:
R. 318.
CONFIDENTIAL
PA, a our
intonal
briefing pile. ANT.08.
3.
BRIEF No. 25
28
BRIEF FOR THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY's VISIT TO THE FAR EAST:
JANUARY, 1968
HONG KONG
There may be interest in the countries to be visited in the
present situation in Hong Kong, particularly in Australia
(for reasons set out in a separate note). The following talking
points are provided in case of need.
Confrontation and China's Attitude to Hong Kong
1. There have recently been indications that the Communists in
Hong Kong have been directed from Peking to engage in a
"political struggle" and to cease violence.
The significant drop
in the number of bomb incidents in the last few weeks suggests
that this may be correct. But as some Communist elements in
Hong Kong disapprove of the cessation of violence and the situation in Kwangtung Province (from which immediate orders reach Hong Kong) is uncertain, it is possible that isolated acts of
violence might continue.
2. The decision to cease violence (if it has been taken) is
probably the result of the relative failure of the bomb campaign
in the face of the effective and patient policy of the Hong Kong
Government. It is also a reflection of the waning of the
Cultural Revolution in China which has brought with it an increase
in the influence of more realistic and pragmatic elements in the
Chinese leadership.
3. The economy of Hong Kong has suffered surprisingly little
from the disturbances. The value of domestic exports for the
first nine months of 1967 reached the highest figure ever
recorded for the corresponding period in any previous year;
the number of tourists has increased; and the port is working
In fact port disruption has been minimal throughout
the disturbances despite communist propaganda reports to the
normally.
contrary.
CONFIDENTIAL
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