 was one of twenty-three persons found in residential premises suspected to be an operational centre for terrorism. These premises contained propaganda posters, a large number of choppers, sharpened piping, 2,000 empty bottles and corrosive acid. Most persons found were sentenced to 21-months imprisonment; Mr. Li was sentenced to 12 months for being found in premises containing offensive weapons. He was released in April 1968 after receiving normal remission.
A Mr. Ma Kam-Lung aged 78 was convicted in August 1967 for possession of offensive weapons, possession of inflammatory posters, forming part of an intimidating assembly and obstructing a Police Officer. At the time of the border incidents in 1967 Mr. Ma ran a rice shop in a market town near the frontier at which he displayed many inflammatory posters and broadcast incitement to make trouble. Although other shops stopped similar activities after warnings by the Police, he persisted and turned his shop 75W into a fortress. When raided by police he put up strong resistance using choppers and petrol bombs. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment which he is still serving. Government doctors attending him have recently recommended his release on medical grounds. This advice is now being considered.